Karishma claims crown at Goa beauty pageant

Karishma Vaz, a Doha-raised student undergoing studies in Canada, won the May Queen beauty pageant hosted by the Doha Goans Sports Club (DGSC) at Ramada Plaza last week. Vaz is an aerospace engineering student at Ottawa’s Carleton University. Angel Polacco was the first runner-up, followed by Queenie Fernandes, the second runner-up award. Karishma was crowned as DGSC May Queen 2011 by former Miss India and Bollywood star Tanushree Dutta, who was the guest for the day. Her sister Ishita Dutta was also present at the ceremony. Each of the participants had to walk the ramp, besides introducing themselves to the audience and answering one question each from the gathering. Karishma clinched the top spot for expressing her willingness to work for the underprivileged sections of the society and the five judges - Tanushree Dutta, Aarti Fernandes, Dr Hema Stallard, Dr D Jeffrey Field and Archie D’Mello – unanimously picked her as the May Queen for 2011. The winners walked away with several prizes, including two Doha-Europe-Doha ticket (any destination of their choice) sponsored by KLM/Air France, on Doha-Goa-Doha return tickets for two persons sponsored by Ezy Travels, gold and pearl prizes as well as stays at holiday resorts in Goa, besides cosmetics and perfumes. Prizes for members of the audience included 32” LG LCD TVs, microwave ovens, electrical appliances, novelty items and hotel dinner vouchers. Two bands, Delhi-based Black Slades and 2 Sharp from Kuwait, performed at the show. Nelwyn Fernandes was the compere for the show. Contestants from the Middle East, Canada, Russia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India participated in the beauty pageant, said the organisers. The main sponsor of the show was the Business Directory. The co-sponsors were Al Sulaiman Jewellers, Doha Bank , Refrigeration World, Signtec, Gulf Lights, Jumbo Electronics (LG), Insulation Engg Co (Division of Almana), Megamart, LuLu Hypermarket, Prakkat Jewellers, Marhaba Jewellery, Lone star’s Jewellers, Raj Housing Development Private Limited Goa, New World Centre, Kentz Engineering Qatar, Mark and Spencer, Domasco, Henmil Resort Calangute Goa and Foto Gulf and many others. DGSC president Ambrosio Dias welcomed the guests while PRO Mauricio Pereira proposed a vote of thanks.