The Embassy of India in Muscat organized a landmark lecture series titled ‘Mandvi to Muscat: Indian Community and the Shared History of India and Oman’ which concluded on May 1, 2024 with a final lecture by Prof Dr. Calvin Allen. The lecture provided a comprehensive view of the rich history of the Indian diaspora in Oman, spanning from ancient trade routes to modern collaborations. The event also featured presentations by Harshendu Shah on the evolution of Indian schools in Oman, and Kiran Asher highlighting Oman’s Hindu temples and the inclusive nature of Omani society.
The event held at the Mahajan Recreation Centre in Al Wadi Al Kabir was attended by more than 300 people, including dignitaries, scholars, and prominent members from Omani, Indian, and Indian-Omani communities. Notable personalities present at the event included Dr BR Mani, Director-General of the National Museum, New Delhi, and Pankaj Khimji, Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Commerce. Ambassador Amit Narang emphasized the importance of the lecture series in reviving awareness about the contributions of the Indian community in strengthening India-Oman ties and announced that the papers presented during the series will be compiled into a book.
The ‘Mandvi to Muscat’ lecture series was inaugurated by Minister of State for External Affairs of India, Shri V Muraleedharan on October 19, 2023, and saw the participation of distinguished academics, historians, and anthropologists from Oman, India, US, and UAE. Family histories of prominent houses such as Ratansi Purushottam, Khimji Ramdas, Naranjee Hirjee, Lakhoo Ved, Toprani, and Shah Nagardas families were narrated by the latest generations. The series also highlighted the experiences of individuals such as Dr. Syed Mohammed Rafay and Dr. Mohamed Ali from Bihar and Kerala respectively, showcasing the diverse contributions of the Indian community in Oman.
The ‘Mandvi to Muscat’ lecture series aims to promote a better understanding of the history of the Indian community in Oman and their role in nurturing and strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Oman. The initiative has brought together scholars and experts to shed light on the deep-rooted people-to-people connections between the two countries. The series has provided valuable insights into the historical connections, cultural exchanges, and socio-economic interactions that have shaped the close bond between India and Oman over the centuries.
The final lecture by Prof Dr. Calvin Allen offered a panoramic view of the Indian diaspora’s history in Oman, from prehistoric times to the modern era. It highlighted the enduring cultural ties and shared heritage between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and preserving this rich history. The event showcased the diverse narratives of individuals and families from different regions and backgrounds, underscoring the multifaceted contributions of the Indian community in shaping the social fabric of Oman.
The participation of scholars, historians, and academics from various countries added depth and perspective to the lecture series, enriching the discourse on the shared history of India and Oman. By bringing together experts and community members, the initiative has created a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering dialogue, and promoting mutual understanding between the two nations. The success of the ‘Mandvi to Muscat’ lecture series underscores the importance of celebrating and commemorating the historical legacy of the Indian community in Oman, and its enduring impact on the bilateral relationship between India and Oman.
