Saudi Gazette

DAMMAM — Indian Ambassador Ahmad Javed called upon students to imbibe integrity and honesty in their personality to achieve bigger goals in life. He was delivering the keynote address at the 35th Foundation Day celebrations of International Indian School in Dammam.

The ambassador exhorted all present to uphold the value of integrity in the conduct of their lives. “Being honest and responsible are essential qualities to succeed in life,” he said, adding: “There is no alternative to hard work to achieve what one aspires for in life. Hard work coupled with honesty and unflinching integrity is direct route to success.”

The ambassador congratulated Indian School management led by school Chairman Dr. Syed Zainul Abidin in raising the standard of IISD and making it one of the finest school outside India. He congratulated the teaching staff for creating a bright future for the country. He also congratulated all the recipients of service awards. “It is recognition of your untiring efforts, commitment and a very positive contribution in building a new India.”

Dr. Syed Zainul Abidin, in his welcome speech, congratulated all the parents and students for their achievements. He had all praise for the academic staff of the school who year after year were putting IISD on top of the ladder while inculcating finer values in the students.

He congratulated all the recipients of service award and said the award reflected their commitment to quality education. The chairman thanked the Indian Embassy and the ambassador in particular for their total support to school.

The Principal & Head of the Institution Dr. E.K. Mohammed Shaffe presented the school annual report, which reflected the great stride the school has made in the past few years. The principal expressed his gratitude to his academic and non academic colleagues whose untiring efforts turned a tiny institution into one of the largest school in the world with exemplary results year after year.

The function was also attended by Hussein Maghboul, assistant director of Foreign And Private Education, Dr Khalid Abdul-Aziz Al Radhi, supervisor of Foreign & Private Schools, from the Ministry of Education, Dr, Hifzur Rahman, first secretary & observer of Indian Schools under the aegis of the Embassy in the Kingdom, Dr. Emad Ahmed Al Khalaf, director, Department of Anesthesia, Maternity and Children’s Hospital, Dammam, John Thomas, member of the Higher Board of Indian Schools in the Kingdom, members of the managing committee of IIS Dammam, ex-chairmen and ex-members of the managing committee, principals and other officials from neighboring and sister schools, and an invited gathering of parents, community representatives, faculty and students.

The main attraction of the day was the colorful cultural show presented by students reflecting Indian ethos and tradition being nurtured in an Arab environment. Some of the shows were a unique reflection of country’s pluralism and its rich culture.

Later the ambassador presented service awards to the academic and non academic staff of the school.

Nazeer Maniyamkulam, chief librarian, was on top staff to be honored. He has put 31 years and undoubtedly he could be well consider as a pioneer who with founding stalwarts like Dr. Rasheeduzafar, Abdulappa and Shahnawaz Ali Khan worked hard to carry the school from the tiny premises to a massive two buildings. He was given a standing ovation.

Among senior staff who have participated in school’s growth for the past 25 years included Najma Nakhath, deputy controller of examinations, Ms Tamkeen Majida, headmistress – girls secondary section, Ms Aelia Fathima, Ms Mary Sabu George and A. K. Soopy — members of the teaching staff (25 years),

Dr. Mohammad Irfan Waheed, headmaster – boys senior secondary section, Laurance Varghese, headmaster – boys middle section, faculty members Mohammad Israr Khan, Mohammed Fawwad Shareef, Ms Yasmeen Banu, Ms Sunitha Khalid, Ms Kaneez Akhtar, Ms Celena Paulose, Ms Masoom Maqsood, Ms Sheeba Sultana, Ms Susan Sujan, Ms Rabia Nikhat, Akbar Khan, Dr. Siraj Ahmed, and admin support staff Sayeed Akhtar and Mohammed Nisar Siddiqui received award for 20 years’ service to the school.

Sharifa Shaikh, Cizy George, Saleha Tabassum, Geethaprabha, Shona Shaji, Anjum Ara, Anjum Naazia, Philomena D’Costa, Smitha Nizar, Parveen Tarannam, Irshad, Nelufar Sultana, Ayesha Sameena, Sufia Tahseen, Shobha Saji John, Farah Iffat, Afza Tabassum, Ajaykumar Sharma, Mohammad Hamid Ali Khan, and Dr. Mohammad Alim Khan received award for 10 years.

Syed Haadi Husain (Boys) and Varsha Vijayakumar Nair (Girls) were chosen for principal’s award for best outgoing students and students who have obtained sports scholarships included Shaheel Shamsuddeen, Mohammed Hamza Koya, Adithya Unnikrishnan and Fathima Tabassim .

Mehnaz Farid, vice principal, academics, proposed vote of thanks while Shariq Ibrahim and Pranav Rastogi, under the guidance of Ms Nasim Maliki anchored the event.