AS interest in the local pageant scene continues to heat up, last Saturday at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel Poolside Guyanese were officially introduced to the finalists vying for the Miss India Guyana 2019 crown, and the race is going to be a tight one between a stunning six young ladies.

The ultimate winner will be revealed on May 26 when the pageant plays out at the Ramada Princess Hotel Ballroom.

Last Saturday, the young ladies stepped out in style, being outfitted in exquisite pieces from Colors of India, and received words of encouragement and empowerment from the High Commissioner of India to Guyana Venkatachalam Mahalingam and Prime Minister’s wife Sita Nagamootoo, who were also in attendance at the event.

The six young ladies represent those still standing after the number was whittled down from 10 semifinalists. Co-director of the Miss India Guyana franchise, Hashim Alli, explained to The Buzz that the decision was taken to go with six finalists instead of the traditional 10 to ensure pageant night sees the best of the best.

“After having a semi-finalists of ten the decision was taken to eventually reveal six as the finals. One of the main contributor is the fact that the Miss India Guyana platform is about prestige. This year we saw many pageant oriented girls competing, several came with very heft pageant experience,” Alli said
Of the six delegates, only one young lady is a newcomer to the local pageant scene. Leading the list is former Miss Universe Guyana First Runner-up, Diana Ahmad. Twenty-one-year-old Dianna Persaud, and 20-year-old Hemwattie Seodat are both former Miss World Guyana finalists.

Twenty-five-year-old Sharona Haniff was the 2011 Miss Talented Teen queen, and 23-year-old Sandeka Rampersaud was the 2013 Miss Wakenaam queen. The sole newcomer and youngest delegate of the lot is 18-year- old Rashena Hanif.

Speaking with Buzz, Ahmad said she thought the time was just right for her to jump back into pageantry. After going through and overcoming an emotional period in her life, she feels motivated to return to pageantry to spread her message of self-acceptance.

“In general, people tend to see beauty queens as flawless girls who have it all together, who might just smile and wave without a problem in the world. I want to be a relatable person; I want to inspire, not just smile and wave. I want to be that source of encouragement, to show that no matter what you face, no matter the situation, you can choose to pick yourself up and shine and open new doors for yourself,” Ahmad shared.
Another reason she’s in pageant is because it’s also something she has wanted to do for a long time.

“Why Miss India? Because it’s always been a dream of mine. Since growing up, I could picture myself standing tall with this beautiful sari and crown. Miss India gives me the opportunity to not only represent my country, but to share my culture as well,” she noted.
Alli shared that with this year’s pageant, the national team is looking first and foremost to continue to uphold and perhaps surpass the high standard that the pageant has become known for.

He says a lot is still in the works for pageant night.

“This year will be no different from last year, so patrons can come out to great glamour, elegance, glitz that we’re known for. The girls themselves are very eager and looking forward to executing a great event. We will be having a few surprise events, I can’t reveal them just yet, until all the I’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed, but it is going to be a night with a lot of excitement, beauty and intelligence all meshed together,” he promises.