After a gap of 27 years, the Miss World beauty pageant is all set to be hosted in India. The 71st edition of the prestigious international event will take place in November/December 2023, the organisers announced on Thursday. The coveted international platform is one of the oldest existing beauty pageants and celebrates beauty, talent, intelligence and promotes charitable initiatives.
The 71st edition of the pageant will showcase the achievements of 130 national champions who will come to India to show the world what they are made of, according to the organizers. They will compete in various rigorous activities including talent showcases, sports challenges, and charitable initiatives to highlight the qualities that make them exceptional ambassadors of change. There will be several rounds to shortlist participants taking a month before the grand finale scheduled in November/December 2023.
Reigning Miss World Karolina Bielawska, who was crowned in San Juan, Puerto Rico last year will be present in the country to hand over her crown to the winner of the upcoming contest. Karolina is in the country doing social work and has been spreading awareness on issues like menstrual hygiene and environmental protection. She has also taken part in the event organised by NDMC and Aakar Social Ventures, where she raised awareness on menstrual hygiene among school girls.
The decision to host the pageant in the country was based on the country’s rich culture, its commitment to promoting diversity and passion for empowering women, said the organisers. Julia Morley, Chairperson and CEO of Miss World Organization, congratulated India on being selected as the venue for the event. She said the pageant is a global platform that brings together beautiful, intelligent, and compassionate young women from around the world to unite as one family in a spirit of friendship and cooperation.
Femina Miss India World 2022 Sini Shetty was also present at the press conference to announce that she would be representing the country at the upcoming edition of the beauty pageant. She is excited to be a part of the 71st edition and wants to show her sisters from around the world what India really stands for.
Sini Shetty, who has a graduation degree in accounting and finance, completed her Arangetram in Bharatanatyam at the age of 14. She is also a passionate dancer who has performed for Bollywood directors. She will be travelling across the country to meet and interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
NDMC and Aakar Social Ventures in collaboration with Miss World raised awareness on menstrual hygiene amongst school girls. It was a unique initiative that combined International Menstrual Hygiene Day and World Environment Day. The program was held at NDMC’s Girls High School, Janakpuri. The organization hopes to continue with this endeavour in the future. They have already reached out to more than 1000 school children across Delhi. The NDMC team along with the Miss World volunteers distributed sanitary napkins to the girl students. The event was a success with many people turning up in support of the cause.
