“Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories”
The Indian Social Club (ISC) Oman was ‘Doc’ (aka Dr Sathish Nambiar, former chairman of ISC) and Doc was the ISC. Both were synonymous with each other. Today, with the demise of Doc, who recently passed away in Mangalore, in India, the equation has been broken. An era has come to an end.
Many who spoke at the ISC’s condolence meeting held at the ISC multipurpose hall recently pointed out to this salient fact, observing that the ISC has lost its soul. The ISC has lost its most bold, charismatic and successful leader. Oman has lost one of its topmost expatriate, who was one of the most popular Indian in town for several decades. And the world has lost a dear and compassionate soul.
Golden healing touch
Doc was a doctor with a golden healing touch, which extended beyond the duties of the medical field, offering a treatment that was a mix of compassion, patience and warmth curing multiple ailments. In Oman, and with the ISC, he was a man on an extraordinary mission – to take it to great heights. A mission that he had accomplished with aplomb, before bowing out.
Every problem has a solution
There was an outpouring of condolences from his friends, members of the ISC and the public. A line that struck a chord in our hearts came from Suhail Khan, entertainment and cultural secretary of ISC, who said: “His effervescent smile made even the most difficult days feel lighter, and his encouraging words had a way of making you believe that every problem had a solution.”
This line encompasses a truism of Doc. Everyone who came with a problem to him, left consoled, not, perhaps having the problem solved, but with a feeling that there could be a way out. And this was the same way that he approached life. When problems knocked him down, he promptly got up, dusted himself and confronted them with a smile, a booming laugh and the same spirit and belief that he percolated down to others.
One name will stand out
If ever the history of ISC is written, one name would stand out, shining bright. And there is no need to tell whose name that would be.
Anil Wadhwa, former Indian ambassador, spelt out what everyone whom Doc touched fondly hope: “I do hope that the ISC will honour him with a permanent event in his honour.” That would be an additional spark to the fire of remembrance burning bright in all those who loved Doc.
Excerpts:
Selflessly served the community
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Sathish Nambiar. As president of the Indian Social Club for over 30 years, he selflessly served the community, creating linguistic wings and supporting countless people in need. Always kind-hearted and compassionate, he has helped many, especially during challenging times. His legacy of service and generosity will be remembered by all who knew him.
DR P. MOHAMED ALI,
Chancellor, National University of Science and Technology, Oman, Founder, Galfar and MFAR Groups
Doc, par excellence
I have known Dr Nambiar since his arrival to Oman almost four decades ago. He was our family (GP) doctor, which was his original profession. Without any hesitation, I would say he was a doctor par excellence with his sharp diagnostic mind. Later on, he became my companion brother and stood by me at all times and through thick and thin.
He was a man who somehow managed to be the chairman, the trouble shooter, the peacemaker, the fundraiser, the event manager and occasionally even the bouncer – all rolled into one. Midway through his career, he reinvented himself completely from medicine to events, community service, and humanity during calamities in the country of his adoption, Oman and in the country of birth, India, during earthquakes, Gonu and Covid, helping people across castes, communities, nationalities and religions. He had an ability to turn panic into comedy and chaos into success. He had a courage to help anyone who needed helping hands and win their hearts.
Dr Nambiar was the pulse, conscience and force of wisdom for the Indian community in Oman. Personally, I have lost our dearest family medical adviser. There is going to be a void in the community with this loss. Where will we find such a rare commodity like Dr Nambiar these days? He also shone as an event manager though I used to frown down upon his approach to event management. But he has, most of the time, proven me wrong and succeeded in his goal.
May Almighty bless him and grant him eternal peace and I also wish and pray that Dr Nambiar continue to guide and advise us all with his wisdom from wherever he is. Amen and Om Shanti.
KIRAN ASHER,
Companion to Dr Sathish Nambiar, Founder, Al Ansari Group
A doer and philanthropist at heart
I worked closely with Dr Sathish Nambiar when I was ambassador to Oman from 2007-‘11 and he was heading the Indian Social Club as its president. I will always remember him for his qualities of head and heart and his polite demeanour with everyone whose life he touched. Professionally, a doctor but at heart a philanthropist and a doer, Dr Nambiar was an embodiment of calm and cool even in the most difficult circumstances. He taught me a lot about life and how to handle diverse personalities.
He was responsible for the creation of the charity wing of the club despite all odds and we worked on it together. He left an indelible impression – one that is for life. I was in touch with him often after I left Oman but then these contacts became infrequent due to his illness. Will remember his towering personality always. My tributes to him. May his soul rest in peace. I do hope the social club in Oman will honour him with a permanent event in his honour.
