Nidheesh Kumar P.P.
Credit Controller, Dhofar Foods and Investment SAOG;
Director, Board of Directors, Indian Schools, Oman
Nidheesh Kumar is a distinguished professional and community leader whose contributions have significantly shaped Oman’s Indian diaspora. With a career spanning over two decades as credit controller at Dhofar Foods and Investment SAOG and a pivotal role as a Director on the Board of Indian Schools in Oman, Nidheesh combines financial expertise with a commitment to education and social good. His leadership in cultural initiatives and volunteer efforts has fostered unity and opportunity, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of thousands. Born in the vibrant coastal town of Vadakara, Kerala, Nidheesh’s journey from a small-town scholar to a pivotal leader in Oman’s Indian diaspora is a testament to resilience, vision, and an unwavering dedication to uplifting others.
Nidheesh’s early years were marked by intellectual curiosity and a passion for social good. As a pre-degree student in 1993, he found himself drawn to the Kerala Shastra Sahitya Parishad, a movement championing scientific thought and social progress. This early engagement hinted at the purpose that would define his life: to serve and elevate communities through knowledge and action.
After earning his B.Com from Pondicherry University between 1995 and 1998, Nidheesh took an unexpected turn into education. He joined Morning Star Senior Secondary School in Gudalur, in Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, as a teacher. Nestled under the stewardship of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate fathers, the co-educational institution sparked in him a lifelong belief in holistic education—a principle that would later shape his work in Oman. Teaching wasn’t just a job; it was a calling to nurture young minds, a role he embraced with warmth and conviction.
In 2003, Nidheesh’s journey took him to Salalah, Oman, where he joined a firm as an accountant. This marked the beginning of a 22-year odyssey with Dhofar Foods and Investment SAOG, a cornerstone of Oman’s food industry. Starting as a Senior Accounts Officer in March 2004, Nidheesh’s meticulous attention to detail and strategic foresight propelled him to the role of Credit Controller in January 2021. His steady rise was fueled not just by expertise—bolstered by an MBA from Sikkim Manipal University—but by a rare blend of integrity and empathy that earned him respect across the organization.
Yet, Nidheesh’s ambitions stretched far beyond the balance sheets. Oman’s thriving Indian diaspora, with its rich cultural tapestry, called to him. He dove into community life, becoming a vibrant force in Kairali, and also in the Kerala wing of the Indian Social Club Muscat. From 2018 to 2022, as Co-convener, he orchestrated cultural programs that brought thousands together, fostering a sense of home for Keralites far from their shores. His leadership shone during the Keralotsavam festival, a dazzling two-day celebration that drew 20,000 attendees, making it the second-largest gathering of Keralites in Oman. With traditional art forms, spicy cuisine, and joyous camaraderie, Nidheesh helped weave memories that strengthened the community’s cultural roots.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Nidheesh’s compassion took center stage. As an Indian Embassy-approved volunteer, he braved the crisis to deliver food and medicine to those in need. During Oman’s amnesty program, he worked tirelessly with the embassy to arrange tickets for stranded expatriates, ensuring they could return home with dignity. These acts of service weren’t just duties—they were expressions of a man who saw humanity as his extended family.
Nidheesh’s most enduring legacy, however, lies in his transformative work with Indian Schools in Oman. As a Director on the Board of Directors, he has become a steward of education for over 46,000 students across 21 schools. The board, empowered by Oman’s Ministry of Education, is a beacon of opportunity, ensuring no Indian expatriate child is denied quality education aligned with India’s national standards. Nidheesh’s vision aligns seamlessly with the board’s mission: to foster holistic education that nurtures academic excellence, sports, cultural activities, and social responsibility.
In 2023-24, as Finance Director, Nidheesh brought his financial expertise to bear, ensuring the schools remained self-sustaining while extending fee concessions to families facing hardship. His rigorous yet compassionate approach ensured aid reached the most deserving, safeguarding access to education during tough times. Today, as the HSE Chairman for 2025-27, he leads efforts to prioritize student safety, particularly through the Safe Transport Task Force. This initiative audits school buses, mandates qualified drivers, and ensures each bus has an attender, reflecting Nidheesh’s belief that every child deserves to learn in a secure environment.
As Director-in-Charge of six schools—Buraimi, Saham, Muladha, Ibri, Thumrait, and Rustaq—Nidheesh is a hands-on leader, bridging communities and stakeholders to drive progress. His collaborative spirit has helped the board evolve into a participative system, engaging parents and experts to shape innovative projects. Under his influence, the schools aren’t just institutions; they’re incubators of confident, productive individuals ready to shape the world.
Despite his demanding roles, Nidheesh finds solace in simple pleasures. An avid reader, he loses himself in books that spark new ideas and perspectives. Travel, too, is a passion, with each journey offering a chance to explore cultures and recharge his spirit. These pursuits keep him grounded, fueling his ability to lead with clarity and compassion.
At 47, Nidheesh Kumar is a man whose life radiates purpose. From the classrooms of Gudalur to the boardrooms of Oman, he has built a legacy not of monuments but of minds—students empowered, communities united, and systems strengthened. His story is one of quiet heroism, where every decision, from balancing budgets to organizing festivals, is a step toward a better future for the Indian diaspora.
Nidheesh’s father, Nanu T.V. was a businessman running a vegetable retail business in Salalah, Oman. His mother, Chandrika, was a homemaker. Nidheesh Kumar is married to Rasina, a pharmacist, and the couple has two children. Their son, Partiv, is a ninth-grade student at Indian School Muscat, and their daughter, Dhyana, is in the fifth grade at the same school.
As he continues to shape Oman’s educational landscape, Nidheesh remains guided by a timeless truth: true legacy lies not in what you achieve, but in how you elevate others. For the thousands of students, families, and Keralites whose lives he has touched, Nidheesh Kumar is more than a leader—he is a beacon of hope, proving that one man’s dedication can ripple across generations.
Contact Information
Phone: +968 9984 5314
