Indian Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao, his wife Asiya Hamid, Managing Committee Chairman John Thomas, senior representatives from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education, Second Secretary Surinder Bhagat, Principal E.K. Mohammed Shaffe, Girls Section Principal In charge Lt. Col. J.A. Rocque and others from the Indian community in the Eastern Province attended.

Established in 1982 with 250 students and 15 teachers, the school has become one of the largest in the region with a current strength of 15,000 students and more than 750 teachers.

“It is not just the numbers that are overwhelming,” said the ambassador in his address. “What is extremely impressive and gratifying is the school’s academic excellence.”

The ambassador said he was particularly happy to note that the IISD had always had the privilege of hosting the first public function of all incoming Indian ambassadors. “Whichever ambassador came to Saudi Arabia, his first public interaction with the community has been through this school,” he said. “I am no exception …”

He and his wife, who is the granddaughter of former Indian President Zakir Hussain, clearly enjoyed the cultural program presented by the schoolchildren. “Such a fabulous presentation could not have been possible without the support, the commitment and the dedication of each and every faculty member, parents, students and, of course, the managing committee,” said Rao.

In a subtle message to the teaching community, he said they should not sit on their past laurels. “There is always room for improvement. The teachers would do well to remember that these days new pedagogical tools have emerged and the traditional methods of teaching have undergone drastic changes,” he said.

The ambassador felt that it was the duty of all teachers to find the best in all their students and hone their talent so that each one of them could realize their true potential.

“Each student has a unique personality and is endowed with unique talent. Each one of them brings different flavor and diversity to the class. Creativity is the key, and the teachers have the duty to ignite their minds. That is the primary job of the teachers,” he said.

Referring to the school’s motto, the ambassador said: “Since your school’s motto is ‘In Quest of Excellence,’ it occurs to me as to what is excellence and how we can achieve it. And the answer is: Keep striving; explore new vistas and undergo strenuous intellectual journey; self-complacency is the biggest enemy of excellence and inhibits one from trying something new and innovative.” He referred to Apple cofounder Steve Jobs and former Indian President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to drive home a crucial point to the large and diverse student community.

“I understand that not all students present here have received prizes and medals, but they should not feel dejected. The ultimate success is a combination of both intelligence and emotional quotient. There are plenty of avenues for each one of you to excel in and to prove your talent and emerge as a successful human being,” said the ambassador. “In the long run, it is the spirit and the urge to learn something new and to tread the untrodden path that distinguishes brilliant from the mediocre.”

Thomas, the school chairman, acknowledged the hard work put in by the teachers and announced a substantial pay revision for them. A number of teachers, including Girls Middle School headmistress Tasneem Muneer Ahmed, were honored on the occasion.