ANIL WADHWA,
Former Indian ambassador to Oman
Left his footprints on the sands of Oman
What does one say about a man who left his footprints on the sands of Oman?
Sathish Nambiar touched the hearts, and earned the respect of those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him, and impacted many lives with his positive attitude. Sathish was a well-respected doctor, and he would spend a lot of time with his patients explaining the causes for their medical condition and detailed reasons for the medicines he was prescribing. This set him apart from others in his profession.
But more importantly, he was always ready to lend a helping hand – whether it meant harnessing the generosity of the community in the outreach to blue collared workers or fund raising for rebuilding areas impacted by floods in Gujarat and Bihar or during Gonu in Oman. Over the years, he earned the respect of the local authorities, and his leadership qualities were apparent as he brought the linguistic wings together in a proactive and effective manner. Sathish had a good sense of humour; he knew how to have fun, and enjoyed playing snooker, darts and quizzing. I met Sathish in the mid-80’s, and thanks to him, I joined the Indian Social Club as the ladies wing coordinator, a position I held for several years. During that time, we worked together with the Indian embassy and the local authorities to form the charity wing – an outreach for blue collared workers.
As we have learned over the years, some people come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime! To reiterate this sentiment, I quote below from visual artist Flavia Weedn’s poem:
“Some people come into our lives and quickly go.
Some people move our souls to dance.
They awaken us to a new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom.
Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon.
They stay in our lives for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.”
Our family were deeply saddened to learn about Sathish’s passing. May his soul rest in peace, and Mangal and the children find comfort in the life of a husband and father who did them, and the Nambiar family, proud. Sathish, you completed your early journey, but will never be forgotten.
BRIDGET GANGULY,
Former Ladies Wing Coordinator, ISC
A father figure, guide, and friend to all
My association with Dr Nambiar who was fondly known as ‘Doc’ was over 45 years old. We met at the erstwhile Indian Cultural Association premises. He joined the committee as a sports secretary, after that he became the general secretary for couple of years and then he became the vice president till 1993. He became the chairman of the Indian Social Club Oman in 1994 till the time he went back to India in 2022 for his medical treatment. There, he was treated by his classmate doctors who became specialists in their respective fields.
As a chairman of the ISC he was a very successful leader, mentor, and inspiration whose service, compassion, and unwavering dedication shaped our community for years to come.
Doc, a respected physician, a cultural pioneer, a sportsman, and a steadfast humanitarian, touched countless lives through his healing hands, his visionary initiatives, and his tireless commitment to people in need. Whether during community crises, cultural endeavours, or moments of personal difficulty, he stood firmly at the forefront with humility, courage, and a heart full of generosity. He took the lead in helping people back in India during the earthquake crises in Bhuj, tsunami in Tamil Nadu, floods in Bihar, Uttarakhand and Kerala. He also set great examples of his hard work, dedication and sincerity during the Covid-19 crisis.
Doc was a leader and guardian to many. To those who knew him closely, he was a father figure, a guide, and a constant source of strength. His kindness, wisdom, and calming presence created an impact that words can never fully capture. His legacy of service, unity, empathy, and cultural excellence will continue to inspire the Indian community in Oman for future. His absence leaves a void impossible to fill, but his values and his warmth will live on in every life he touched. My deepest condolences to his wife Mangal, son Saran, daughter Shakti and all other family members and loved ones.
May the Almighty grant them strength during this immense loss, and may his noble soul rest in eternal peace.
C M SARDAR,
Former vice chairman, ISC
Knew the way, showed the way, went the way
Here we mourn the loss of a visionary leader, Dr Sathish Nambiar, whose dedication to the Indian community left an indelible mark. We were shocked and saddened to hear the untimely demise of Doc. I was fortunate to associate with him for almost three decades.
Prior to me joining the Indian Cultural Association (ICA) in 1990, I have had many occasions to meet him at his clinic and elsewhere. I too commenced social activities with the Malayali association, Kerala Cultural Centre (KCC) and then headed the Indian Social Club, Malayalam Wing on many occasions and also served as an ISC managing committee member for a few years with Dr Nambiar as its chairman. He was my mentor, guide and driving force in the realm of social activities. He was an authoritative and compassionate leader who knew the way, showed the way and went the way. As a leader, he has inspired many and mastered the art of convincing the members with his great oratory skills. Without any doubt, he was completely efficient, enterprising, innovative, decisive, passionate and above all, he was capable of doing things, small and gentle things as well as big and magnanimous things. His presence was a blessing to us and to society and his absence will be a monumental loss. It is with profound sadness, I, on behalf of the ISC Malayalam Wing, convey our deep condolences on the sad demise of Dr Nambiar. May his soul rest in peace.
