Dr. Sandhya Rao Mehta delivering lecture during the 'Mandvi to Muscat' series organized by the Indian Embassy in Muscat.
Muscat: On International Women's Day, the Embassy of India in Muscat hosted the 5th lecture in the 'Mandvi to Muscat' series, spotlighting empowering narratives of diaspora women.
Ms. Divya Narang, spouse of H.E. Amit Narang, Ambassador of India to Oman, delivered a compelling keynote address, emphasizing India's tradition of honouring women and their multifaceted roles. She mentioned the concept of 'Ardhanarishvara', advocating for gender harmony and shared responsibilities to promote inclusivity.
Dr. Sandhya Rao Mehta, Associate Professor at Sultan Qaboos University, took the stage to share captivating insights into the lives of diaspora women. She spoke on 'Empowering Narratives of Women in the Historical Indian Community in Oman', and delved into the rich tapestry of diaspora women's lives, uncovering stories of triumph, resilience, and community building.
Highlighting diaspora women's active participation in Omani society, Dr. Sandhya shared anecdotes, including the joyous celebration of Indian independence in Muscat on August 15th, 1947.
She 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.
Dr. Sandhya's lecture garnered enthusiastic engagement from a diverse audience, including members of the Indian community, Omanis of Indian origin, scholars and distinguished guests.
The 'Mandvi to Muscat' series continues to illuminate the rich heritage and inspiring narratives of diaspora women, fostering understanding, appreciation and empowerment.