Miss India UK Finals Announced

Shaadi-Esque really does get invited to some pretty awesome non-wedding events!! Friday night we were hanging out with the final 20 girls of the Miss India UK pageant, exclusively at Anaya Club, Swallow Street, Mayfair.



These finalists, all stunning in their own right, dressed up in their finest gowns, strutted their way to the centre stage and blew everyone away.

The Rules:The girls must  all be of Indian origin, between the ages of 17 and 27, never married, and are citizens, residents, or born in the country which they represent. The pageant consists of four segments - Evening Gown, Indian Dress, Talent and Question-Answer. The winners of all the various national pageants from all over the world vie for the glamorous and prestigious title of the Miss India Worldwide.

Above: 2011 winner of Miss India UK, saddened she would have to give up her crown very soon to the 2012 winner.

The night was a great opportunity to meet the girls, speak with the organisers and get into the spirit of the competition where the girls - as friendly as they are with one another - battle it out for the title of Miss India UK. And what a title it is!!

Some background on the competition: The contest really blew up in New York and has been conducted every year since 1980 and has really grown on an international level.

The title to us sitting at our desks at Shaad-Esque HQ is about being in a position to make a difference. Winning the crown of Miss India UK isn't about being the prettiest, or the most talented, it is more about what you can do with this new title. It is usually the case where having a title and a serious amount of sponsors and backing means that you have the power to change the world (a little at a time). Whether that means raising awareness for a charity; raising funds for a cause; or getting involved to bring about more support. A small child with a life threatening disease would feel no pain in the presence of a Queen.

Being a contestant in Miss India is about more than good looks, style and makeup skills. These girls battle it out to compete for an honorary title which they can make their own mark in history.

It is "the most glamorous Indian function in the world."

The Miss India pageant is the only ethnic origin to have a pageant on an international level - which says something about how significant these titles are and how hard renowned they are.

This year their charity is Water Aid who are an international nongovernmental organisation whose mission is to transform lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world's poorest communities.

Lastly I would like to congratulate Deana Uppal for winning the Miss India UK title on Saturday 4th February 2012.

Keeping you inspired!!Rachyeta xxx