Winners 2016 Miss India New England

The talent hunt among few states resulted in 22 amazing contestants and a contest was held on November 27th 2016 at Atkinson Resort and Country Club in Atkinson New Hampshire.

Fatima Armaghan of Massachusetts won 'Miss India New England'-2016 and also got title for 'Miss Catwalk'. Sometimes judges can miss a point and that is why here audience are given the right to choose their winner. This year 'Viewer's Choice' title was won by Fatima Armaghan after gaining more than 40% votes received through text message system. (specially developed by Anish Khanzode for Miss India New England).

Fatima is a business graduate of UMass dartmouth and an actor and model, she has a major ad running on prime sports channel with David Ortiz (Big Papi) and an upcoming film releasing on January 13th- 'Patriots Day'. Her talent as an actress and performer could not be missed during her talent performance on popular Bollywood song- 'chikni chameli'. Noone has ever performed that way on 'Miss India New England' stage and similar is been heard from Dr Dharmatma Saran at 'Miss India USA' who gave her the title of 'Miss Bollywood Diva'. 

Saniya became winner of Teen category. A 13 year old with interest in video scripts and direction, who is an active member of school theatre in crew and on stage. Very confident for her age and showed that on stage during ethnic, evening and talent rounds. Saniya went to Nationals representing Massachusetts as 'Miss India Teen New England' and received 'Miss Teen Photogenic'.

Soumya Dharmateja won 'Mrs India of New England'. She is an engineer and her passion lies in dance. She performs flawlessly in several forms ranging from Bollywood classical to Jazz. She enjoys sharing her talent as a teacher too. Soumya received 'Mrs Popularity' title at Nationals.

Fatima Armaghan, Saniya Palia and Soumya Dharmateja - winners of Miss India New England 2016 pageant want to convey their wishes for Holiday Joy and a brighter and happier New Year 2017!... Check out the video....

VIDEO: -2016 WINNERS: MISS INDIA NEW ENGLAND

First Mrs India Worldwide - Namita Dodwadkar

Namita Dodwadkar- a girl with dreams in her eyes and determination in her mind, carrying her intelligence and immense talent with grace and poise. A girl who is born and brought up in Pune, Maharashtra India, came to United States in 2007 for higher education. I am sharing her story here which I saw and 'Miss India New England' is very proud to share the fact that her journey for grand success began with us.

In 2012 when I began as state director of 'Miss India USA' for Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island, I received a call from her interested in taking part in pageant. She was in Massachusetts completing her PhD from Northeastern University and seemed very keen as we went on talking on phone. Although I informed her about having missed first rehearsal, she insisted she really wanted to do it, so she was there next day at second rehearsal. 'Such a beautiful face'- a few girls must have thought as they asked this girl was not there at first one. I simply said, my work is to make participation for girls of New England area possible and not the other way. If she wants to, she should. She became a finalist at 2012 pageant, and also voted 'Miss Viewer's Choice'.

Namita Dodwadkar

Namita Dodwadkar at Miss India New England-2012 in Chestnut Hill MA, voted Miss Viewer's Choice
A picture by Iggy Barskov

In 2013, she had plans to get married, but she came to support the pageant and volunteered backstage, standing with me for hours. That was the year when Monica Gill won 'Miss India New England' and Shirin Bakre won 'Miss India Teen New England'.

In 2014, there was a new category added 'Mrs India of New England' and our community received the idea with warmth and Namita participated in that among 17 other contestants. It was highly competitive that year and she stood as 'Mrs Photogenic' and also presented a bollywood dance first time on 'Mrs India of New England' stage. Talent was not getting any scores in Mrs category but judges and audience did not stop talking about it. She never missed any rehearsal that year and when I talked to her about her participation in 'Mrs India USA'-2014, I saw determination and confusion both at the same time. Then we planned to change her ethnic dress and little bit of introduction. It was first Mrs India USA, so nothing was clear but ethnic dress round and some other parts of nationals preparation is what could be compared to Miss India USA, and Miss Teen India USA. On the day of finale, she came to my room and asked if this look works, and then told me what she was going to say on stage. I remember telling her that night 'You look like a winner to me, Namita'. She was wearing a blue saree that we chose together and we planned to pin the pallu in a certain way so that any possible designer sitting in judging panel would fall in love with the outfit. She won that night and became first ever 'Mrs India USA'. It was a very big news for our pageant and Massachusetts, New England states. This is because Monica Gill won Miss India USA in 2013 and also won Miss India Worldwide in 2014. On talent night I received award for being 'State Director of the Year', and then Namita's win at nationals on the night of finale. After a month she called to tell me how she saw me jumping in excitement on Malayalam TV recording of Mrs India USA when she was announced a winner.

