Latest news with #IndianSocialClub


Observer
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Observer
ISC Oman hosts badminton tournament
MUSCAT: The Indian Social Club (ISC) Oman recently organised a badminton tournament for its members at the club's courts in Darsait. The event saw overwhelming participation from badminton enthusiasts, especially regular players, which raised the level of competition and showcased impressive skill. For the first time, participants were divided into two categories: Category A (Advanced) and Category B (Basic), with doubles teams formed by a draw of lots. Both categories featured league rounds, quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals over four days of spirited competition. The tournament was marked by its smooth execution and electrifying matches, thanks to the exceptional efforts of Kutty, Badminton Coordinator, and Manoj Ranade, Sports Secretary of ISC Oman. In the Category B final, the young duo Vedic and Paul defeated the experienced pair of Sunil and Gopakumar after three hard-fought sets, demonstrating remarkable grit and agility. The Category A final showcased an intense battle between Jyothilal and Sundar and Dijesh and Moncy. Despite powerful play from Dijesh and Moncy, the deft placement and skillful handling by Jyothilal and Sundar secured them the victory after three thrilling sets. The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Suhail Khan, Vice-Chairman of ISC; Shakeel K M, General Secretary; Manoj Ranade, Sports Secretary; and Percy Pareira, who sponsored special prizes for the finalists. Their presence highlighted the importance of sports in promoting fitness, teamwork, and camaraderie. The Indian Social Club has also recently organised a Tennis League Tournament and rank gradings for its Karate Coaching Camp, reinforcing its commitment to encouraging sports and fitness among the Indian community in Oman. The club remains dedicated to fostering an active, healthy lifestyle and looks forward to hosting more such successful events in the future.


Times of Oman
13-06-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Salalah mourns former long-time resident Ranjitha Gopakumar, victim of Ahmedabad plane crash
MUSCAT: A deep sense of sorrow has gripped Salalah's Indian community as residents mourn the loss of Ranjitha Gopakumar, a former long-time resident of the city who was among the 241 victims killed in Thursday's tragic crash of a London-bound Air India Dreamliner shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. Ranjitha, a 38-year-old nurse from Kerala, had lived and worked in Salalah for nearly a decade before moving to the UK in search of better prospects. She had returned to India recently to complete formalities for renewing her job at a government hospital in Pathanamthitta, her hometown in Kerala. Dr Sandeep Ojha, General Secretary of the Indian Social Club (ISC) in Salalah, expressed the community's shock and grief. Speaking to Times of Oman, he said: "Ranjitha Gopakumar worked in Sultan Qaboos Hospital for around nine years and left Salalah about two years ago. At that time, her mother and two children were staying here with her. The children studied in Indian School Salalah. It is very tragic. Our heartfelt condolences to her family and to all families who lost their near and dear ones in the terrible tragedy in Ahmedabad on Thursday.' He added, 'There were quite a few families who remembered her as a soft-spoken and helpful lady. We are all devastated by the accident and mourn the loss of a long-time resident.' After relocating to the UK, Ranjitha had continued her career in nursing. According to media reports, she was in the process of collecting her release certificate from her hospital in the UK and had plans to settle back in Pathanamthitta with her two young children, who are currently with her mother. On the day of the crash, she was on a connecting journey from Chennai to Ahmedabad, intending to fly onward to London. Her dream of reuniting with her children in a new home she was building now lies shattered. The tragedy has not only left her family and friends in Kerala in mourning, but also touched many in Salalah who remember her warmth and dedication as a healthcare worker and community member. The crash has claimed the lives of 241 people, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, seven Portuguese nationals, and one Canadian national. Tributes have poured in from across the world, including from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who posted on X: 'We are all devastated by the air tragedy in Ahmedabad. The loss of so many lives in such a sudden and heartbreaking manner is beyond words... Om Shanti.' Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who hails from Kerala, also shared his condolences on X (formerly known as Twitter), paying tribute to Ranjitha as one of the victims from Kozhencherry.


