ISD all set to host two-day mega carnival

Times News Service MUSCAT: With an aim to develop the school infrastructure and expansion plans, Indian School Darsait (ISD) is all set to host the third edition of its most popular carnival on April 25 and 26 at Marah Land, Qurum Natural Park.

The school is working on its expansion plan and proposes to make a play ground on the 5,000 sq metres of mountain areas which is behind the school.

“Around 90 per cent of the fees collected are spent towards the salary of our staffs and we are left with only limited income. Therefore, we have decided to utilise the funds that we receive from this carnival for the expansion plans of the school,” P. P. Ajayan, chairman of ISD Carnival Core Committee, said at a press conference held on the school premises.

“We have been organising the carnival for the last two years,” he said. “The carnivals were a huge success with the generous help of many sponsors and active participation of large number of well wishers,” he noted.

According to Ajayan, the carnival is expected to attract over 55,000 visitors this year. “Through this carnival, our plan is to ensure the participation of parents. This will improve the communication between the management, teachers and parents,” said Ajayan who is also the board member of the school management committee.

With ample parking spaces and massive space availability, the organisers felt that Marah Land was the ideal venue to host the car- nival. “Last year we were forced to cancel the second-day of our carnival in school due to the traffic chaos that happened. That was quite an unfortunate incident and a learning experience for us. That was the prime reason why we have shifted the venue to Marah Land which is an ideal place to host such events,” Ajayan added.

Harish Sidhartha, head of ExtraCurricular activity said that 50 corporate sponsors are expected to take part in the carnival which will also feature various stalls for games, handicrafts, food, face painting and henna. “Our main source of income comes from these corporate clients and due to the tremendous success of our previous carnivals, the number of sponsors who will be supporting us for this year will be much bigger,” Harish said.

Other attractions include traditional art forms like Panchari Melam and adventurous entertainment like bungee jumping. Many linguistic groups of Indian Social Club, Muscat are expected to take part and present entertainment programmes during these two days of fun filled event. The visitors will also have opportunities to win a number of attractive and fabulous prizes.

Christopher Joe, head of fund raising, said the amount generated from the carnival will also be used for supporting deserving students. “Most of the parents approach us for fee concessions and we have plans to utilise the funds for that purpose as well,” he said.

ISD Principal Dr Sridevi P. Thashnath said the preparations for the carnival are in full swing.