Namita Dodwadkar at Miss India New England-2014, photo by Nandish Desai

1st ever Mrs India USA -2014 at Royal Albert's Hotel in New Jersey with Worldwide pageants chairman Dr Dharmatma Saran and State Director Ruchika Arora

Chairman of Worldwide pageants Dr Dharmatma Saran and Mrs Neelam Saran soon realized her bollywood talent when they invited her to perform at Metropolitan Museum Gala. I remember discussing with them about Namita and her bollywood talent, her latin dance skills and how she was an instructor and also has a fabulous dance partner who is ready to work step by step with her, and that is her husband Nandish Desai. 

Namita is a scientist at Novartis, but also a latin dance instructor for past five years at Matei dance school in Cambridge. As Mrs India USA-2014, she was invited for performing at several prestigious events including some international travel. She was also invited to lead India Day Parade in New York, judged 'Miss India New England'-2015, and 'Miss India USA'-2015. She would always meet you as calm and friendly person and it is hard to recognize her accolades till someone else mentions.

Namita Dodwadkar with Satya Shaw and Meenakshi Sheshadri after being crowned as 'Mrs India Worldwide'-2016

Namita Dodwadkar-Mrs India Worldwide-2016
and Kareena Kohli -Miss India Worldwide-2016

One year passed by, and on 25th anniversary on 'Miss India Worldwide' in 2016, Worldwide pageants decided to begin a new representation for the woman of now - a married woman who still has charm, personality, knowledge and confidence and freedom to dream and move ahead to fulfill them. Namita Dodwadkar registered herself and started preparing. Then I met her for three hours on a Saturday. I was so surprised to see how focussed she was, and how much she again wanted to do her best. I saw one thing with Monica Gill's win at nationals and worldwide- attention to detail, and that is what I told Namita. Namita had so much experience by this time, but she still discussed each round and her preparation, and she was willing to receive any advice. Within one hour, I couldn't hide my opinion about her proposed clothes, and introduction, and on stage questions. I knew that worldwide will not be easy. It was a week long pageant from October 3rd to 9th at Royal Albert's Palace Hotel in New Jersey and celebrities like Sandeep Soparkar and Alesia Raut were going to be there for choreography and catwalk direction, delegates were coming from 25 countries, TV actor Manav Gohil was going to emcee with former Miss India Worldwide Anuradha Maharaj, Nia Sharma, Meenakshi Sheshadri, Satya Shaw, Mr H.R.Shah and TV Asia, Malayalam TV, multiple media/TV crews were going to be present. 

Exquisite Indian dresses worn by Namita Dodwadkar
and Kareena Kohli- both winners at 1st Mrs India Worldwide
and 25th Miss India Worldwide.

The talent night was mesmerizing on October 6th and evening gown round was also done for Mrs category. The competition looked more difficult this time than I earlier thought. She came to meet me after evening gown and asked me one question that someone will ask only if they have gone through all the list of preparation I usually send to our contestants. That kind of detailed question so close to finale, I immediately thought of Monica Gill. Half of the winning consists of your ability to understand pageant, and all its rounds and sequence of events, also presuming the amount of fatigue rehearsals will give you, and nervousness you will face when you are announced a finalist. Makeup, hair, clothes- all of them carry a message with them, a fine choice may lead to a fine end. Her question told me one thing, she prepared well.

When I saw her at the finale with other contestants of her group, she kept smiling with confidence, looked radiant in silver blouse, blue lehenga, a perfect hair and perfect attitude. She was clearly standing out among all others. During on-stage question round as a finalist, she was asked her biggest fear and she mentioned how she always feared marriage, and how her opinion has changed as she is able to work on her goals and fulfill her dreams while gaining support from her husband and inlaws.

On October 9th, 2016, Namita Dodwadkar became the first ever 'Mrs India Worldwide' winner. This blogpost is written in celebration of her win. I want to congratulate Namita Dodwadkar  from Massachusetts for winning Mrs India Worldwide 2016 and Kareena Kohli from New York for winning Miss India Worldwide-2016. The celebration is also about her four year journey with the most prestigious Indian pageant system of the world. This is also written to congratulate Dr Dharmatma Saran and Mrs Neelam Saran, and their associates on 25th anniversary of Miss India Worldwide/ Worldwide Pageant system.

Twisted Crowning- mistakes happen: features opinion by Shilpa Jhurani

We all know how world balances itself with positive and negative both at the same time. Mistakes happen, and it was not a small one at 'Miss Universe' which was telecasted on television all over the world on December 20th 2015. Many congratulations to well deserved win for Miss Phillippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach. Steve Harvey had the courage to accept his mistake when he announced Miss Columbia Ariadna Gutierrez as winner already and later after crowning was done, he realized that she was a first runner up. What must have 'Miss Columbia' gone through, and what was that on national television! World is shocked to see something like that at such a big platform when professionalism and presentation cannot/should not go wrong. At one side, I am glad that they accepted the mistake and a deserving Crowning was done in favor of real winner. Social media/press and pageant world is full of strong opinions about the embarrassing incident. 

