The Embassy of India in Muscat, Oman brought down the curtains on its landmark eight-month “Mandvi to Muscat” lecture series this week, concluding an insightful exploration of the Indian diaspora’s deep-rooted connections with Oman spanning centuries. The final lecture by renowned U.S. scholar Prof. Calvin Allen provided a panoramic overview of the rich history, tracing the Indian community’s journey in Oman from ancient trade routes to modern collaborations.
The series has made a valuable contribution to promoting a greater understanding of the Indian community’s role in nurturing the special bilateral relationship between India and Oman, said Indian Ambassador to Oman Shri Amit Narang. Ambassador Narang also announced that all lectures will be compiled into a book, ensuring the invaluable insights are permanently documented.
Over 300 attendees from Omani, Indian and Indian-Omani communities witnessed the culmination at Al Wadi Al Kabir, which featured scholars, historians and prominent individuals sharing profound insights. Highlights included Harshendu Shah’s narrative on the evolution of Indian schools, Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardee Kiran Asher’s focus on Oman’s Hindu temples, and P. Mohammad Ali’s inspiring anecdotes from Oman’s modern renaissance. The event was graced by dignitaries including the heads of Oman and India’s national museums – Dr. Jamal al-Moosawi and Dr. B.R. Mani respectively.
Launched in October 2023 by India’s Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan, the “Mandvi to Muscat” series featured over 15 speakers illuminating the centuries-old cultural exchanges, socio-economic ties and inclusive ethos binding the two nations. As a unique initiative, the ‘Mandvi to Muscat’ lecture series is in line with and inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of a proactive and sustained engagement with the Indian diaspora communities spread worldwide. From anthropologists like Sanjeev Sanyal and James Onley to family historians of prominent Indian-Omani business houses like Khimji Ramdas and Shah Nagardas, the series offered rich accounts of the lasting people-to-people bonds.
