In Memoriam - Sultan Qaboos of Oman
Mangalore Today News Network
By Richard Lasrado | Pics: Joaquim D’Souza
Oman , Jan 31, 2020: HM Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur al Said, the former ruler of Oman, had won the hearts of millions of Omanis and expatriates alike over the past five decades.
Sultan Qaboos bin Said bin Taimur Al Said
(November 18, 1940 - January 10, 2020)
His visionary, enlightened leadership and benevolent policies quickened the pace of development of this re-emerging nation since 1970.
A large number of non-Muslim foreigners who have lived in Oman over the decades will forever be grateful to this beautiful country not only for the hospitality but also for the exemplary religious tolerance shown by the architect of modern Oman, the late Sultan.
He was extremely generous in allowing Hindus, Christians and people of other denominations to profess their faiths without fear and with dignity. Above all, he generously gave land grants so that they could build their own houses of worship.
As a mark of respect and gratitude, a memorial prayer service for the departed leader was held in Sts Peter and Paul Church in Ruwi, Muscat on Wednesday, January 22 evening. It was concelebrated by the Bishop with five priests.
The dignitaries present
Bishop Hinder pays tributes to the departed leader
Parish council vice president Alan D’Costa, church public relations officer Abdul Karim, Oman’s Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs official Ahmed Khamis Al Bahri and Trevor Fernandes.
Full capacity auditorium
It was a perfect tribute to the tenets of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence practised and propagated by this Islamic nation.
May the Almighty bless and guide the new ruler, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, who has solemnly vowed to continue the same policies of peaceful coexistence.
Richard Lasrado served as bank officer and part-time journalist for 20 years in Oman. After returning to India, he served as Associate Editor of Mangalore Today for four years. Then when an English website was launched, he joined as founding resident editor. Currently he is an online editor and media consultant.