Let the God Almighty grant courage and strength to his family to bear this irreparable loss.
ABRAHAM MATHEW,
Former convener, Malayalam wing, ISC
The world has lost a rare human being
I first met Doc in November 1986, when we were both young. I was new to the country, while he was already a veteran. He had brought a patient to see me, one who needed surgery. Needless to say, he knew what was needed. He had accompanied the parents for reassurance. Even though it was our first meeting, we (in spite of being young) showed mutual respect and from there our friendship grew. Our telephone conversation would go like this. Doc: “Hello Doc” followed by me: “Hello Doc”!
The real “connection” flourished in 2001. Flashback…Kutch earthquake 2001. He convened a meeting at the Indian Social Club (ISC) under the combined aegis with the then ambassador Satnam Jit Singh. A friend and I approached him at the end and volunteered to go with any expedition that ISC and the embassy would send. It happened. The ministry of health was approached and 14 doctors “volunteered” to go. The rest is history.
As a family, my wife Ragini and daughter Avantika, developed a close relationship with him. Avantika, as a child, connected on account of her winning several badminton tournaments and when she won the Indian ice-skating championship of ISC under Doc’s guidance honoured her achievement in a special ceremony. I mention this as it showed his “connection” across generations.
A clinician… Sometimes people did forget the reason why he was called Doc. I remember once, he brought his young daughter who was unwell to the hospital to be seen. He knew what she had, and probably the “only” one who really knew. His diagnosis was confirmed the next day and the appropriate treatment was given. Such was his clinical acumen, and this was borne out by the multiple generations of people who had implicit faith in his “diagnosis”.
Muscat, the world, the ISC, the medical fraternity and most importantly his immensely supportive family — Mangal and his two offspring — have lost a rare human who encompassed the whole spectrum of achievements. His smile and memory live on forever in our hearts.
DR AVIRAT VAISHNAV,
Paediatrician
Doc will always remain in my heart
The last time I went to Mangalore was to see Dr Nambiar. This time it is to see him for the last time. To wish him goodbye!
It was in the early ‘80s that I met him for the first time. My brother Iqbal was a close friend of his and used to be together in the then Indian Cultural Association. Dr Nambiar was then the most popular physician in Muscat and for any illness it was to him that we went first. This continued till he left the country.
Later, when the Kairali Arts Club was formed in the late 80s, I started meeting him more frequently as the general secretary of the club. He started referring distress cases, involving Malayalis, to me. Some people who were envious of Kairali complained to the authorities about one of the events of the group. Dr Nambiar came to the rescue and convinced them to not take it up further. In 1994, the ministry issued new guidelines for the community organisations and the ICA converted itself to the Indian Social Club. As the chairman of the club, he could have stopped there. Instead, he persuaded the Oman authorities about the cultural diversity of India and asked them for wings representing Indian languages. Thus, the ISC became the largest association across the region representing the entire Indians.
It was in 1996 that E K Nayanar came to power in Kerala and the NORKA was formed to look after the affairs of migrant Keralites. An official delegation from NORKA started visiting the Gulf countries and wanted to meet the Malayali community in Muscat. As Kairali Club had not become the part of the Malayalam wing which was perhaps the first wings, we had no platform to hold a reception to the delegation. Doctor Nambiar came to the rescue again. He said as I was a member of the ISC, I could hold the function in my personal capacity. A grand event was held at the club hall to welcome the NORKA delegation.
As Kairali was very much involved in welfare activities, it became difficult for us to function without an official support. Thus, we asked for Malayalam wing’s membership, but they refused. Dr Nambiar told them as I was a member of the parent body, they cannot reject my membership. Five of us became the wing members and slowly increased our presence there. Arguments started taking place in the wing about the outlook and the events. Dr Nambiar stepped in again. He said “you need an independent setup for your yeoman services and I will give you a separate wing. But you need to include members irrespective of their political views”. The Kerala wing was formed.
