Venkat Raman –
Diversity has become a diverse expression in itself in the past two decades.
The Indian Diaspora comprises people of multiple cultural and religious extraction, adding colour and variety to the country’s demography.
Miss Indianz, an annual cultural extravaganza is the only event of its type which celebrates diversity and even rewards almost all participants.
Elegance & Dignity
Organised, produced, directed, marketed and even criticised by its creator Dharmesh Parikh, it finds a new level of elegance, dignity and honour every year. While participants of many other contests are required to find sponsors to render financial support or at least sell a number of tickets, Miss Indianz does not impose any such obligations.
“We are conscious of the fact that our young participants have their aspirations and dreams. Our obligation to provide them opportunities to showcase their talent and enable them to achieve their objectives. We have seen many of them have gone to become finalists and winners in other globally recognised competitions. Nothing gives us greater pride and joy than to see these youngsters becoming achievers,” he said.
Spirited Promoter
Indian Newslink has been supporting Miss Indianz since it began 13 years ago, as a part of its service to the community and to the man who has been relentlessly promoting talent, facing odds and challenges. We have never sought anything in return – we do not believe in quid pro quo in everything that we do – except to be assured that Dharmesh, his wife Sapna, brother Hemant and his company Rhythm House Limited continue to pursue excellence.
Miss Indianz 2015 will go on stage at Aotea Centre on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 730 pm. It is therefore time for another curtain raiser- the fourth in our series.
Ashika Raj
This 24-year-old young woman is of British-Fijian-Indian origin, and was raised in New Zealand, giving her a strong Kiwi background. A graduate in Business Management (with International Management and Public Relations as major subjects) from the University of Waikato, she is currently an International Flight Attendant at Air New Zealand.
“I have keen interest in dancing, fashion and creative arts. I reflect a positive, loving, ambitious personality and believe that nobody should give up on full-filling their dreams,” Ashika said.
Naga Gujjari
A Master of Business Law student at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, Naga Gujjari doubles as a postgraduate mentor at the University and as a Board member of a Not- For-Profit organisation.
Born in India, Naga migrated to New Zealand with her family when she was four years old.
She perceives herself as an intelligent, motivated and a dedicated young woman who is very proud to be a Kiwi – Indian.
Navitha Selvam
It is rare for a Tamilian from Tamilnadu to be connected with Miss Indianz. On that score, the organisers could be proud of the fact that the event is gaining wider acceptance and popularity.
Chennai-born Navitha Selvam is a graduate (BSc) in Visual Communication of Madras University, now in pursuit of a graduate Diploma at Media Design School in Auckland.
“I am an artist and since childhood I was fond of sketching and painting. This interest led me to become an artist. Hence my career choice is to find my feet in the animation film industry,” Navitha said.
Rinky Parakra
She is among a chosen few to participate in Miss Indianz, for it is rare for PhD students to spare their time for the demands of a mega cultural programme. Ricky Parakra does not mind the distance that separates Auckland and Dunedin where she is researching in Biochemistry at University of Otago.
“I am eager to participate in Miss Indianz as this would be the first time I am getting such a nice opportunity,” she said.
Samaira Jadhav
Samaira Jadhav is a dentist who is currently completing a degree in oral health to further hone her skills. “I am on journey of self-discovery and by participating in Miss Indianz event I will gain more confidence” she said.
Samaira is from Mumbai and currently lives in Auckland’s North Shore.
Shuweta Kumar
Building industry may be dominated by men but youngsters like Shuweta Kumar can be expected to change the face of the industry. A student pursuing Construction Management in Unitec, she is keen to build on her Indo-Fijian roots.
“I firmly believe that family and religion are crucial in life because they guide us toward the right path. I love participating in cultural events. I dream big to get a career in modelling as well,” Shuweta said.
