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!

# Pageant Talk

New England is ready to witness young beautiful minds representing their talent and wit at ‘Miss India New England-2014’. Event will be held at Radisson Hotel in Chelmsford Massachusetts on Saturday November 29th 2014.

I would like to share some tips here for pageant preparation:

Left Shirin Bakre (Miss Teen India New England Winner -2013; Right Monica Gill-Miss India New England Winner-2013; Miss India USA and Miss India Worldwide Winner-2013/2014. Center Ruchika Arora,
 Photoshoot at Masti Photography

1-Preparation should be around your own talent and personality and not as compared to other contestants.

2-Everyone has their personal achievements, talent, skills and activities they like so avoid being nervous while getting introduced to other contestants in your category.

3- Clothes, jewelry and makeup should enhance your face and personality and should not be overpowering. 

4-Creative themes and uniqueness of chosen talent is a great idea to work on. 

5- Logic/reasoning and confidence compliment each other during Question-Answer round.

6- After practicing walk, work on face expression.

7-Start wearing your pageant shoes/heels 10 days before the show and make sure you wear them everyday and walk in them for least 10 minutes.

8- Take guidance before and during the preparation.

9-You will be able to network in a big way with contestants of your age and some other professionals during orientations and rehearsals but focussing and conserving your energy during 4 hours of pageant is a great idea.

10- Please do all above without being rude to any contestant or organizer.

Inspiring Interview for 'Miss India New England' Crown aspirants

'Pageant season' has arrived. 'Miss India New York' and 'Miss India Connecticut' have announced their winners, and 'Miss India New England' is around the corner. At this time I am sure some crown aspirants are looking for words of inspiration so I thought of sharing excerpts of this interview of relevance taken by Mrs Ranjani Saigal of Lokvani.

This interview was taken after Monica Gill won Miss India USA-2013/14 (at Royal Alberts Palace New Jersey) within two weeks of winning Miss India New England-2013( in Lexington Massachusetts). Later on, she proceeded to 'Miss India Worldwide-2014' in Abu Dhabi ( July 2014) and became the first Indian girl from New England area ever to reach that pageant and win the crown. I also shared some of my thoughts as 'Miss India New England' director.

Monica Gill -Miss India USA 2013 with Priyam Bhargava- Miss India USA-2012

 MONICA GILL (Miss India Worldwide, USA, New England, Massachusetts) 2013 / 2014

Monica, how does it feel to win the 'Miss India USA' crown?

It doesn’t feel real. Perhaps it hasn’t hit me yet. I get excited when I see my picture on the Miss India USA Facebook page or the website. Other than that I don’t feel much different. I think my mind may be subconsciously trying to keep my feet on the ground. Which is important because I want to be focused on the next step. After all, I have a community counting on me!

What opportunities do you hope this win will have for you?

I don’t expect anything from the crown. Every crown and sash provides the same thing no matter what pageant it is. Be it Miss USA or Miss India USA,  a crown and sash work as a microphone. People will be more inclined to listen to what I have to say because now I have title. I do have expectations of myself however. I still expect myself to be active in the community and to grow as a woman.

What preparations did you do to help you for the contest? 

My preparations were all mental. The Miss India USA pageant was two weeks after the Miss India New England one. There was not much I could change. The only thing different between the two was my outfit for talent. However, I did meet with a lot of people and ask for their critiques. I actively sought out constructive criticism.

How excited are you about the next level? 

I wouldn’t really call it excitement. I feel I am focused. I want to prepare to the best of my abilities and go there and give it my all. I want to make my community, my parents and the Miss India USA organization proud. Above all I want to use this experience and grow from it. I feel it will teach me something enormous as most challenging experiences do!

Monica Gill with Ruchika Arora after winning Miss India New England-2013

RUCHIKA ARORA (State Director Miss India New England for Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire)

Ruchika Arora, how does it feel to have delivered the successful candidate to the Miss India USA Pageant?  You also delivered a second runner up for the Miss Teen competition.

Having our ‘Miss India New England-2013’ win ‘Miss India USA’ feels like a dream. The last time when some one from Massachusetts got the crown, it was in 1985 - a very long time ago. Then Radhika Rao from Massachusetts got the crown.  Worldwide pageant started in 1990 so Monica Gill is the first delegate ever to go there from New England. Harika Talluri is first Miss Teen India New Hampshire and seeing her as second runner up among such strong teen contestants is another moment of pride and happiness.

What do beauty pageants look for in winners?

Overall personality gets reflected when contestants participate in multiple rounds of contest. Self confidence can be seen through the walk, facial expressions and speech. Talent and achievements can be stated in application forms, personal interviews or talent round. Reasoning, logical approach, and understanding of community and awareness about the world around us can be judged in the Question-Answer round. The most deserving at that moment gets the Crown.

What made Monica stand out amongst the competitors?

Monica is very hard working girl and she did not leave a single detail unattended. From understanding of schedule and all rounds of contest, selection of clothes, accessories, theme for talent and preparing for the question-answer session. Her idea was to improve in every aspect, and represent herself in best possible way. We also researched what made past winners different from others and realized that all of them had a very special talent and presentation.

What advice do you have for aspiring beauty pageant competitors?

Be optimistic and take guidance. The goal for a contestant should not be crown/title; it should be improvement of skills and overall presentation and personality enhancement.

(Excerpts of original interview by Mrs.Ranjani Saigal of Lokvani.original article http://www.lokvani.com/lokvani/article.php?article_id=9530)