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  Incredible Journey of Infinite Potential – ISTF 2021

  Incredible Journey of Infinite Potential – ISTF 2021

The third edition of the Indian School Talent Fest (ISTF 2021), the mega cultural extravaganza organised by Indian School Darsait under the aegis of the Board of Directors for all the Indian Schools in Oman. The event was conducted virtually and aired on all major social media platforms on the 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd of January 2022, raising the benchmark for excellence.

The mega event was instrumental in bringing together participants from Kindergarten to Grade XII from 21 Indian Schools including the Care and Special Education. The event aimed at providing an opportunity for students to discover and acknowledge their potential.

Selected entries received from various schools under different categories were sorted, evaluated and shortlisted by the panel of esteemed judges. Consequently, as many as 222 A+ events were streamed on Facebook and YouTube for four days that have amassed a wide range of viewership from people across Oman and around the world. There was a considerable congruence among all the Indian schools, which was evident from the substantial participation and support shown from all quarters. Participation certificates will be presented to all the participants and the shortlisted graded entries will be bestowed with merit certificates.

The premium event was inaugurated by His Excellency Shri Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, with the honourable presence of Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Mr. Salim Sakhi, the Special guest of the event and Mr. Sebastian Chungath, President, School Management Committee.“ISTF conducted annually by the Board provides an unparalleled forum for the students to test their artistic prowess. The opportunity that ISTF offers them to exhibit their skills and talents in the field of culture, literary and other activities on a common platform certainly helps to facilitate their overall development. I congratulate Indian School Darsait and the Team ISTF 2021 for leaving no stone unturned for creating this wonderful platform a great learning experience for all the students across the Indian Schools in Oman,” said Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman, in his introductory message.Mrs. Shamah Shamsuddin, Chairperson, ISTF 2021 remarked that it raised the morale of every Child. Principal Mr. Amar Srivastava shared a brief process of how the backend of ISTF 2021 had functioned to bring out what the audience were to witness in the event. The inaugural programme was made more vibrant with a Classical Fusion Dance - performance ‘SWAGAT’ that portrayed the rich cultural legacy of India with an array of classical dance forms which left the audience spellbound.

A multitude of talents was showcased which concluded with a colourful valedictory function held on a virtual platform on the 22nd of January, 2022. The presence of esteemed dignitaries Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat, Academic Chair; Mr.Khamis Alrawahi, Omani Actor as Special Guest of the day, and Mr. Ajit Vasudevan, Convenor and Head of Academic & ICT Subcommittee, SMC.

Mr. Sirajudeen Nhelat, Academic Chair, Board of Directors welcomed the Chief Guest and other luminaries. Dr. Sivakumar Manickam, Chairman, Board of Directors, Indian Schools in Oman recalled that ISTF 2021 was a process of music, literature and visual arts which were an integral part of imparting holistic education. He also said that despite the global pandemic, the success of this process was inevitable.

The musical skit Jashn- e-Azadi that unfolded the theme India@75, detailing the saga of India and showcasing the incredible journey from ancient to modern India through dance form captivated the hearts of the audience.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Khamis Alrawahi, Omani Actor and Special Guest of the day called upon children to follow their innate talents, rather than following the usual path of building the career of a doctor or an engineer. He also urged the parents to help their children take up their own career suitable to their aptitude.

A brief report of the event with glimpses and highlights of the splendid items was presented by Mr. Lal A Pillai, Coordinator of ISTF 2021. Mr. Alexander Gee Varghese, Vice Principal, Senior Section, ISD proposed the vote of thanks.