Connoisseurs of beauty, parents, families and friends will be present at the Wellington School in the capital as 13 contestants vie for the ‘Miss India Wellington’ title on Saturday, May 25.
Organised by Reshab D Parikh Productions, the forthcoming contest will also determine the First and Second Runners-Up, as a prelude to the Miss Indianz 2013 beauty pageant, scheduled to be held on Saturday, September 14 at Auckland’s Town Hall, with a combination of colour, costumes, music and dance.
Following is a brief note on the Miss India Wellington contestants:
Arishma Baran
A student at Whitireia Polytechnic, pursuing a course in Office Administration & Computing, Arishma is keen to be a part of the Indian community and gain access to the fashion world.
“I love modelling, dancing and Bollywood movies and hope to win the Miss India Wellington title,” this Fiji-born teenager said.
Arishma Singh
“Miss India Wellington contest presents the ideal opportunity to access show business and the world of fashion,” says Arishma, who traces her family ancestry to Ba in Fiji. A full-time student and part-time McDonald’s employee, she brims with confidence, courage and enthusiasm.
Asha Mamgain
Beauty pageants are not confined to women who are six feet tall and have a size zero figure but to those who know how to present themselves and be confident.
That is the firm belief of 16-year-old Asha, a Year 12 (NCEA Level 2) student at Hutt Valley High School. This Mumbai-born girl hopes to pursue a course in medicine at either the University of Auckland or University of Otago.
Denise Lim
Representing two of the oldest cultures in the world is Denise Lim, whose Indian (mother) and Chinese (Malaysian father) bring her pride and honour.
A student pursuing her bachelor degree in Early Childhood Education at Victoria University, she loves any activity in which makeup is an integral part.
“Bangkok is my second home. I love Thai food and of course shopping,” she said.
Drisana Chand
This Newlands College Year 12 (NCEA Level 2) student is proud to be a Wellingtonian (she was born in the City) and values her Indo-Fijian heritage.
“Miss India Wellington contest gives me an opportunity to be known in the community and is a great way to showcase a mixture of Indian and New Zealand cultures. It also seems to be the ideal way of boosting self-confidence,” she said.
Monisha Gounder
“Beauty pageants like Miss India Wellington provide a rare opportunity to go on stage and participate in an event that spreads goodwill and joy,” says this Indo-Fijian, who is justly proud of her heritage.
As well as modelling, Monisha enjoys dancing, sports and social gatherings.
“I believe in persistence, and I do not give up any pursuit just because it appears tough,” she said.
Nikisha Kansara
Family encouragement has been a major motivating factor for Nikisha to enter the beauty contest and her aim is to win the Miss Indianz title.
“I had to wait for a while since I was only 12 years old when I first heard about Miss India Wellington contest. I do not believe one has to be skinny to win a beauty pageant. I feel offended when people tease me but I remain focused,” she said.
Roneeza Gulazar Ali
Although the picture here shows her in a western mode, Roneeza is very fond of Indian attire and hopes to become a fashion designer someday.
“I am also eager to learn more about our culture,” says this Fiji-born teenager, who recently celebrated her 18th birthday.
Shafrana Shazleen Ali
It was perhaps the passion to help people that encouraged her to pursue a graduate (BA) degree course in Nursing Pacific at Whitireia Polytechnic in Porirua and Shafrana is keen to make a mark in life.
“It was the support and encouragement given by my parents that encouraged me to enter the beauty contest. I will of course do my best,” she said.
Shaleen Khan
Going around the world and promoting tourism are among the passions of Shaleen, who is a Year 12 student at Newlands College.
She is also keen to learn more about India and its culture from her mother (from Fiji) and father (from Auckland).
“I love to go outside my comfort zone, gain confidence, bring home name and fortune and make my parents happy,” she said.
Shivika Kumar
“This beauty contest focuses on displaying talents of people, which is why I decided to participate,” says 17-year-old Shivika, who is highly confident of making a mark at Miss India Wellington, apart from winning a large circle of friends.
Born in Fiji, she loves dancing, reading and meeting people.
Missing notes
Editor’s Note: Despite several requests, the organisers did not supply details of Chandini Contractor and Krital Kumar (pictured here), who are also participating in the Miss India Wellington contest
Chandini Contractor
Krital Kumar
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What: Miss India Wellington Contest Organiser: Reshabh D Parikh Productions Photographer: Bhikhu Bhula Where: Wellington High School, 249 Taranaki Street When: Saturday, May 25 at 730 pm Tickets: 0800-224224 or text Rhythm 4040 Contact: Dharmesh Parikh on 021-2727454 |
