Oman’s social development minister expresses interest in adopting Different Art Centre model

Dr. Laila bint Ahmed Al-Najjar, minister of social development, Sultanate of Oman, has expressed keen interest in adopting the Different Art Centre (DAC) model — an initiative founded by magician and social activist Gopinath Muthukad — to promote the comprehensive development of persons with disabilities in Oman.

The minister shared her interest during a recent meeting with Gopinath Muthukad, who was in Oman as part of a promotional campaign for the International Institute for People with Disabilities (IIPD), a major new project being established under the DAC in Kasaragod, Kerala.

During the hour-long discussion, Mr. Muthukad briefed Dr. Al-Najjar on the functioning and impact of the Thiruvananthapuram-based Different Art Centre, as well as the vision behind the upcoming IIPD. After learning about the inclusive and innovative model, the minister expressed her intent to explore the possibility of replicating the initiative in Oman.

The IIPD, coming up on a 22-acre campus at Madikai, Kanhangad (Kasaragod), is envisioned as a global hub for empowering differently-abled individuals — including those affected by the Endosulfan tragedy in Kerala. Once completed, it will be India’s largest institution for people with disabilities, integrating multiple disciplines under one roof.

The centre will offer world-class facilities for arts and sports training, advanced therapies, assistive device development, vocational education, and medical rehabilitation, along with dedicated research and training divisions. Designed to serve around 1,000 individuals with disabilities each year, the IIPD aims to set a new benchmark for inclusive development in India and beyond.