The deputy mission chief of the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said he will seek lifting some restrictions on international community schools, like International Indian School in Dammam (IISD), in holding their activities. “I hope that I will be able to gain the approval and permission of the Eastern Province Governorate to remove the legal blocks and impediments in the exercise of our school affairs, within the bounds and limits of the law,” said Rajeev Shahare, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. He made his announcement during a meeting with officials and parents of IISD who marked the school's 25th anniversary with a very low-profile observance compared with those of the previous years. Shahare is scheduled to have an audience with Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd, Governor of the Eastern Province, to discuss this and other issues. Other community schools in the region, such as those of the Filipino, Pakistani, and Bangladesh communities, are also facing the same restrictions in holding their respective school events. Among the restrictions is the need to secure a permit in holding school activities, such as foundation anniversaries, sports events, and community gatherings. IISD, considered the largest Asian school in the region with about 15,000 students, has year-round activities. In his meeting with the parents and school officials, Shahare told parents not to feel bad when their teachers admonish their children. “School is the place where children spend most of their day, and it is the responsibility of the teachers to correct them whenever they err,” he said. “I believe that teachers and the principal must be given a free hand in reprimanding the students who go astray.” “Nowadays, we see parents becoming more sensitive with the methods of admonition, a situation which usually ends up in rifts between schools and parents. This should not be the case, as it did already happen in some Indian schools in the Kingdom,” he added. “Inspiration and encouragement to improve the student's skill and ability is very important. Teachers are trained people who work for the betterment of your children. It would be a good gesture to trust them with your children,” he said. During the meeting, a documentary was presented featuring the 25 years of growth and expansion of the IISD, which brought about nostalgic memories to members of the Indian community. Mariyu Sagheer, head mistress of the upper primary section (girls,) was honored in the function for completing 25 years of service at the school. Other teachers and staff members who completed 20 years of service were also honored. Nazeer Maniyamkulam, chief librarian, Sandya Mohan, Geethamani, Mahsoom Khan, Philomina Limas, Mehru Qamar, Mohammed Nizar , Akthar Jahan Begum were also given mementoes by the chief guest for their prolonged service in IISD. IISD Principal E.K. Mohammed Shaffe presented the school report, including a plan to expand the library by adding 10,000 more books to the existing 45,000. __