I am very impressed by the real, unbiased opinion given by Dance Choreographer and organizing team member of Miss India USA-Shilpa Jhurani. It is a must read if you have ever been on a pageant/equivalent platform, you will be able to relate. Shilpa is the one who creates magic every year on stage by bollywood medley presentation done by current year contestants (about 50, or more) and presenting reigning Crown holders of three categories Miss India USA, Miss India Teen USA, and Mrs India USA who won from previous year, and are about to crown the next deserving one during finale night.

"WELL DONE MISS COLOMBIA! Kudos Miss Colombia for handling herself in a strong manner and presentation despite such a mishap and spark of the moment! It's not easy to stay calm and cool... She stayed in the spot, controlled her emotions professionally and graciously no matter how much her heart broke and cried that second! That in itself is being a winner.... Winner of generosity, professionalism, humanity and Respect for others.... Her peers and above all HERSELF! She should not be embarrassed, but embraced to personify such dignity and self respect! What she did, infact is possibly harder than even competing in the competition! In such cases there really is no compensation. The moments are done, televised and published. Can't go back in time. Nothing can justify it. Mistakes happen and arguments can go on. I think her win and respect is her compensation. She should not be embarrassed but embraced for her ethical, moral, and professional behavior. People can see that. People recognition and love is far more than a crown can justify. "

Shilpa Jhurani- dance choreographer at Miss India USA; Instructor at Arya Dance Academy

PAGEANT ?!!!!!!!!!!!! NOT ME.

Pageant????? !!!!!!!!!!! Not me.
Is it modelling?
I am not that type.
It is very difficult, I saw picture of last year's winner.
I am into sports...
I doubt I can ever win.

I am writing this blog in an attempt to answer some of the doubts people always have in mind, in the simplest possible way.

1-First of all, a pageant is not only a competition, it is an experience to enjoy and celebrate being a girl/woman with pride.

2-A pageant also gives a platform where you can deliver message through poetry or speech, or if you have a special talent, you can perform too for appreciation and for the love/art of doing it.

3- It is not true that ‘Miss India’ pageant winners are always the one in best of their shape. But sometimes pageant becomes a motivation, inspiration for participants to take care of them and be physically fit. Usually I see participants get more fit after winning/or getting title because that really motivates them. This kind of thing also happens to those who just enroll.

4-I cant mention the name here, but we had a Mrs winner who was size 8 when she won the pageant and then within an year she lost so many pounds, and became size 4. Be and inspiration for others and getting inspired from them, is another motive of connecting to others through a pageant.

5-Participation in a pageant is fun too, getting yourself pampered and getting professional makeup, hair done, and learning catwalk etc--- and performing on a glamorous platform- all that is a kind of celebration and experience. Even little girls like to dress up, it is a natural phenomenon.

6- For winners and title holders, a pageant becomes a gateway to enter a life of glory and to be seen as a role model for society---an unforgettable moment of Crown and sash and number of opportunities.

7- 'Miss India New England' pageant contestants and winners stand out among other such contests because of a training/guidance provided with registration following Miss India USA and Miss India Worldwide pageant system started by Dr Dharmatma Saran and Mrs Neelam Saran of IFC NY. This includes Ethnic dress round, Evening Gown and Introduction, Talent, and On-stage Questions.

Hope you enjoyed reading the above simplified version of pageant participation.

A twist of talent: Story about Sheetal Kelkar- Mrs India New England-2014

2014 was the first year for introducing 'Mrs India New England' - a concept which I was waiting to introduce where married women could find confidence and a platform to shine because they deserve that. It was our 3rd year of pageant and Massachusetts Indian community had already embraced it, now was the turn of neighboring state New Hampshire.

Sheetal Kelkar was thinking of participating in Mrs category but I did not receive her application and deadline was close. She called one day and mentioned her interest. She seemed to be a great candidate as a participant when she told me about her being a 'Dancing Diva' group member and that she joined Miss India New England-2013 pageant as an audience. I liked the fact that she is from New Hampshire. But there was a big problem that her leg was hurt and doctor advised her complete rest and at that time could not dance, or walk comfortably and not wear heels either. So I told her that she should consider participating in 2015 instead but could always join if her condition changes. I saw her semiclassical solo dance video and she mentioned about her Bharathnatyam training too. 

