Miss Indianz
Now in its 14th Year
Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 730 pm
Aotea Centre, Auckland
Tickets from August 1, 2016
www.aucklandlive.com
Miss Indianz 2006 Gagan Kaur with Surinder Manak and Kurisha Naidu, the Second and First Runners-Up
Dharmesh Parikh
One of the most fascinating aspects of India is its unique combination of the traditional and the modern, offering ‘The Best of All Worlds’ to people of varied tastes, vicissitudes and of course ethical extraction.
From cuisine, culture, costumes and festivities to language and living style, the Indian Diaspora offers a different and exciting experience to the rest of the world. From its ancient temples, mosques, churches and other places of worship to the modern skyscrapers and property developers, India remains an enigma to most historians and writers.
Unity in Diversity
While Indians from India subscribe to the concept of ‘Unity in Diversity’ projecting a single portrait despite their differences in language, approach to religion and lifestyle, the diversity is even more pronounced in New Zealand which brings together Indians from four continents across the world.
They come together at work and more importantly at events such as Miss Indianz.
Ever since it began, Miss Indianz has flown the flag of cultural diversity in New Zealand. The name Kiwi-Indian has been used widely over the years at this event.
It is an accurate reflection of the people who participate in it.
Colourful Diaspora
Our unique identity has become widely accepted and over the past ten years, we have seen a mix of Kiwi-Indians, Tongan Indians, Maori Indians, South African Indians, Fiji Indians the list goes on. In fact, I believe that Miss Indianz attracts the widest range of ethnic participation than any other event in New Zealand.
You can witness beauty, brains, smartness, elegance and humour at our annual event which will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 730 pm at Aotea Centre in Auckland’s Central Business District.
Tickets will be available from August 1, 2016 from www.aucklandlive.com
For further details, please visit www.rhythmhouse.co.nz or call Dharmesh Parikh on 021-2727454; Email: events@rhythmhouse.co.nz
Here are the profiles of the next set of three Miss Indianz contestants – part of a journey that we began in our April 15, 2016. This is therefore our Eighth Instalment.
*
Ankita Sharma
This young woman is a maverick and literally aims to reach the stars, with her ambition to become an astronaut – an ambition lifted perhaps by her father’s career as a Pilot at Indian Air Force.
Leaving home when she was just 18, Ankita Sharma found herself resilient and adaptable in New Zealand.
“As a visionary on a journey of self-discovery, I am today a software Test Analyst. I partake in multitudinous activities ranging from quizzes and hiking to abseiling. I love travelling and pursuing fine arts including singing and dancing,” she said.
“Miss Indianz will help get the best out of me to become a future ambassador, a messenger of peace and goodwill and make both India and New Zealand proud,” she said. (Pictures by Andrew Bignall)
Jasdeep Kaur Basra
Proud of her Punjabi roots, Jasdeep Kaur Basra believes that her birth, education in New Zealand accord her a unique opportunity to promote both cultures and that Miss Indianz is a great platform to do so.
“I currently teach Punjabi dance to young children at Virsa Academy and have been doing this for over four years as a hobby. I thoroughly enjoy it as I feel I get to reconnect with my Punjabi roots and love the fact that I get to pass on my knowledge and wisdom to my students. I am looking forward to Miss Indianz as I love getting into my Indian community and the event will allow to experience more Indian culture and grow as a person,” Jasdeep said. (Pictures by Miguel Ilagan Photography)
Sunaina Chand
Hailing from the picturesque Kashmir Valley that is an integral part of India, Sunaina Chand is an international flight attendant and hence “sees life from a high point.’
“When I return to the ground, my mind is still on Cloud Nine, thinking about the many things I plan to achieve in this lifetime. I am an outgoing and motivated woman who thrives to get the most from life,” she said.
This Hamiltonian believes in being a successful Kiwi Indian woman representing her culture to the world.
“I believe that being a Kiwi Indian woman gives me the advantage of living with two amazing cultures and it excites me to be able to represent that at Miss Indianz 2016,” Sunaina said.
(Pictures by Tony McKay Commercial)
*
