By Reena Koak

Yes, we did it in year 2016 with getting a Universe title in our kitty and we take pride in putting ourselves (Indian-Australians) on the world pageant map. To bring honour to the country is the greatest achievements of all as we represented ‘Australia’ at International level.

Miss India Australia Corporation in association with Maharaja Haveli completes five years of bringing pride and honour to Indian-Australian community in Australia.

With our continued beautiful journey with MIAC-Touch the Soul pageant, we look forward with enthusiasm to carrying on the MIAC legacy. This year offered MIAC showcasing its core ideology of ‘where there is a will, there is a woman’ & ‘empowering men to be best’ which was judged by Karisma Kapoor- Bollywood diva as chief judge on 25^th September where the panel of judges chose one extraordinary female/male winners in three categories Miss/Mrs/Mr India Australia 2016 to represent at international pageant amidst glitz, glamour and paparazzi. All contestants went through gratification but the winners stand to gain runs into admiration, along with fame that transcends everything else and allows them to act as great ambassadors for their community and work for their charity. As a prize we offered our winners direct entry to Supermodel Universe 2016 held in Bulgaria with all expenses paid (hotel, food, accommodation, entry to international pageant was sponsored by organisors and assistance with flight tickets) and there they were all ready to fly accompanied by National Director.

We started our journey as Team Australia to Sofia, Bulgaria with Miss/Mr India Australia 2016. (Neekita Naidu & Pavreet Singh Gill) with all support & best wishes from our co –organisers (Mr.Satinder Benepal). We were stunned to see all beautiful delegates from different parts of the world who had been modelling for minimum 8-10 years. That was reflection of multiculturalism that we got to see where we have 40 delegates from all corners of the world and don’t have a common language.

Neekita Naidu –Miss India Australia 2016 , dusky and svelte model with immense modelling experience stunned everyone on day two itself winning the title of  “Miss Best Body” at a fashion show held at Princess Casino, Sofia.

I did train them making them wake up until 12 midnight practising catwalk in hotel lobby and motivating them with positive energy to walk away from the crowd and do their best. I didn’t want to go home empty handed as it was the best prize we could offer our winners. After speaking to other delegates from other countries we found out they had paid hefty amounts by themselves to enter the competition and even paid flight tickets by themselves. We as organisers of MISS/MRS/MRS India Australia felt proud of offering all this  to our winners as a prize.

After wining our subtitle on Day 2, Team Australia got confident and then there was no looking back. We outshone everyone on each day until final day.

The Supermodel Organisation offered me to be on judging panel from Day 2 itself which I accepted wholeheartedly.

And there was final day after all the screening was done. We were all set to perform. I advised our delegates not to argue with anyone as there were random judges. Even the designer who was offering their clothes came out to be a judge. Delegates were watched and screened every moment.

The massive stage was set up in centre of the beautiful city Sofia at a five star Hotel Ramada International. We observed a sit down dinner concept and waited for each country to showcase their outfits and come on the ramp. I had been very lucky with No.4 and advised Neekita to ask to be contestant no. 4 on the final day and somehow she got it. I had a feeling we would rule that glorious night. And then after all different rounds the final winners were announced. Team Australia nailed it. Pavreet Singh Gill was announced ‘Aesthetic Body ‘(Subtitle) and made in top 5 in men’s category and ‘Australia’ –Neekita Naidoo was announced MISS SUPERMODEL UNIVERSE 2016.

We all were elated, happy and celebrating our win. Thereafter we went to Sofia’s best nightclub to celebrate as a whole team of Supermodels and had a night tour of Sofia City.

It was one of its kind of experience where one can feel short of words. It was hectic as one fashion show after the other, random judging at every moment and then they do enjoy meeting delegates from other countries but we are glad to train them in house and add on to whatever experience they carry.

We are glad to provide opportunities and open door to right talent and I am happy to gush about it.

(Ms Reena Koak is the National Director, Miss India Australia Corporation and Oceanic Director, United Nations Pageant LLC/Global United).