THE prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding, deservedly awarded to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said a few days ago is indeed another glorious feather in our beloved leader’s cap. In fact, His Majesty the Sultan’s track record as the Sultanate’s leader brims with such international awards and medals.

The latest honour represents a new milestone in the international community’s recognition of His Majesty’s efforts and achievements, a clear evidence of the innovative thinking of a leader and builder of a modern state.

As a matter of fact, the prestige of the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding has gone a notch up when it has added His Majesty’s name in its records. The world leaders and intellectuals alike have repeatedly praised His Majesty’s distinct way of dealing with regional and international issues and in taking decisions wisely after proper and precise assessment of the situation in question, thus setting a good example to others. This has won the Sultanate a high status in the comity of nations.

The prestigious award to His Majesty the Sultan represents international recognition of his efforts to place the Sultanate on the list of developed countries and foster bonds of friendship among the people of all nations.

As far as development is concerned, the Sultanate had to start from scratch. But the strong will of His Majesty the Sultan made a big difference as he faced a number of challenges with grit and courage and turned his dream into a reality.

The 36 years of Renaissance represent great prosperity and a multitude of achievements for the citizens as well as residents and, to the delight of all, the country maintains the momentum of development, according to precise plans and priorities. This has led to a qualitative shift as evidenced by tangible achievements in all fields. As His Majesty the Sultan is fully dedicated to the service of his people and the homeland, we can certainly expect more and more achievements in the days and years to come.

The world has recognised His Majesty’s wisdom and vision which have ensured security and stability for all parts of the Sultanate and cordial relations with international organisations, reflecting the Omani principles of camaraderie and cordiality. Our excellent global relations point to the high level of tolerance and warmth and love for visitors from other countries.

“His Majesty the Sultan is a leader who is showered with love and appreciation not only by his people but by all the people of the region and the world. He has changed Oman into a prosperous modern state,” Navtej Sarna, the spokesperson of the Indian External Affairs Ministry has said in a statement. Spot on.

A clear proof is the fact that at a time when a number of regions in the world are beset by disputes and conflicts, the Sultanate has remained calm and peaceful and has made a good name in the global arena.

This can be mainly attributed to the fair and wise policies and stances of the Sultanate derived as they are from the vision of His Majesty the Sultan who is instrumental in ushering in an era of comprehensive development and prosperity for the people with all modern amenities, keeping, at the same time, the Omani traditions. Small wonder, these policies make the people proud and elicit their loyalty to the homeland and its leader.

Hats off to the Sultanate and its people on this great moment of joy. The award proves yet again that His Majesty is held in high esteem by the international community.

On this glorious occasion, we renew our loyalty to His Majesty the Sultan and pledge to put in our best efforts for further development of our beloved country under His Majesty’s wise leadership. - emzedjali@yahoo.com