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In 1953, during the President Ameen Didi’s administration, the President hosted a full-fledged national level beauty pageant, the first of its kind in Maldives. Ramla, an 18 year old girl from HA. Baarah, won the pageant and was crowned the most beautiful woman of the island nation.
The beauty pageant was hosted as part of the Republic Day celebrations. Former President Mohamed Amin Didi, Ibrahim Mohamed Didi, Aminath Hussain, Ali Najeeb, Hassan Didi, along with Dhapparu Moosa Manik made up the judging panel for the exciting contest. Contrary to how pageant’s are judged in the contemporary times, Amin Didi’s panel gauged the girls by pictures submitted to them.
A diverse set of 21 girls from all over the country competed in the contest. While winners were awarded with prizes, Ramla’s rewards along with a special pen and medal by the British Ambassador to Maldives was handed to her by the Ambassador himself.
The First Beauty Contest
The pageant was divided into two categories. One was for young women, and the other for a slightly older category. Very few women competed on the latter category.
Winners from all over the country:
First Place: Ramla Ahmed
Second Place: Raamiza Ibrahim / Hathifushi
Third Place: Aminath / A.Dh Omadhoo
Winners from competing atolls:
H – Mariyam Ibrahim, HA. Hoarafushi.
Sh – Fathimath Kanbuleygefaanu, Sh. Lhaimagu
B – Zuleyha Aboobakuru, B. Maalhos
A – Naaila Hassan, A.Dh Omadhoo
T – Sanpaafulhu, Th. Thimarafushi
Ramla became the talk of town after being crowned the first beauty queen of the country, an admired personality, bringing many suitors to her doorstep. However, following the change in the political scenario of the country, Ramla returned to her home island, Baarah.
Ramla who belonged to Naadhiramge, HA. Baarah, was as kind-hearted as she was graceful and the people of the small island remembered her as a benevolent woman who never backed away from lending a helping hand.
People who visited Baarah would often call on Ramla, to take pictures and meet the celebrated beauty of the country. She was charismatic, graceful and an exuberant lady even as she aged.
Ramla passed away at the age of 83, on July 3, 2018.
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