With the full support and blessing of Dr Nambiar. I made sure that membership and the leadership had people from different political, religious and cultural backgrounds. There was no looking back for Kerala wing. When my second term with the wing ended, he roped me into the parent body. There was no portfolio for welfare activities, but he created a new one and made me the community welfare secretary of the ISC. I remained in the position till I left the country; his lieutenant for all the welfare activities of the Indian diaspora in Oman. He gave me a free hand. Many a time, I fought with the embassy, the visiting Indian officials, those who troubled poor Indian migrants. But instead of reprimanding, he stood with me. He advised me to be careful about my safety. He delegated me whenever the community wanted the help. The natural calamities both in India and Oman, the pandemic, the high-level visits, the cultural events, he spearheaded everything. Under his stewardship the club grew to become a real umbrella for all the socio cultural activities of the entire Indian community.
He was a true leader. He took all his teammates into confidence. He was an orator par excellence. Famous for his impromptu, yet well-crafted speeches. His ability as an organiser was unmatchable. He was a real human being. He inspired people and was widely loved and respected. He shaped many people like me.
For me dear Doc was always there. Just a phone call away at any time of the day. I won’t get any more rings in my phone calling me “Jabir uncle.” I have lost a pillar of my strength. A world without Dr Nambiar is unthinkable for his close associates like me. Adieu Doc. You will always remain in our hearts!
P. M. JABIR
Former secretary, community welfare, ISC
A father figure, a guide
We had recently gathered at the Indian Social Club to honour the life and legacy of Dr Sathish Nambiar — our beloved Doc. His passing is not just a loss to his family, but to each one of us who had the privilege of knowing him, learning from him, and walking beside him in service to our community.
Dr Nambiar was more than the former honorary chairman of the ISC. He was a leader who inspired confidence, a physician who healed with compassion, a cultural torchbearer whose vision uplifted thousands, and a humanitarian who never hesitated to step forward when someone needed help. In every crisis, every cultural initiative, and every moment of uncertainty, he stood with humility, courage, and a heart overflowing with generosity. For many, he was a chairman. For many more, he was a guardian. But for those fortunate enough to be close to him, he was a father figure — a guide whose quiet strength brought reassurance, clarity, and hope. For me personally, he was a mentor, an elder brother, and someone who believed in me even when I doubted myself. His gentle guidance shaped my path in ways I will always be grateful for.
The values he lived by — service, unity, empathy, and excellence — form a legacy far greater than any title or achievement. His absence leaves a void no word can fill, but his warmth, his wisdom, and the spirit with which he served will continue to live on in every heart he touched.
I offer my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May the Almighty grant them strength and peace during this profound loss. And may his noble soul rest in eternal peace. Doc, we will miss you deeply.
Your light, your kindness, and your example will continue to guide us — always.
SHAKEEL K M,
General Secretary, ISC
Doc was my champion
Dr Sathish Nambiar, the former chairman of the Indian Social Club, was a remarkable human being whose leadership, kindness, and tireless service shaped the community for decades. A respected physician, Dr Nambiar practiced medicine with empathy and excellence, touching countless lives with his healing hands and reassuring words. Outside his profession, he was a wonderful sports’ personality and a quiz champion — a man whose sharp mind, competitive spirit, and warm camaraderie uplifted everyone around him.
Dr Nambiar was the undisputed doyen of cultural activities in Oman. Through both the Indian Social Club and his dynamic platform Doc LLC, he championed the arts, nurtured talent, and brought communities together through unforgettable cultural experiences. His passion transformed the cultural landscape and created a legacy that will be cherished for years to come. He was a leader who always led from the front. Whether during Cyclone Gonu, the COVID-19 pandemic, or other crises, Dr Nambiar stood steadfast — coordinating relief, offering comfort, and ensuring that help reached those who needed it most. His compassion extended beyond Oman as he tirelessly supported relief efforts during major calamities in India, inspiring many to join him in service. His presence at the ISC during difficult times became a pillar of strength. He guided teams, organised support efforts, and provided calm, decisive leadership when it was needed the most.
For me personally, Doc was my champion— with his effervescent smile and his unwavering “let’s do it” attitude. He was an institution, someone from whom there was always something to learn. A leader, visionary, friend, father figure, and a godfather to my daughter, he enriched our lives with his warmth, wisdom, and boundless generosity.
Dr Nambiar leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, culture, and leadership that will continue to inspire generations. His absence creates a void impossible to fill, but his memory will remain a guiding light in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May the Almighty grant them strength during this immense loss.
May his noble soul rest in eternal peace.
SUHAIL KHAN,
Entertainment and cultural secretary, Joint general secretary, ISC
Ever smiling, congenial and good natured
Dr Nambiar, as I used to call him, was an articulate, knowledgeable and well-connected individual in the Indian community… a man who could generally get things done. Ever smiling, congenial, good natured. The Indian community in Oman has lost a distinguished and helpful personality.
