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MAUSP2025_Goordeepsingh Rajmun
MAUSP2025_Goordeepsingh Rajmun

Mauritius Students Prize

The Mauritius Students Prize is open to all students enrolled in secondary school in Mauritius for the 2025/2026 academic year, aged 11-18 years old (at the time of entry).

 

Entry is now open! Deadline is on 25 August 2026.

 

Click here to enter

How To Participate

01

Nomination

Participating students must be nominated by their teacher. Teachers can nominate up to 10 students to enter. Upon entry, students will be asked to enter the name of their nominating teacher.

Click here for T&Cs.

 

02

Artwork Submission

Nominated students can submit up to three artworks online before the submission deadline. Please follow the entry instructions in the T&Cs.

Our panel of judges will then select 30 student artists for the shortlist.

03

The Prizes

The Judges Prize of Rs20,000 is awarded to the student artist with the highest score from the judges. Rs35,000 is awarded to the school of the Judges Prize winner.

The Public Vote Prize of Rs15,000 is awarded to the student artist with the most votes from the public. Rs25,000 is awarded to the school of the Public Vote Prize Winner.

MAUSP2025_Galiana Appadu MAUSP2025_Galiana Appadu

Key Dates

Submission Period

28 May 2026 — 25 August 2026

Shortlist Announcement

— September 2026

Finalists Exhibition

TBC

Awards Ceremony

— TBC

Judges

Howard Bilton image
Howard Bilton
Founder and Chairman  
Howard Bilton image

Howard Bilton

Founder and Chairman  

Howard Bilton, a British-born entrepreneur and barrister, has made a multifaceted impact on tax advisory services, philanthropy, and the wine industry in Portugal and beyond. His ventures reflect a unique blend of business acumen and social responsibility, creating a lasting legacy in each sector he touches. 

Tax

As the chairman and founder of The Sovereign Group, Bilton has significantly influenced the tax landscape, particularly for expatriates and international businesses. The Group provides comprehensive tax planning and wealth management services, which help clients navigate complex tax systems. By doing so, it supports individuals and companies to optimize their tax positions within the legal framework, fostering an environment that is conducive to foreign investment and economic growth in Portugal. 

Charity

In the realm of charity, Bilton’s establishment of The Sovereign Art Foundation has made a notable impact on the local and international art scenes. The foundation not only recognizes and supports artists through awards and exhibitions but also raises substantial funds for charitable causes. A significant portion of its work is dedicated to using art as a medium for educational and healing purposes, particularly for disadvantaged children. Through these initiatives, Bilton has harnessed the power of art to make a tangible difference in the lives of many, providing both cultural enrichment and social support. 

 Wine

With Howard’s Folly, Bilton has ventured into the wine industry, intertwining the worlds of oenology and art. The winery is known for producing high-quality wines that reflect the rich terroir of Portugal, contributing to the country’s reputation as a producer of fine wines. Beyond the production, Howard’s Folly serves as a cultural destination, hosting art exhibitions and events that attract visitors from around the world. This unique concept not only promotes Portuguese wine but also elevates the cultural experience of wine tasting, setting a precedent for how wineries can engage with the arts. 

Overall Impact

Howard Bilton’s impact in the fields of tax, charity, and wine is characterized by a forward-thinking approach that leverages professional expertise to foster cultural and social development. By integrating his business endeavors with philanthropic goals, Bilton has shown that commercial success can go hand-in-hand with making a positive social contribution. His efforts have provided a model for sustainable development, showcasing how individual dedication to professional excellence and social responsibility can lead to broad and beneficial societal impacts. 

 

Rajni Deelchand image
Rajni Deelchand
Artist
Rajni Deelchand image

Rajni Deelchand

Artist

“Everything starts from a dot.” — Wassily Kandinsky

Rooted in a childhood immersed in theatre, classical dance and fine art, my creative journey has always been shaped by rhythm and expression. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Decoration from Sir J.J. School of Arts in Mumbai, I began my career in interior design, developing a keen sensitivity to space and form. Yet it was painting and teaching that truly resonated with me.

My artistic practice centres on acrylics and mixed media, often incorporating geometric motifs inspired by sacred geometry. These universal patterns—circles, spirals, mandalas—act as
visual meditations, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary experience. Each piece reflects an intuitive response to life’s lessons and the interconnectedness of all things. I believe art is both a mirror and a guide. Through colour, texture and symbolism, I aim to create contemplative spaces that invite curiosity and connection. As a member of Carpe Diem NGO and board member of IWAF, I remain committed to using creativity as a force for community engagement and collective upliftment.

I have participated in several group exhibitions, most recently with the International Women Artists Federation in 2025, and served as a jury member for the Art Sovereign Foundation – Mauritius in 2025

Sheela Ramkhalawan image
Sheela Ramkhalawan
Educator and Head of Department in Art & Design at State Secondary School, Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education and Technology
Sheela Ramkhalawan image

Sheela Ramkhalawan

Educator and Head of Department in Art & Design at State Secondary School, Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education and Technology

Educator and Head of Department in Art & Design at State Secondary School, Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education and Technology.  

Part Time lecturer at Mauritius Examination Syndicate.  

Artist participating in several National and International Art Exhibitions over the years. 

Sponsors and Supporters

SAF-Sponsor logo
Organiser
Elite-Cleaning-Solutions
Bronze Sponsor

Prize Winners and Previous Finalists

2025/26

Prize Winners and Previous Finalists arrow
Judges’ Prize Winner
Yaryna Rhea Boodhun
Yaryna Rhea Boodhun art
Public Vote Winner
Shenane Selena Ng-Wing-Yik
Shenane Selena Ng-Wing-Yik art

2023

Prize Winners and Previous Finalists arrow
Judges’ Prize Winner
Yoshika Chumun
Yoshika Chumun art
Public Vote Winner
Tanya Kelly CHEUNG CHIN YAN
Tanya Kelly CHEUNG CHIN YAN art

2022

Prize Winners and Previous Finalists arrow
Judges Prize Winner
Ekesh Beeput
Ekesh Beeput art
Public Vote Prize Winner
Yeshna Cooberhising
Yeshna Cooberhising art

2021

Prize Winners and Previous Finalists arrow
Judges Prize Winner
Bibi Zaheerah Banu Toorabally
Bibi Zaheerah Banu Toorabally art
Public Vote Prize Winner
Naveniten Valleeamah
Naveniten Valleeamah art

2020

Prize Winners and Previous Finalists arrow
Judges Prize Winner
Aisha Akbar
Aisha Akbar art
Public Vote Prize Winner
Vanusha Kaully
Vanusha Kaully art