MUSCAT: A new leadership team has been elected for Indian Schools in Oman following the elections held on Saturday, where parents cast their votes for five new members to join the Board of Directors (BoD).
The elections witnessed a significant turnout, with hundreds of parents arriving at the polling stations at Indian Schools Muscat to vote until 5 pm, influencing the future of over 46,000 students enrolled in 21 Indian schools nationwide.
The five newly elected members are Shameer P.T.K (597 votes), Damodar R Katti (550 votes), Syed Ahmad Salman (496 votes), Krishnendhu S (440 votes), and Nidheesh Kumar PP (430 votes).
With eight candidates vying for the five positions on the BoD, the election was notably competitive.
Among the newly elected members, Damodar R Katti expressed his excitement about the opportunity to serve on the Board.
"It is a privilege to be given this responsibility," Katti stated.
"I am dedicated to collaborating with my fellow board members to ensure the ongoing development and success of our schools, while always prioritizing the needs and welfare of our students."
In a previous interview with Times of Oman, Katti emphasized his commitment to tackling the challenges faced by the schools. He remarked, "There are numerous areas that require our attention, including improving infrastructure and expanding extracurricular activities for our students."
He further noted, "Our aim is not solely academic excellence but also to foster an environment where students can excel in all facets of life."
The newly elected members of the Board are now responsible for guiding the strategic direction and policies that will affect the extensive Indian school community in Oman.
Their election marks a pivotal advancement in enhancing governance within these institutions, thereby ensuring that the thousands of students who depend on them receive a high-quality education.
In addition to the five elected members, the other candidates in the elections included Prabakaran Krishnamoorthy, Dr. Saji Uthuppan, and Vijaya Saravanan Sankaran.
The new Board is scheduled to begin its term on April 1, 2025.
Empowered by the Bye-Laws sanctioned by the Ministry of Education of Oman, the Board is responsible for establishing Indian Schools that provide education to the Indian community residing in Oman.
The primary goal of the Board of Directors is to guarantee that every Indian expatriate child in the Sultanate of Oman has access to quality primary and secondary education that meets the national standards of India.
These schools operate as non-political, secular, non-profit, and self-sustaining institutions, dedicated solely to addressing the educational needs of the Indian diaspora.
