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Observer
08-06-2025
- Science
- Observer
Annual science fiesta pays tributes to 70 years of India–Oman ties
Students and teachers from as far as Jaalan Bani Bu Ali, Khasab, Sur, Ibri, Al Rustaq, Salalah and other schools in Muscat and nearby areas arrived at the campus of the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) to compete in the Annual Science Fiesta 2025 of the Indian Science Forum, an innovative event dedicated to 70 years of India–Oman diplomatic relations. The Annual Science Fiesta 2025 brought together bright young minds from across Oman for a dynamic celebration of science, technology and innovation. The Indian School Al Ghubra won the Rolling Trophy for the overall champion. The first runner-up was Indian School Bausher while the Indian School Al Maabela bagged the second runner-up. 'AI – Mind Meets Machine', was this year's theme in competitions such as debates, poster making, digital symposium and exhibition. More than 5,000 students vied for the Shastra Pratibha contest. The Science and Technology Achievement Award was presented to Dr Monojit Choudhury, Professor at Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), Abu Dhabi, who was also the keynote speaker. He works on natural language processing (NLP) and various branches of cognitive and social sciences. He has drawn inspiration from and contributed to the fields of historical and evolutionary linguistics, sociolinguistics, ethics, culture studies and ethnography. Tariq bin Hilal al Barwani, technologist and influencer, was honoured with the prestigious Jayakar Award. 'This award is not just a recognition of past achievements, but a call to continue building, inspiring and transforming lives,' said Tariq, adding, 'I dedicate this honour to every young dreamer who believes in the power of knowledge, resilience and service to society.' The award was presented by G V Srinivas, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, in the presence of Dr J Retnakumar, Chairman of the Indian Science Forum, Kiran Asher and Syed Ahmad Salman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman.
Observer
27-05-2025
- Science
- Observer
Al Barwani honoured with Jayakar Award
MUSCAT: Prominent Omani technologist, thought leader, and community influencer Tariq bin Hilal al Barwani has been awarded the distinguished Jayakar Award by the Indian Science Forum, in a high-profile event held at the National University of Science and Technology. The award was presented by G V Srinivas, Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, in the presence of Dr J Retnakumar, Chairman of the Indian Science Forum, and Syed Ahmad Salman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman. Named in honour of Sir Jayakar, an eminent Indian scholar and visionary, the Jayakar Award celebrates exceptional individuals who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the advancement of science, education and social development. Al Barwani's contribution to technology, youth empowerment, and cross-cultural collaboration made him a natural recipient of this year's accolade. "This award is not just a recognition of past achievements, but a call to continue building, inspiring, and transforming lives," said Tariq al Barwani. "I dedicate this honour to every young dreamer who believes in the power of knowledge, resilience and service to society." The event gathered leading academics, innovators, and students from diverse backgrounds, reinforcing the spirit of unity through science and education. Al Barwani's recognition is seen as a symbol of the strong and growing relationship between Oman and India, built on shared values of innovation, mutual respect and community progress.
Muscat Daily
13-05-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
AI takes centre stage at Science Fiesta 2025
Muscat – Over 1,000 Indian students from various Indian schools in Oman will gather for the Annual Science Fiesta 2025 to be held at the National University of Science and Technology, Al Hail Campus, on May 23-24. The two-day event – being organised by the Indian Science Forum (ISF) – is focused on the theme of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The fiesta will feature a range of competitions, exhibitions, quizzes, and workshops aimed at sparking scientific curiosity and fostering innovation among students. A major highlight will be the felicitation and award ceremony for the 8th Sastra Pratibha Contest winners, a prestigious science talent competition that has become a key part of ISF's educational outreach. The event will be attended by H E G V Srinivas, Ambassador of India to Oman, as the chief guest. Adding further prominence to the festival, Prof Dr Monojit Choudhury, a leading authority in Natural Language Processing (NLP) from the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), Abu Dhabi, will deliver the keynote address. An exclusive interactive session with Prof Choudhury for students is also scheduled for May 23. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Dr J Retnakumar, Coordinator of ISF, said, 'We are considering extending the event to include other schools as well. We have already received proposals from Omani schools, and we welcome this opportunity.'
