Thursday 16 / January / 2025
MUSCAT: The upcoming Indian Schools board elections, scheduled for 18th January 2025, feature eight candidates competing for five parent representative positions on the Board of Directors.
The board, consisting of 15 members, plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape for over 45,000 students across 21 Indian Schools in Oman.
The Election Commission is entrusted with the vital task of ensuring a transparent and fair election process, set to commence the new term on 1 April 2025.
The candidates standing for forthcomong election include Shameer P.T.K, Damodar R. Katti, Krishnendhu S., Nidheesh Kumar PP, Prabakaran Krishnamoorthy, Dr. Saji Uthuppan, Syed Ahmad Salman, and Vijaya Saravanan Sankaran.
Each candidate brings unique perspectives and experiences.
Among the contestants is Damodar R. Katti who is currently working as the Managing Director of Waleed & Partners LLC and a former member of the school management committee at India School Muscat. "In today's rapidly changing educational environment, we must prioritise regular and robust interactions between principals, teachers, and management committees," Katti said.
Katti's vision encompasses a holistic approach to education, emphasising the importance of preparing students for the future. "My primary target is to facilitate better learning experiences for our children, ensuring they are future-ready," he added.
"This involves maximising their participation, building their confidence, and enhancing their competencies through reflection and self-assessment."
Katti believes that empowering students is essential for their personal and academic growth.
In his role as an entrepreneur with over 125 employees, Katti is committed to giving back to the community. "I want to invest a part of my success into the student community, the torchbearers of tomorrow," he remarked.
"With my management and financial skills, along with my experience in technology adaptation, I aim to bring about significant improvements in our schools," said Katti.
He also said, “We need to streamline our processes to ensure that resources are utilised effectively," he said.
This includes enhancing administrative functions and integrating technology-driven solutions that can significantly improve the overall educational experience.
Moreover, Katti is passionate about fostering innovation in education.
"The integration of cutting-edge teaching methodologies and digital tools is essential for preparing our students for a dynamic future," he asserted.
He believes that embracing technological advancements will not only enrich students' learning experiences but also equip them with the skills necessary to thrive in a constantly evolving world.
Katti recognises that strong community partnerships are vital for advancing school management.
"Building relationships with parents, local organisations, and industry leaders is crucial," he said.
"These collaborations can bring additional resources, mentorship opportunities, and real-world exposure for our students."
In addition to his focus on academics, Katti is a staunch advocate for sports and extracurricular activities. "Extracurricular involvement plays a critical role in overall student development," he said.
Katti aims to champion initiatives that strengthen sports programmes and promote cultural activities, recognising their importance in shaping well-rounded individuals.
Katti is dedicated to creating a positive school culture that fosters inclusivity and mutual respect. "We must cultivate an environment where students, teachers, and administrators feel valued and empowered," he said.
By promoting open communication and feedback, he envisions a vibrant school atmosphere where everyone thrives.
