Thursday, March 28, 2024 | Ramadan 17, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Adieu to Oman

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Dr. Rajan Philips -


rajanph@gmail.com  -


Saying good bye to a land that we have been a part for so long is not easy. But the knowledge that we will be carrying along with us a rich treasure trove of fond memories to lighten up the relatively quiet days ahead is surely comforting -


Home away from home’ or ‘a second home’ are no hollow clichés when I talk about my life in Oman as a privileged expatriate. It stretched over 30 splendid years. As I prepare to return to my home land, the least I can do is to express my unreserved sense of gratitude and appreciation for the quality life, marked by peace, security and comfort that my family and I enjoyed in this beautiful land.


Yes, I spent a major and most productive slice of my professional and personal life here. Every aspect of our life has been enriched in innumerable ways. Let me endeavor to gloss over a few salient features.


Citizens and residents alike enjoy the right blend of freedom and regulations that ensures a secure and peaceful life. This is obviously the natural outcome of the far sighted vision and sagacity of the beloved ruler - His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said. Leaders from across the globe acknowledge this and consider Oman an amazing ‘Oasis of Peace’ in this age of regional and international conflicts and turmoil.


I can say with conviction I could achieve true professional growth, wherever I worked, thanks to the fair and supportive workplace environment that ensured equal opportunities and fair play and commitment and initiative were encouraged and rewarded. I had the wonderful opportunity to work at the tertiary level of education in Oman - in the Colleges of Technology, as well as private colleges and contribute my mite to the all-round development of young and ambitious Omani students.


Over the years, I have seen for myself the ever expanding and improving academic infrastructure that synchronizes with His Majesty’s vision for youth empowerment. Equally laudable has been the phenomenal strides made by the Sultanate in every other sphere of life.


My three kids had the best of education in the oldest Indian School here in Muscat, which is again a living testimony to His Majesty’s gesture of goodwill and care for the educational needs of expat communities.


The well-established Indian Social Club and its various linguistic wings, function with the approval and patronage of his Majesty’s Government. It has provided a rich opportunity for the community to savour the rich and diverse Indian culture right here. High profile events featuring celebrities are well supported and patronized by the local corporate houses. Other expatriate communities too would have a similar tale to share. Muscat has thus gained the accolade of being one of the most hospitable multicultural capitals in the region.


In addition to my academic pursuit as an ELT professional, I could be part of the dynamic Toastmasters’ fraternity and above all, a regular freelance columnist for Oman Daily Observer, an experience that truly transformed my life.


Saying good bye to a land that we have been a part for so long is not easy. But the knowledge that we will be carrying along with us a rich treasure trove of fond memories to lighten up the relatively quiet days ahead is surely comforting. And so, dear readers, my family and I bid you ‘adieu’ and convey our best wishes and prayers for a great tomorrow for all the wonderful people of this great land and its magnanimous and magnificent ruler.


Quotes:


The success of the human experience is the result of constant endeavour, commitment, will and a sense of responsibility. – His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said


History never really says goodbye. It says, ‘See you later.’ - Eduardo Galeano


Don’t cry because you are leaving. Smile because you were here. – Anon.


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