Embassy of India celebrates with fifth lecture of ‘Mandvi to Muscat’ Series

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Indian Embassy in Muscat hosted the 5th lecture in the ‘Mandvi to Muscat’ series with Dr Sandhya Rao Mehta, Associate Professor at Sultan Qaboos University, focusing on empowering narratives of diaspora women.

Divya Narang, the spouse of H E Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to Oman, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the Indian tradition of honouring women and their multifaceted roles. She linked this to ‘Ardhanarishvara’ in Indian tradition, symbolising gender harmony and advocating for shared responsibilities to foster inclusivity. Divya also celebrated the achievements of women in India, emphasising their invaluable contributions to society and the importance of embracing equality.

The lecture by Dr Sandhya, titled ‘Empowering Narratives of Women in the Historical Indian Community in Oman’, garnered enthusiastic participation from a diverse audience, including members of the Indian community, Omanis of Indian origin, scholars, and guests.

The speaker captivated the audience by delving into the rich tapestry of diaspora women’s lives, tracing their historical journey and uncovering stories of triumph, resilience, and community building.

Drawing from first-hand oral sources, she offered a unique perspective on their experiences, shedding light on the un

distinguished written history of these remarkable women.

Dr Sandhya meticulously detailed the history of Indian women in Oman, spanning from the early 20th century to the present day. She classified this journey into three distinct periods: ‘The Pioneers’ who arrived in the early 20th century, ‘The Settlers’ from 1970-2000, and ‘The Entrepreneurs’ representing the present and beyond.

She also highlighted the impressive stories of diaspora women's public participation in Oman and recounted the engaging tale of diaspora women celebrating Indian independence on August 15th, 1947, in Muscat.