MUSCAT: For a span of 35 years, Ramachandran Nair has consistently been a prominent figure in Oman, not merely as a committed professional but also as a distinguished voice within the media landscape.
His tenure in the Sultanate of Oman commenced in September 1990 upon his arrival in Muscat, brimming with energy from the vibrant streets of Mumbai.
His initial destination was Salalah, where he immediately found solace in the city's tranquil, verdant environment, reminiscent of his roots in Kerala.
Nair's career trajectory across Oman spanned various regions, from Salalah to Buraimi, Bahla, and ultimately to the capital, Muscat. In 2001, he joined GAC Oman, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
Throughout his tenure, he played a crucial role in the establishment of the company's Quality, Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (QHSSE) functions.
His commitment and expertise culminated in his elevation to the position of GAC Oman's QHSSE & Compliance Manager in 2011. In this role, he was instrumental in overseeing the company's safety and compliance initiatives, significantly contributing to its expansion and reputation.
Despite the demands of his professional commitments, Ramachandran's creative endeavors remained a priority.
As a prolific writer, he contributed over 9,000 letters, articles, and opinions to a variety of media outlets, including Times of Oman, Khaleej Times, and several publications across India, the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar.
His insightful and thought-provoking letters were a regular feature in the ‘Letters to the Editor’ sections, addressing a broad spectrum of topics ranging from cultural observations and social issues to personal reflections. Nair emerged as a distinguished voice within the community, celebrated for his keen insights and articulate expression.
His artistic pursuits extended beyond writing. In 2018, he directed a short film on the lives of aging parents, which was broadcast on a satellite channel and subsequently gained a following on YouTube.
In 2019, he embarked on a new venture with a short film titled "My Little Brother," which explored the theme of adoption. His creative prowess was further elevated in 2020 with the release of a musical album, featuring the esteemed playback singer K.S. Chithra. This album garnered him the prestigious Best Lyrics Award from the Kozhikode Film Society.
The following year, in 2022, Nair's contributions to the realm of short films and music were recognized with the Media City Awards, winning accolades for Best Script and Concept.
Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the same year, Ramachandran shifted his focus towards social awareness, producing an animated short film titled "Changing Social Habits and Relationships." This film aimed to illuminate the evolving dynamics of relationships and social behavior amidst the global health crisis, showcasing his adeptness in addressing contemporary issues through artistic expression.
Beyond his creative endeavors, Nair has made significant contributions to the learning and development initiatives of GAC Oman. As a certified facilitator for the GAC Corporate Academy, he has played a pivotal role in the training and mentoring of employees, disseminating his extensive knowledge through a variety of courses and webinars on leadership, health, safety, and security, as well as time management. His dedication to learning and development has been recognized globally, earning him the title of ‘Best GLO’ on five occasions.
As he prepares to depart from Oman at the end of September 2024, Nair reflects on his tenure in the country with a profound sense of fulfillment.
Having dedicated nearly 24 years to GAC Oman and contributed extensively to the media landscape, his legacy is characterized by creativity, leadership, and a deep connection with the people and places he has encountered. Although his departure is marked by a sense of loss, Nair leaves behind a rich legacy of work that is poised to inspire and resonate within the communities he has touched.
