Indian Social Club in Oman Launches Critical Fundraising Drive for New Headquarters
For over five decades, the Indian Social Club (ISC) has served as the cultural and social cornerstone for the Indian diaspora residing in Oman. Now, this venerable institution faces a defining moment that will determine its physical future. Having received directives to vacate its long-shared premises with the Indian School Muscat in Darsait, the ISC has formally issued an urgent appeal to the entire Indian community across the Sultanate for financial contributions to construct a new, dedicated complex on land already allocated to it in Al Amerat.
A Pivotal Community Crossroads
This appeal represents a critical juncture for the community. The choice is stark: either mobilize collective resources to establish an independent, modern headquarters, or risk losing the physical space that has anchored the Club's diverse activities for generations. The push for action gained significant momentum during an Open House event held on February 20, 2026, and was further discussed at an Iftar gathering hosted by a senior community member on February 24. Attendees at both events strongly advocated for a renewed and well-structured fundraising campaign to finally develop the dormant Al Amerat site.
Structured Fundraising and Transparent Governance
Community members have been requested to formally indicate their willingness to contribute by March 1, 2026, using a designated form. "Based on the response received, the next course of action will be decided," a social worker involved in the initiative stated. A circular actively circulating within the community urges recipients to share the appeal widely to ensure maximum participation and gather meaningful feedback.
If the campaign secures adequate financial pledges, a steering committee comprising senior community members will be established. This committee will oversee the entire project with full transparency and within a clearly defined timeframe. Major contributors are expected to have representation on this governing body. Furthermore, pledged funds would need to be deposited promptly to enable construction to commence without delay. The ISC leadership has also extended an invitation for suggestions from the wider community to help refine the proposal and ensure the long-term sustainability of the planned complex.
High-Level Endorsement and Community Vision
The fundraising appeal has received notable endorsement. Backing the call made by India’s Ambassador to Oman, G V Srinivas, senior ISC member Sohail Khan expressed strong support. "We warmly welcome this initiative by His Excellency G V Srinivas. It is an encouraging call for our community, especially business leaders, to come forward and support the creation of a modern, state-of-the-art Indian Social Club complex in Al Amerat," Khan said.
He further elaborated on the vision, adding, "The new facility will strengthen our cultural, social, and recreational activities, foster greater community engagement, and serve as a vibrant hub for generations of the Indian community in Oman."
Historical Legacy and Current Financial Hurdle
The ISC's origins trace back to the early 1970s, when prominent Indian expatriates founded the Indian Cultural Association to address the social and intellectual needs of a growing community. In a landmark decision in 1974, the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimour granted 15,000 square metres of land in Darsait to the Indian community. As the allocation did not restrict use solely to a school, it was decided that both a school and the cultural association would operate from the shared premises. The infrastructure for both was originally built through generous donations from leading business houses and community members—a historical precedent the ISC is now invoking once again.
In 1994, under a government initiative to formalize nationality-based community clubs, the association was reconstituted as the Indian Social Club, operating under Articles of Association issued by the Ministry of Social Development and managed by a 12-member committee. It has since evolved into an umbrella platform organizing sports, educational programs, charity work, cultural events, music programs, literary gatherings, mushairas, and national day celebrations, while maintaining close ties with the Indian Embassy and Omani authorities.
The current challenge, however, is fundamentally about finances, not land. In 2010, the ISC secured usufruct rights for a 10,000 square metre plot in Al Amerat from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning for a 25-year term, renewable upon request. This allocation was specifically intended to enable the Club to develop an independent facility separate from the school in Darsait. Yet, the project has remained stalled on paper for years.
According to preliminary estimates shared with the community, the cost of merely levelling the uneven terrain at the Al Amerat site could reach approximately OMR 1 million. Full construction expenses are projected to range between OMR 2 million and OMR 8 million, depending on the final scale, design, and specifications of the complex. For an institution born from collective philanthropy in the 1970s, the message is unequivocal: its future infrastructure will depend, once again, on the collective will and generosity of the community it serves.
