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The Print
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Print
Meet Miss World contestants from subcontinent, no representative from Pakistan
'Pakistan has never participated in Miss World. In any case, you don't see — except in rare cases — Pakistan in international pageants in general,' said Ashwani Shukla of Altair Media, the official publicist for Miss World. A representative of the Miss World competition said this has nothing to do with the conflict. Hyderabad, May 11 (PTI) Beauties representing 110 countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh, are currently battling it out for the 72nd Miss World title in Hyderabad. But, with the military conflict between India-Pakistan in the last four days, Miss Pakistan is conspicuous by her absence. He pointed out how in 2023, when Erica Robin represented Pakistan at the Miss Universe pageant for the first time in its 72-year history, it sparked outrage in the Islamic country, with many calling it 'shameful'. This year, India is being represented by Nandini Gupta, who hails from Kota in Rajasthan. Gupta is pitching for an inclusive world, and vows to make a difference in the lives of differently-abled through her 'Project Ekta'. Gupta said in a video posted on her official Instagram account that she was inspired to work for the rights of the differently-abled after having watched her uncle struggle with polio and 'developmental delays'. 'We have created a world that does not include the differently-abled and I think righting this historical wrong is long overdue,' said Gupta in the video. Srichchha Pradhan, who is representing Nepal, is pushing for a world that pays attention to the wisdom of our ancestors. According to the official website of Miss World, Pradhan's initiative Pancha Pranali is looking to reconnect people with the nature and traditional wisdom of the indigenous communities of Nepal to solve today's problems. Her project emphasises climate action grounded in ancestral values. 'In listening to the rivers, the trees, and the animals, we are healing ourselves,' Pradhan said on her official Instagram account. 'This is not about fixing problems, but re-directing the narrative toward harmony and respect,' she added. Bangladesh candidate, Atika Konika, is, incidentally, the last one to join the gang in Telangana. Although she was the First Runner-Up at Miss World Bangladesh 2024, she was chosen to represent her nation, due to some last-minute developments, according to the Miss World representative. A certified mental health support worker, Konika said in a video posted on the Miss World YouTube channel, that her own battle with ADHD, anxiety and low self-worth was the instigator for her project, Young Mind Matters. 'Mental health is never optional. For instance, between 2023 and 2024, 984 students died by suicide in my country. With my project, I wanted to go beyond support and build a solution,' said Konika in the video. Anudi Gunasekara, Miss World Sri Lanka, for her part, is breaking taboos and transforming lives through her 'Beauty With A Purpose' project, Saheli. She focuses on menstrual health and hygiene, by providing essential products and education in schools, children's homes, prisons, workplaces, postpartum centres, and monasteries throughout Sri Lanka. 'This project is not just a part of the competition; it's a part of who I am. It was born from the stories of countless women, shaped by the struggles they face, and fuelled by a dream to create meaningful, lasting change,' Gunasekara has posted on her Instagram page, tracing her journey over the years. This year, Miss Finland and Miss Malaysia are also represented by women with Indian roots. Miss Finland, Sofia Singh, in fact, credits her diverse upbringing for resilience. According to the Miss World official site, her personal journey is also deeply influenced by her mother's migration from India to Finland. 'It is a story of perseverance that fuels my own drive to push limits, give back, and grow continuously,' said Singh. Twenty-six-year-old Saroop Roshi, who represents Malaysia, is a psychologist, model, and travel enthusiast, said the Miss World website. Roshi had posted a picture of her mother and her grandmother — rooted in their unmistakable Indian values — on this Mother's Day, to celebrate the strength of women. This is the third time India is hosting the Miss World contest. Last year, it was held in Mumbai and Delhi. But the first one was held in Bengaluru in 1996, two years after Aishwaraya Rai won the Miss World crown. The grand finale, held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, was supposedly watched by over 1 billion people in 115 countries. According to Miss World's official website, the stage at the cricket stadium was designed by celebrated film art director Sabu Cyril at a cost of nearly USD 200,000. The set was inspired by the 14th-century ruins of Hampi, the capital of the former Kingdom of Vijayanagara, founded in the middle of the 14th Century. