Flow PR client Nando’s recently sponsored the Miss India South Africa competition and Christine Marot, of our Durban office, was there to cover every detail of the event.
Miss India Worldwide, Nehal Bhogaita, came out for the occasion, and the first official event saw more than 100 high school learners at the VN Naik School for the Deaf in Newlands beyond excited when she visited them.
Nehal, the first-ever deaf holder of the prestigious Miss India Worldwide title, visited South Africa from her home in the United Kingdom as part of her ambassadorial role for 2013.
She supported the 21 Miss India South Africa contestants who vied for the local title in a pageant sponsored by Nando’s, held at the Durban City Hall on Saturday, 7 September.
Addressing the learners through her sister, Jayeesha Bhogaita, who interprets and translates her sign language, Nehal shared her heartbreaking experience as the only deaf pupil at a primary school among the hearing.
“I failed all my exams,” she said, “but when I reached secondary school I received the support I needed, and my confidence grew. Before long, I was passing all my exams.”
Apart from her stunning looks and engaging personality, Nehal also happens to be an accomplished dancer. “I feel the vibrations through my feet and count the beats,” she explained, an ability that has seen her compete in dance shows and competitions across the UK.
It was fitting, then, that the pupils entertained Nehal with a talent show. The multiple skits included mimes, a moonwalking Michael Jackson lookalike, and Xhosa dancer Zizo Sango, who flew up from the Efata School for the Deaf in Mthatha to dance for her role model.
VN Naik principal Dean Govender described Nehal’s visit as a special day for the Indian community in South Africa. “Miss India’s visit affords our learners a rare opportunity to meet an icon who they can relate to in terms of their deafness. This is a touching moment for our school and an enriching process for our learners.”
After the school visit, Christine rushed across town to Nando’s Shallcross, where the contestants, described by Christine as a host of beautiful and talented young ladies, were treated to a lunch at the newly revamped store.
“This is definitely the best lunch we’ve had this week,” quipped one of the ladies as she tucked into a roasted mealie with obvious relish. A few of her peers, who happened to be fasting, were delighted to see vegetarian meals on the menu.
Asked how winning the title of Miss India South Africa, a Nando’s-sponsored event, would impact their lives, the girls shared their expectations and aspirations for the pageant and the future.
Durban beauty Lerissa Manawar believes the pageant offers an opportunity to become a role model and to work towards alleviating violence and suffering in South Africa. She is also passionate about mentoring, and creating more awareness of the plight of vulnerable children.
Rivonia Lakraj, of Phoenix, has set her sights on “empowering young women to believe in themselves and influencing the younger generation to turn away from drugs and alcohol, and to follow a more positive and rewarding pathway in life”.
Phoenix resident Samaanika Hariparsad plans to become a role model who motivates others by displaying good morals. “I am also hoping to bring new opportunities to my community in Phoenix,” she added.
Said Balini Naidoo of Ladysmith: “The excitement of dressing up and visiting many new places is something we are all looking forward to. My message to young people is to be yourself, be caring and fulfil your dreams.”
Kashmiri Neerahoo, from Pretoria, said: “Everything backstage on the night is likely to be chaotic, but once we are on stage, everything will run with the utmost professionalism. I encourage the contestants and audience to make the most of the evening and enjoy themselves.”
Centurion-based Gabriella Seekola readily acknowledged that “all the girls are really beautiful and confident – we share the same attributes. However, we all encounter negativity at times, so I would like to encourage my fellow contestants to focus on the positive messages they receive from those who love them.”
Razel Somnath, from Park Rynie, said she has enjoyed meeting and getting to know her fellow contestants over the past week. “There has been lots of camaraderie as we help each other dress up and rehearse for the big night.”
Finally, the grand event happened on Saturday night, and the Durban City Hall came alive in a celebration of dance and song.
Now in its 22nd year, the annual celebration of Indian culture and talent, remains a social highlight for South African Indians, who added vibrancy and colour to the event with a rainbow of glittering saris.
At the end of the evening, Gabriella, a 21-year-old fourth generation South African Indian, was awarded the Miss India South Africa title. She aspires to empower hearing families to teach their deaf children, and said her supporters were “over the moon” about her win, readily acknowledging the incredible support of her friends, especially at times when she doubted herself.
“Wearing the Miss India South Africa sash marks the start of a life-enhancing opportunity for the winner,” said Gabriella. “I draw strength from a culture of respect and determination, and from the many traditions and customs that have been passed down allow me to keep in touch with my Indian heritage.”
“Nando’s has a long history of supporting South African communities and we were delighted to be able to add spice to this event,” said Mbali Mngoezulu, KZN regional manager for Nando’s South Africa. “We wish Gabriella the best of luck in her future endeavours and know she will be a great ambassador for South Africa.”
All in all, a fun week’s work – it’s not every day we get to cover a beauty pageant!