After successful conduct of G20 Tourism group meeting, Srinagar will host Miss World pageant
After less than three months of announcement by the Miss World Organization that India will host the 71st edition of the pageant featuring beauties from 130 nations, the choice has finally fallen on Srinagar.
Selection of the host city was done by a panel comprising Miss World, Karolina Bielawski; Miss India, Sini Shetty; Miss World Caribbean, Emmy Pena; Miss World England, Jessica Gagen; Miss World America, Shree Saini; and Miss Asia Pricilia, Carla Saputri Yules. This panel visited Kashmir before taking a decision.
The beauties were overwhelmed by the natural beauty of the picturesque nature’s valley.
“Kashmir has everything and it is the best place to host an event like Miss World. I am so grateful to see the beautiful place in India, the beautiful lakes here, everyone has welcomed us nicely.
“The hospitality we got was wonderful. It would be exciting to see 140 countries participating in the event. Every place has its own beauty, but the pleasant hospitality here has been overwhelming”, Karolina Bielawski told newsmen after visit to Kashmir. Since no pageant was held last year, Karolina Bielawski, who lives in Poland, continues to hold the Miss World title.
The decision of the visiting beauties was perhaps influenced by the successful conduct of the G20 Tourism Working group meeting held in Srinagar from May 22 to 24 this year. Several top dignitaries, including ministers, from member nations of the G20 group, were all praise for their visit and stay in Kashmir. The Srinagar summit was attended by three Islamic nations – Indonesia, United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh.
However, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and Oman stayed away saying that Kashmir was disputed territory. The success of the Srinagar Tourism Working group meeting was a great diplomatic success for India.
India has a great track record in this prestigious beauty contest. Starting with Reita Faria, who became the first Indian to be crowned Miss World in 1966, five other Indian girls have won this pageant. They are Aishwarya Rai (1994), Diana Hayden (1997)(she had strong Chandigarh connections), Yukta Mookhey (1999), Priyanka Chopra (2000) and Manushi Chillar (2017).
In June this year, the London-based Miss World Organization announced that India would host the 71st Miss World 2023 pageant. This announcement was made by the chairperson of Miss World Organisation, Julia Morley. She said, “India’s vibrant traditions, culture, and history make it a global beauty and fashion powerhouse, with captivating landscapes, iconic landmarks, and warm hospitality.
“The 71st Miss World 2023 in India will promote charitable causes through philanthropic activities, inspiring contestants to make a positive impact in their communities and contribute to society,” she was quoted saying in media.
India has a rich history of producing beauties that were crowned with Miss World and Miss Universe titles. Besides six winners of Miss World title, three Indian girls, including Bollywood stars like Sushmita Sen (1994) and Lara Dutta (2000) and Punjab girl Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu (2021) were crowned Miss Universe.
Julia Morley added, “I am delighted to announce India as the new home of the 71st Miss World Final! I have had a great affection for India from the first moment I visited this incredible country more than 30 years ago. We cannot wait to share your unique and diverse culture, world-class attractions and breath-taking locations with the rest of the world. It will showcase the achievements of 130 National champions in their one-month journey across ‘Incredible India’ as we present the 71st and most spectacular Miss World final ever.”
It also promises to be an extraordinary platform that celebrates the essence of beauty, diversity, and empowerment. Contestants from over 130 countries will gather in India to showcase their unique talents, intelligence and compassion. They will participate in a series of rigorous competitions, including talent showcases, sports challenges, and charitable initiatives, all aimed at highlighting the qualities that make them exceptional ambassadors of change. There will be several rounds to shortlist participants taking over a period of one month before the grand finale scheduled in November/ December 2023.
The holding of the preliminaries and the grand finale will coincide with the great Indian festival season of Divali.
Salman Ahmed, founder and CEO, PME, said, “We’re delighted to partner with the Miss World Organization to host the 71st Miss World in India, an incredible country, full of vibrancy, colours, and life – the elements that represent beauty in its purest form.”
Miss World Karolina Bielawska said, “India prepares to welcome the world with open arms with the 71st Miss World 2023 and showcase the country’s grace, beauty, and progressive spirit. Join us in celebrating the power of women to make a difference, as we embark on this extraordinary journey together.”
The Miss World pageant holds a long-standing reputation for celebrating the beauty and intellect of women, going beyond physical appearances. It is a platform that empowers women to raise their voices, advocate for causes close to their hearts, and foster positive change on a global scale. By hosting it, India aims to amplify these values and serve as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and actions.
“Kashmir has everything and it is the best place to host an event like Miss World. I am so grateful to see the beautiful place in India, the beautiful lakes here, everyone has welcomed us nicely.
“The hospitality we got was wonderful. It would be exciting to see 140 countries participating in the event. Every place has its own beauty, but the pleasant hospitality here has been overwhelming”, Karolina Bielawski told media persons in Srinagar.
Miss India, Sini Shetty said, “It is a proud moment that Miss World 2023 is going to be held in Kashmir. This moment would be like Diwali as 140 countries are coming to India and participating as a family”.
Miss World America, Shree Saini, and Julia Morley, chairperson and CEO of the Miss World Organisation, had joined the pageant winners’ Kashmir tour.
India would be hosting the pageant after 27 years as it last held it in 1996.
(Prabhjot Singh is a veteran journalist with over three decades of experience of 14 years with Reuters News and 30 years with The Tribune Group, covering a wide spectrum of subjects and stories. He has covered Punjab and Sikh affairs for more than three decades besides covering seven Olympics and several major sporting events and hosting TV shows.)