SUHAIL MUSA, Businessman
Always remember Dr Nambiar’s memorable face
In the early 1980s, I noticed Dr Sathish Nambiar leading discussions on the necessary reforms at the ISC. Since he became the president, for almost four decades, I saw him continuously working for the betterment of the Indian community in Oman.
His ability to do the balancing act among several linguistic wings of the club needs a special mention when the history of the ISC is written. I will always remember his memorable face whenever opportunity permits to attend ISC events. May Almighty God grant him peace!
VIMAL PURECHA, Businessman
Dr Nambiar was ISC’s backbone
I have known Dr Sathish Nambiar for over 40 years. A wonderful human being who has selflessly served the India diaspora in Oman. As chairman of the Indian Social Club, he has been its backbone. A wonderful quizzard and clinician of the best kind. His ever-smiling face and helpful nature to the young and old is erected in my memory forever. God bless him!
CHAITANYA KHIMJI, Businessman
A man loved by all
My association with Dr Sathish Nambiar goes back four decades, first as a professional doctor taking care of my company employees, and then as a friend and a fellow quizzer at OHI Quiz Club. We were the last team to enter the first ever National Open Quiz held in Oman. Our team Grey Matter, comprising myself, doctor and T R Santhanakrishnan ended up being the winners!
Dr Sathish had a great sense of humour, was very curious and well informed, and we hit it off instantly. Doc was involved for over three decades running the Indian Social Club, the only official body allowed to conduct the social activities of the Indian expatriate communities living in Oman. He was well liked by all and he did voluminous work for the Indian community. Later Dr Sathish formed an event management company devoted fully to bring top class singers, musicians, and plays etc. He organised the A R Rahman and Shankar-Ehsan-Loy concerts in Muscat, and they were appreciated fully by the expatriates as well as Omanis.
I was shocked to hear the untimely passing away of my friend and quiz buddy. I am going to miss him very badly. I consider myself fortunate in having him as my friend. May his soul rest in eternal peace!
NITIN CHAD (aka Nitin Khimji)
A man extraordinaire
Dr Nambiar was not only an excellent medical doctor running his own successful clinic, but he also had an extraordinary zeal for helping people, and promoting Indian culture, sports and entertainment in the Sultanate of Oman. I met him on my very first day in Oman. I have sinus problem and every time I fly, I get a terrible splitting pain in my head. When I landed in Oman in April 1987 my friend took me straight to Dr Sathish’s clinic and we immediately clicked. From then on, we became great friends. After work I use to go and sit at his clinic in Wadi Al Kabir to chat.
He was a very active committee member at the Indian Cultural Association and a man of great vision, and solely responsible for making the small Indian Cultural Association into a cultural and social organisation for all Indian communities in Oman. As the association and the club activities grew the committee required a fulltime general manager to run it. Dr Sathish asked me if I would like to take up the position and I immediately accepted. I joined the ICA in February 1990.
To me Dr Nambiar was an elder brother, a great friend, an exceptional mentor and a person who I can confide in about anything and everything. In the club and outside I was his righthand man and his Man Friday and always by his side. He moulded and mentored me. He supported me and he had my back in everything I did.
I met him daily for 17 years that I was in Oman after which I moved on to Canada. However, I still kept in touch with him and spoke to him a month or so before his passing. In my life time I have witnessed several deaths, but I cannot get over the grief of his loss. To me it is the loss of a big brother, a friend, a mentor and a great philanthropist. I will always think of him and cherish his memories. My biggest memories with him were not working at the club, but the endless time we spent together outside of the club. In his house with his kids, in his clinic, in his office, when he ventured in to his own entertainment business. He was a great leader who led by passion. He was an organiser par excellence. I have never met any other visionary like him. He had a big heart and was a man extraordinaire, who put others before him even to the point of sometimes being rebuked by his own people.
I remember him first and foremost as my elder brother. But also, his leadership. Under his leadership the Indian Social Club organised and hosted government dignitaries including presidents and prime ministers, Bollywood stars, models and sports personalities. He hosted major tournaments including tennis, badminton, chess, table tennis, snooker and many more. He also organised dance competitions, quiz competitions and Antaksharis. He also organised relief effort for floods, earthquakes and tsunamis. Indians in Oman will definitely miss a top leader and a great philanthropist.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and may perceptual light shine upon him! May his soul rest in eternal peace!
FREDDY PRINTER, Former general manager, ISC
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