Times of Oman
17-05-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Indian couple killed in Bausher building collapse
Muscat: A pall of grief has descended over the Indian community in Oman following the tragic death of a couple in a building collapse in Bausher on Saturday morning. The couple, who had lived in Oman for more than 30 years, died after a suspected gas explosion led to the partial collapse of a residential-commercial building. The victims have been identified as 59-year-old Pankajakshan and his wife, 53-year-old Shajitha, both hailing from Kannur in the southern Indian state of Kerala. They lived in an apartment above a ground-floor restaurant where the explosion is believed to have originated. According to preliminary findings by the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA), the blast was likely triggered by a cooking gas leak in the restaurant. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the couple could not be saved. The CDAA confirmed the deaths of two people of Asian nationality and said an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident. Santhosh Kumar, Community Welfare Secretary of the Indian Social Club in Oman, said, 'We are working closely with the concerned authorities to complete the formalities and repatriate their bodies home.' He added that the couple's daughter, who is studying in Chennai, India, has been informed. 'She is coming to Oman as soon as possible,' he said. Both Pankajakshan and Shajitha worked as accountants in a private firm and were known for their quiet, humble presence within the local expatriate community. Their sudden and tragic passing has left friends and colleagues deeply shocked. As investigations continue, the Indian community mourns the loss of two long-time residents whose lives were cut short in a devastating accident that has raised renewed concerns about safety in mixed-use buildings.


Observer
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
ISC hosts ‘Jashn-e-Deccan', cultural evening
MUSCAT: The Deccani Wing of the Indian Social Club (ISC) Oman hosted a vibrant cultural evening, Jashn-e-Deccan, at the CBFS Hall, captivating over 700 guests with a celebration of Hyderabadi music, poetry and spirit. The event was graced by G V Srinivas, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, along with ISC Chairman Babu Rajendran and Vice-Chairman Suhail Khan. Ghazal maestro Ustad Nizam Ali Khan headlined the evening with soul-stirring renditions of works by legendary Hyderabadi poets Shaz Tamkinat and Amjad Hyderabadi. His performance evoked the lyrical elegance of a bygone era. He was joined by his sons, Faizan Ali Khan and Fareed Ali Khan, who added youthful charm and emotional intensity. Faizan's smooth vocals captivated the crowd, while Fareed energised the hall with powerful Sufi numbers. A standout poetry segment featured Dawood Khan, who recited 'Nai Bole Toh Sunte Nai' by Ghouse Mohiuddin Khamakha, earning warm applause. Musicians Sikander Khan (tabla) and Mohammed Rafi (harmonium) added rich musical depth to the performances. Omani guest Zaheer Al Din delighted the crowd with his presence, reflecting the strong cultural ties between Oman and India. The event began with a welcome from Dr Wasif, Convenor of the Deccani Wing, and was smoothly anchored by Samad. A vote of thanks by Sayeed rounded off the evening, acknowledging artists, dignitaries and guests. Jashn-e-Deccan stood as a heartfelt tribute to Hyderabadi heritage, uniting communities through the shared language of art and tradition.


Observer
24-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
ISC Oman holds digital marketing workshop
MUSCAT: The Indian Social Club (ISC) Oman successfully organised an insightful workshop on Digital Marketing on March 22, led by Hansika Dinesh Gagnani, a certified digital marketing professional and artist. This engaging seminar aimed to equip women with essential digital marketing skills, empowering them to enhance their online presence and navigate the digital world with confidence. This marks Hansika's second successful collaboration with the ISC Oman, reinforcing her dedication to supporting women in their professional and creative pursuits. She previously conducted a live workshop on decoupage art in mixed media as part of the Sisterhood Week initiative nearly two years ago. The seminar covered core digital marketing concepts, practical tools and easy-to-implement strategies to help women grow their digital footprint. A special highlight was a segment on online safety, where participants learned how to safeguard themselves from scams and fraud while using digital platforms. With her dynamic and interactive approach, Hansika encouraged active participation, making the session both educational and engaging. She addressed questions with clarity and professionalism, ensuring that attendees were left with valuable, real-world insights applicable to both personal and professional growth. It was truly inspiring to witness more women take charge of their digital skills, unlocking new opportunities in the ever-evolving digital space.