Twenty contestants vie for Miss Indianz score

The tenth edition of the Miss Indianz beauty pageant has twenty contestants from all over New Zealand and if the hype behind the scenes is any indication, it would be a keenly ‘fought’ event.

Reshab D Productions is organising the annual pageant this year at the Maidment Theatre of University of Auckland on Princes Street in Auckland City at 630 pm. As well as the main title and two Runners-Up, the contestants will qualify for a number of individual categories, some of them voted by the public.

Organiser Dharmesh Parikh said that a panel of independent judges will decide on the winners and that their decision would be final and binding.

“Our judges are qualified and experienced and would apply set parameters in the judging process. Miss Indianz 2012 will showcase not only our young aspirants but also Indian culture and heritage. It would also be a celebration of Kiwi Indian beauty, fashion, dance and music,” he said.

Mr Parikh said that tickets for the show are still available and can be purchased online at www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz or on (09) 6296676 or 021-903217.

The following is the second and final instalment of profiles of contestants received at press time.

Anamika Singh

Born in Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi), this Hamiltonian joined the High Court Bar, following a degree in Law (LLB). Anamika Singh hopes to gain a doctorate in law in the near future.

“My ambition in life is to be successful in whatever I set out to do. Being a qualified lawyer gives me the opportunity to share my knowledge and offer advice to those in need. I hope to make my friends and family proud of me and be an example to younger women who wish to pursue their dreams and show people that the sky really is the limit,” she said.

Ashley Hoyt

This teenager is keen to establish her own hair and beauty salon after completing her course in hairdressing at an Auckland academy.

Ashley Hoyt said she was motivated to participate in the Miss Indianz 2012 after having had encouraging response in her native Fiji.

“I hope the forthcoming contest will be enjoyable and I would treasure the company of other contestants. I believe this is a unique opportunity to improve my self-confidence, meet people in the community and understand and respect Indian culture and tradition,” she said.

Jannine Bhawan

Her first passion is nursing, a noble profession in which she is seeking a bachelor’s degree in Auckland but Jannine Bhawan is equally passionate about performing arts.

“I believe Miss Indianz is a great platform for displaying talent. With experience in another contest, I am confident,” she said.

Jannine is keen to step into Bollywood and Indian fashion. “The ensuing pageant will be an ideal opportunity to move ahead,” she said.

Kaashta Khullar

Stepping into her final year of teens, this Bachelor of Commerce student (majoring in Accounting and Commercial Law) aims to be self-employed and perhaps establish her own thriving practice in the future.

Kaashta Khullar said she wanted to step out of her comfort zone, “try something different and be a part of the Indian community,’ by entering Miss Indianz 2012 Beauty Pageant.

“I would like to gain more confidence and exposure in beauty and fashion industry, which really intrigues me. Such competitions also help me to connect with my culture,” she said.

Natasha Bali

Completing her education, this Palmerston North-born youngster is employed as a part-time Radio Jockey in Auckland.

Natasha Bali says it was the passion for Indian culture and the opportunity to mingle with a number of people that encouraged her to enter the contest.

Pieu Nalin

“I have established my profession as a civil engineer (after graduating in the subject from the University of Auckland and I want to excel in it,” says Pieu Nain, whose aim is to lead a happy and contended life.

“I want to be a part of the glamour world and hopefully make a mark in this industry. I want to travel around the world, enter Miss India Worldwide by my aspiration of winning the crown,” she said, citing reasons for entering the contest.

Raksha Bhula

Perseverance is another name for this young woman born in Wellington (now living in Auckland), for, she said, “I did not want to give up. I am giving it another go. Miss Indianz also gives me an opportunity to meet different people and build new friendships. But most of all, I would like to be a role model to the younger generation,” she said.

An AUT University student majoring in Marketing, Raksha Bhula hopes to be a successful professional, on a par with international standards.

Sanjali Nagpal

Her ambition is to become a successful clinical criminal psychologist and Sanjali Nagpal is therefore serious of her studies to obtain Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Criminology. She also works part-time as a retail salesperson in Egg Maternity.

“I would like to set an example of good health to the youth of today and make them understand that risking their health and well-being does not result in a better life,” she said.

Sanjali considers it a great honour to participate in Miss Indianz 2012.

Varsha Gounder

This Fiji-born Travel Insurance and Claims Consultant is keen to mark her career in the insurance industry and hopes to gain essential qualities by participating in Miss Indianz 2012.

“I want to gain self-confidence, improve my talent in public speaking and enhance my communication skills. I believe that participating in the contest itself is an achievement,” Varsha Gounder said.