Saturday 27 / April / 2024
Muscat: More than 600 people from different communities attended the 7th Edition of the May Queen Ball organised by the Goan Wing of the Indian Social Club on May 11 at Sheraton Hotel, Muscat.
The Indian Ambassador, Indra Mani Pandey, was the chief guest at the ball, which saw a special performance by National Award winning actress Palomi Ghosh.
She had played the lead role in the National Award winning Konkani Film, Nachom-ia Kumpasar (Let’s dance to the Rhythm). The live band, Tidal Wave, and the compere, Royce Coutinho, who were flown in from Goa, mesmerised the audience.
Thirteen young, dynamic and stunning women took part in the pageant for the crown of “May Queen 2018”. The contestants were from various communities and countries, including Iran, Romania and Pakistan.
Sreya Vinod was the “Second Runner-up May Queen 2018”, Sneha Solanki was “First Runner-up May Queen 2018”, and Raveena Kaur was crowned “May Queen 2018”.
The judges were Rajesh Raman, Managing Director Dentsu M21, who is also responsible for the marketing of Oman’s newest radio channels, FM and Shabiba FM; Bino George, District Sales Manager – Oman Air; and Vinodhini Krishnamoorthy, one of the finalists at Mrs. India Worldwide. Aurica D’Souza was adjudged “Miss Best Smile”, Melika Naderi was “Miss Photogenic”, Raveena Kaur was “Miss Best Dressed”, and Aarshi Kottari was “Miss Best Hair”.
Ghosh was felicitated by Pandey. Tokens of appreciation were also handed over to the presenters of May Queen 2018—M/s Puravankara and M/s National Plastic Factory. Anthony Lourenco, Convenor ISC Goan wing, stated, “We are proud to have Palomi in our midst as she is such an incredible, diligent and inspiring woman. She is not only an excellent actress, but is also a quick learner. She hails from Kolkata, yet spoke and sang in Konkani.”
Ghosh had the crowd on their feet with her melodious voice, dancing to the golden beats of Lorna and songs from her movie. The hall resonated with standing ovations and the audience kept asking her for more songs and pictures with her.
Tidal Wave band members—Anthony Fernandes (lead vocalist/bass/drums), Xavier Pacheco (lead guitarist), Michael D’Souza (keyboards/vocals), Christopher Rodrigues (drums/vocals), and Ageema Fernandes (female vocalist)—rocked the floor with a spectacular performance. The band played some scintillating dance numbers, while Coutinho, kept the crowd on their feet through the evening.
Dr Ibrahim Al Harthy, Head of the Department of Psychology at the College of Education, SQU, and representative of the Children’s First Association, was very pleased to be associated with this event. A part of the proceeds from the event was presented in the form of a cheque to Children’s First Association by Pandey along with representative of Eshraqa foundation Khalsa Al Zadjali. The Goan Wing’s contribution would be used to buy car seats for less fortunate children.
Lourenco welcomed Pandey; Ghosh; Liayat of Puravankara; Antonio Goes, Director-Operations, Al Hosni Group International and Founder-Convenor and Advisor to the Goan Wing; Satish Nambiar, Hon. Chairman of the Indian Social Club, and the audience.
He said: “By organising this event, we bring different communities together and blend the cultures and skills to make us a stronger community. The May Queen Ball has grown bigger and better with all the support and love received from the people. The Goan wing is committed to its social responsibilities and will keep supporting non-profitable organisations helping the needy.” He thanked all the sponsors and committee members who had helped make the May Queen Ball a grand success.
Pandey congratulated the Goan Wing for organising the event, which gave a boost to the confidence of the young women who participated.
Herman Estibeiro, Co-Convenor of the ISC Goan wing, thanked the sponsors for their generosity and support. He appreciated the commitment and support of the teams involved in making this event a great success. He also thanked Ghosh, Tidal Wave and Coutinho for making the event special.
