The Queen Elizabeth College (QEC) team 28 has emerged victorious in the Omnicane Award 2026, a prestigious inter-college competition held in Mauritius. The winning team, led by Manshika Bacorisen, consisted of Daivya Moorghen, Justin Yim Lim, Tiaanah Sudiksha Bujun, and Mohammed Fouad Nazeerally. They were awarded a cash prize of Rs 20,000 each and a shield souvenir. The award ceremony took place on September 25 at the Holiday Inn Mauritius Mon-Trésor in Plaine-Magnien.
The Omnicane Award 2026 had a total of 50 registrations, with 250 participants from 28 colleges competing around the theme of Omnicane's centenary. The theme focused on preserving the group's heritage and rethinking innovation for a sustainable future. A jury, led by Fareed Jaunbocus, director-general of Strategos Ltd, evaluated the participants' projects. The competition has undergone several name changes over the years, but its objective remains the same: to enable young people to work in teams on current issues and propose concrete solutions.
The QEC team's victory was announced in the presence of several notable figures, including Mauritian President Dharam Gokhool, Jimmy Tong Sam, chairman of Omnicane's board of directors, and Jacques M. d'Unienville, CEO of the group. In his speech, d'Unienville emphasized that the Omnicane Award is not just a competition but a platform for young people to explore societal challenges and propose innovative solutions.
The second and third places in the competition were secured by teams from Royal College of Curepipe and France Boyer de la Giroday State Secondary School, respectively. The Royal College team, led by Girisha Cuniah, received a prize of Rs 8,000 each, while the France Boyer team, led by Sania Pultee, received Rs 2,000 each. Both teams also received shield souvenirs.
The Omnicane Award has a long history, dating back to 1971 when it was known as the Lonrho Award. Over the years, it has undergone several name changes, becoming the Illovo Award, Mon-Trésor Award, and finally, the Omnicane Award. The competition aims to encourage young people to work together on current issues, conduct research, and propose concrete recommendations.
The award ceremony also saw the presentation of the Omnicane Award Challenge Trophy to Sunil Sanjay Jagesar, rector of Queen Elizabeth College. The competition's jury had a challenging task, evaluating eight finalist teams, including two teams each from Royal College of Curepipe and France Boyer de la Giroday State Secondary School.
The Omnicane Award 2026 is a testament to the company's commitment to promoting innovation and sustainability among young people in Mauritius. As Omnicane celebrates its centenary in 2026, the competition serves as a platform for the next generation to shape the company's future and contribute to the country's development.
Key points
- Queen Elizabeth College team wins top spot in Omnicane Award 2026
- Competition focuses on preserving heritage and promoting sustainable innovation
- Award ceremony held in presence of notable figures, including Mauritian President Dharam Gokhool
