Venkat Raman
Miss Indianz event is more of a celebration of Kiwi-Indian elegance than a competition, says Dharmesh Parikh of Reshab D Productions and Rhythm Events, organisers of the 16-year-old annual cultural bonanza.
No clutter
“We believe that Miss Indianz is by far the most clutter-free and transparent event. The clean and simple format allows participants to fully express their passion and love for what they believe. Full training and equal footing is given to all participants and they are not required to fundraise, look for sponsors or sell tickets to the event. They simply enjoy participating in a showcase of elegance, beauty, fashion, music and dance,” Dharmesh said.
Here we continue with the profiles of the contestants.
Harnoor Kaur Deol
Born in Kapurthala, known as the ‘City of Palaces’ in the State of Punjab, India, Harnoor Kaur Deol is a student of Clinical Engineering at the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT).
“Living in New Zealand has a great advantage of experiencing two different and amazing cultures. Miss Indianz 2018 is the platform where i can showcase my skills of dancing and public speaking,” she said.
Harnoor has won in several number of declamation and debate competitions.
She represented her school at regional level declamation contest and got third position.
Pictures of Harnoor Kaur Deol are by Andrew Bignall
Sheron Kumar
Community service is divine and the ability to provide care and solace is what nursing is all about, says Sheron Kumar, a registered, practicing nurse in South Auckland.
“I consider the opportunity to serve our communities as the most important attribute of our profession. Even while growing up in my native Fiji, I envisioned being a Nurse. I believe that meeting people from different walks of life is educative and helps me understand them,” Sheron said.
Photographs of Sheron Kumar by Peter Jennings
Shilpa Bidhan
Shilpa Bidhan is employed in an international food chain, having completed her study in Business Management. Based in Dunedin, this young woman from Kaithal, Haryana says that she learnt about Miss Indianz through Facebook.
Pictures of Shilpa Bidhan by Mathew Hayde
Surabhi Shukla-Raval
This 27-year-old woman has a long list of achievements, which does everyone around her proud. Surabhi Shukla-Raval is a social media influencer, certified personal trainer, blackbelt in taekwondo, makeup artiste, lifestyle blogger and model.
Married to Blackcaps Test Opener Jeet Raval, she is the Founder of ‘Dazzled Fitness and Beauty,’ a company that promotes positive lifestyle changes in women.
“I have my own line of organic candles and lip balms, which are handmade from natural soy-based ingredients. These are better for the health, and for the environment. These can be purchased from my website and Instagram,” she said.