Tuesday 23 / April / 2024
Muscat: She loves to explore and experiment with new things. A maiden attempt at an international beauty pageant in Istanbul, Turkey, turned out to be a source of double delight for Muscat-based expatriate as Barkha Kheskani scooped two awards at the recently-concluded event.
A marketing professional and mother of two sons, Barkha was declared Mrs Global International Tourism Ambassador and Mrs Middle East Beauty with Brain at the Milestone Miss and Mrs Global International Beauty Pageant- 2022.
In her remarks to Times of Oman, Barkha said: “I am very happy that I could take part in this international event that brought together 60 finalists in different categories. I am proud to have won two titles representing as Mrs Middle East.”
It all started earlier this year for Barkha as she was browsing online for professional courses to develop her skills. She came across an invite for participation at the global event, organised by Milestones, a media and social welfare Indian company with ten years of experience, committed to empowerment drive by conducting global award events like global conclaves and beauty pageants across various platforms.
Just out of curiosity and her passion to try out new things, Barkha entered the fray in June this year with hardly any inkling that a few months later, she would stand in the finals with the coveted sash and tiara at the global beauty pageant.
“In fact, I forgot that I had filled the form before the organisers shortlisted me and reverted to me about the progress of my participation. I was selected to represent Oman and Middle East and after a series of grooming lessons, I qualified for the finals in Istanbul along with 19 other finalists in my category,” said Barkha.
She added: “The finals was a five-day event in Turkey and during the finals, we competed in different rounds. I was declared winner in two sections in Mrs Classic category. It was a great feeling to be among the winners.”
Though, a resident of Muscat for 13 years, I did not wish to pursue a career in modelling, she said, adding “It was a learning experience as I got an opportunity to meet new people from different cultural backgrounds. The organisers are associated with girls’ education and women empowerment.
“This was why I got interested in taking part as I am keen to be associated with non-governmental organisations that are involved with girls’ education and empowering women.” Barkha hopes to inspire women in “her community” and added “sometimes even a brief chat with a fellow woman or a girl leaves a lasting impression that can inspire them.”
Barkha wishes to pursue her hobby and interests though she is done with beauty pageants and would like to try out something new ahead. A gold medallist in graduation from a reputed university in India, she is now pursuing doctorate in marketing.
As a global tourism ambassador of Milestones, Barkha wants to leave an impact in the society with small steps while engaging with educational, community welfare activities representing empowered women. “I want to promote unity in diversification at the global level,” she said.