Few weeks passed by, and this time she called to tell me that she can walk now and wear heels and although she could not dance, but, she had an idea. She told me about her poetry talent and also that she would like to recite that in front of audience and judges. So now we met over an appointment and I covered little bit of catwalk with her as she had missed first rehearsal. After that I saw her working very hard at every practice session and responding to emails sincerely. Her diligence, passion and the idea and courage to do her best in her situation made her win first ever Mrs India of New England in 2014 at Radisson Hotel in Chelmsford Massachusetts, and she also became first runner up at Mrs India USA which was held at Royal Alberts Palace Hotel in New Jersey.

Below is her poetry that she read at Miss India New England-2014 pageant. Hope you will enjoy!

Sheetal Kelkar- Mrs India New England 2014; Mrs India New Hampshire 2014 ; 1st Runner up Mrs India USA

----I AM REAL- By Sheetal Kelkar--- 

A journey, a sweet quest, has just begun

Unfurling the leaves of possibilities,

I don't wish to leave any unturned

My spirit is free and soaring

The lioness in me is roaring

I put every inhibition behind

Who is the real 'me'? I've set out to find

I have no doubt in destiny

That I shall emerge stronger, more powerful

The challenges thrown at me,

They are what makes life beautiful

On the other hand, do I deserve to win?

Am I that special?

Am I the rose,

Or just one of the petals?

My faith in myself

has humble roots

Wearing a hat of honesty

taking strides with optimistic boots

Some may ask

Why do this now? What's the need?

I would say well,

The hunger of my soul I have to feed

I feel my most natural self now

than ever before

Not as a teenager, not in my twenties

But this is the time I have been waiting for

I have heard it all,

Dark skinned, big boned, too tall

It is about what you have within

your personality and aura, that's all

God gave me this body

Not to hate but to appreciate

I truly started loving it

Only after the two human beings I did create

The moments of yesterday

The anticipation of tomorrow

I am thankful to God

for every joy and sorrow

Each day I discover myself better

Getting rid of the emotional clutter

I decided to follow my inner voice

I am so proud of my choice

Beautiful I am not

Because nature made me

Beautiful I am

because life happened to me

My favorite quote by Eleanor Roosevelt - " The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Some laughter moments with Monica Gill at Miss India USA-2013

Monica Gill won Miss India USA in 2013 at Royal Albert's Palace. She went there as a part of Miss India New England team after winning state prelims 'Miss India New England' and 'Miss India Massachusetts'. She also got Miss Catwalk title the same day. Within 15 minutes of her big national win, the media and her fans were around her and she was giving messages to TV channels and media sites, her hands were switching mikes and she would answer the questions as asked by TV9, Awesome TV, TV Asia, Zee TV, Malayam TV, Manan TV...and so on. After 6-7 interviews she burst into laughter at a very special moment and I did not miss recording it. Hope you enjoy!

At Miss India New England, I always talk about a famous quote from Eleanor Roosevelt that says- "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Monica Gill's winning answer at Miss India New England-2013

This blog is written as a part of week long celebration of Monica Gill's journey as a winner in pageant world. 

A girl who's eyes were on the crown since 2012. Her journey has neither been easy nor small. She became a runner up at Miss India New England -2012 and inspire of not winning the crown, she got plenty of attention from locals, social media and New England based organizations. But she could not go to 'Miss India USA'-2012. It is a difficult decision for contestants to come back next year in same competition if they did not reach the crown in previous year. But for her, staying confined to New England limits was not an option. She wanted to experience a national pageant. 

As 2013 pageant came closer, she became more and more determined about her goals. Finally pageant day arrived November 9th 2013 in Lexington Massachusetts. She became one of the top five with others Sweta Nanavati, Rucha Gor, Henal Motiwala and Ann Thomas. During on stage question- she was asked question by judge Shubhrah Chandra who is a Massachusetts based designer- "What do you think till date are your greatest achievements and biggest disappointments"? 

As logical approach matters more than public speaking skills during this round. (Basic public speaking should still be practiced). A great idea to prepare for Question-Answer round is focussed, logical approach and personal opinion (if the question is about you), while maintaining humble attitude (even if you know too much about the topic). 

I am sharing a video here and you can see how Monica Gill answers the question in a confident yet polite manner with a genuine and logical approach. I hope you also notice how she greets thank you in a Namaste pose. This is what I call a winning answer, and this is just one of many reasons she won the pageant same night and became 'Miss India New England'-2013 and went on to win national pageant in New Jersey and became 'Miss India USA'-2013. In June 2014 she became the first ever Indian girl from Massachusetts/New England to win worldwide pageant 'Miss India Worldwide'- 2014 in Dubai/Abu Dhabi. 

She completed her reign as Miss India Worldwide on September 5th 2015 and crowned another Stephanie Lohale (Miss India Oman) at Lalit Hotel Mumbai. 'Miss India New England' is celebrating her reign and beautiful journey by sharing pictures and videos of her this week. 

Monica Gill's Winning Answer at Miss India New England-2013
Click above for video!