The Indian Social Club has been a cultural mainstay of the Indian diaspora in Oman for over fifty years. Now, the agency that once helped build its own homes in Dasset is asking the community to help it build again, this time in Al-Amerat.Faced with directives to vacate the premises it has long shared with the Indian School Muscat (ISM) in Darsait, the ISC has made a formal appeal to members of the Indian community across Sudan to provide financial support to build a purpose-built complex on land already allocated to it in Al Amerat.The call marks a critical moment: either the community mobilizes resources to create an independent, modern headquarters, or the club risks losing the physical space that has supported its activities for decades.The push gained momentum with an open house event on February 20, 2026, followed by an iftar party hosted by a senior community member on February 24. At both events, attendees proposed a new, structured fundraising campaign to ultimately develop the Al Amerat site.Community members are asked to indicate their willingness to donate via a designated form by March 1, 2026. “Based on the responses received, the next steps will be decided,” a social worker said.An announcement circulating within the community urges recipients to share the appeal widely to ensure broad participation and meaningful feedback. If sufficient commitment is obtained, a steering committee composed of senior community members will be formed to transparently oversee the project over a set period of time. Major donors are expected to have representation on the committee and pledged funds will need to be deposited immediately before construction can begin.ISC leadership has also invited input from the wider community to refine the proposals and ensure the long-term sustainability of the planned complex.Senior ISC member Sohail Khan supported the call by Indian Ambassador to Oman GV Srinivas, saying:“We warmly welcome this initiative by His Excellency GV Srinivas. It is an encouraging call to 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.”He further added: “The new facility will enhance our cultural, social and recreational activities, promote greater community engagement and serve as a vibrant center for Oman’s Indian community for generations.”ISC’s history dates back to the early 1970s, when prominent Indian expatriates formed the Indian Cultural Society to serve the social and intellectual needs of the growing community.In 1974, the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur granted 15,000 square meters of land in Dalset to the Indian community. Since the allotment did not limit the use of the land to the school building, it was decided that the school and cultural association would operate from the same site. The infrastructure for both was built through donations from leading business organizations and community members – a precedent that ISC is now again citing.In 1994, following a government initiative to formalize nationality-based community clubs overseen by the Ministry of Social Development, the Indian Cultural Society was reorganized into the Indian Social Club. Today, ISC operates under the Articles of Incorporation promulgated by the Ministry and is governed by a 12-member Board.Over the years, it has grown into an umbrella platform for sports, education, charity and culture, organizing music programmes, literary events, music festivals, cultural evenings and National Day celebrations, while working closely with the Indian Embassy and Omani authorities.The current challenge is not about land, but about money.In 2010, ISC obtained the rights to use a 10,000 square meter plot of land in Al Amerat from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning for a period of 25 years, renewable upon request. The grant is intended to enable the club to develop a stand-alone facility outside of Darsett School.But the project remains on paper.According to estimates shared with the community, it would cost approximately 1 million Omani riyals just to level the uneven terrain. Construction costs may range from 2 million Omani riyals to 8 million Omani riyals, depending on the size and design of the complex.For community institutions born out of collective donations in the 1970s, the message is clear: their future infrastructure will once again depend on collective will.
