Monday 23 / September / 2024
MUSCAT: For 35 years, Ramachandran Nair has been a constant presence in Oman, not only as a dedicated professional but as a prolific voice in the world of media.
His journey in the Sultanate of Oman began in September 1990 when he arrived in Muscat, fresh from the bustling streets of Mumbai.
His first stop was Salalah, where he immediately felt at home in the city’s serene, green surroundings, reminiscent of his native Kerala.
Nair’s career in Oman took him across the country—from Salalah to Buraimi, Bahla, and eventually to the capital, Muscat. In 2001, he joined GAC Oman, and it was here that he left a profound impact.
Over the years, he played an instrumental role in establishing the company’s Quality, Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (QHSSE) functions.
His dedication and expertise culminated in his appointment as GAC Oman’s QHSSE & Compliance Manager in 2011, where he oversaw the company’s safety and compliance initiatives, contributing significantly to its growth and reputation.
Despite the demands of his professional life, Ramachandran’s creative passions never took a backseat.
A prolific writer, he contributed over 9,000 letters, articles, and opinions to various media outlets, including Times of Oman, Khaleej Times, and several publications in India, UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar.
His insightful, thought-provoking letters were a fixture in the ‘Letters to the Editor’ sections, where he tackled a wide array of topics - cultural observations, social issues, and personal reflections. Nair became a recognisable voice in the community, known for his sharp observations and eloquent expression.
His artistic pursuits didn’t stop with writing. In 2018, he made a short film about the life of aging parents, which aired on a satellite channel and later found a home on YouTube.
He followed this with another short film in 2019, My Little Brother, which addressed the theme of adoption.His creativity reached new heights when he released a musical album in 2020, featuring the renowned playback singer K.S. Chithra. This album earned him the best lyrics award from the Kozhikode Film Society.
In 2022, Nair’s short films and musical album were further acknowledged, winning Media City Awards for best script and concept.
In the same year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Ramachandran turned his attention to social awareness, producing an animated short film titled Changing Social Habits and Relationships.
This film aimed to shed light on the shifting dynamics in relationships and social behavior during the global health crisis, once again demonstrating his ability to engage with current events through a creative lens.
In addition to his creative work, Nair also made significant contributions to GAC Oman’s learning and development initiatives.
As a certified facilitator for the GAC Corporate Academy, he played a key role in training and mentoring employees, passing on his wealth of knowledge through various courses and webinars on topics like leadership, HSSE, and time management. His passion for learning and development earned him the title of ‘Best GLO’ globally on five occasions.
Now, as he prepares to leave Oman at the end of September 2024, Nair reflects on his time in this beautiful country with a sense of fulfillment.
Having spent nearly 24 years with GAC Oman and written extensively across media platforms, his legacy is one of creativity, leadership, and deep connection with the people and places he encountered. Though his departure is bittersweet, Nair leaves behind a rich tapestry of work that will continue to inspire and resonate within the communities he touched.
