Venkat Raman –
Dharmesh Parikh, Director of Rhythm House (he was an ‘engaging’ bachelor then) visited our office in April 2002 seeking our support for ‘Miss Indianz 2002,’ his ‘maiden event,’ saying that he would be in our office at least once a year to forge even closer relationship.
He has never been to our office after that first visit; and we have experienced some changes at home. Indian Newslink has moved into new ownership and a new location since then but our friendship and commitment have continued to grow.
Not that a few have not tried to lure him with a carrot or two.
“We share respect and value our relationship. Rhythm House is all about loyalty. This newspaper has stood with us at the most challenging times and we will not walk away for any kind of offer,” he said.
We still remember Dharmesh welcoming the audience packed to capacity at Mahatma Gandhi Centre, and his brother Hemant Parikh (of Radio Tarana) anchoring the show apologised to hundreds of people who were standing to watch the programme.
Pooja Chitgopekar, who later won a number of international titles, became the first Miss Indianz, with Sindhura Gadde of Auckland and Natasha Tsao (18) of Taranaki as the First and Second Runners-Up respectively.
‘Project Miss Indianz’ that Mr Parikh launched 13 years ago has progressed to ‘Recognise and reward the ‘Indian’ in the younger members of our community, highlighting our unique culture, tradition and knowledge, combining with beauty, fashion and entertainment. The result is a programme that celebrates success of our women year after year.
This year’s event will be held at Aotea Centre on Saturday, September 12 from 730 pm.
As in the past, Indian Newslink will serialise the participants with a brief profile. The following is the second in the series.
Karuna Thawani
Born in Mumbai, Karuna Thawani is a Psychology and Law Student at the University of Auckland.
“My ambition is to become a lawyer. I enjoy performing in cultural and community events. I also teach and choreograph dance performances,” she said.
Monika Sharma
It is perhaps for the first time that Miss Indianz accounts for a contestant who is a candidate for a doctorate. Monika Sharma lives in Dunedin to pursue her PhD.
“I hope that I will be able to complete my research in Biochemistry and submit my thesis soon,” Monika said.
Pooja Bhagath
This 18-year-old contestant is a second year student studying Bachelors of Speech and Language therapy at Massey University.
Dancing is a passion for Chennai-born Pooja Bhagath, who is currently learning Bharata Natyam. She is also a part of ‘X-Lake,’ a Bollywood Group.
Rabiya Sharma
Born and raised in Rajasthan, Rabiya Sharma migrated to New Zealand three years ago.
“Auckland is my new home. I always imagined myself being involved in high fashion and glamour industry. I look forward to starting my career with Miss Indianz,” she said.
Simmi Choudhary
She is among a chosen few- Simmi Choudhary is a fashion designer based in Wellington.
She says that fashion is her passion and that she is excited to be a part of this growing industry.
Born in Churru (Una District) in the pristine State of Himachal Pradesh in North India, Simmi was raised and educated in Ludhiana, Punjab.
More profiles and pictures will appear in our next issue
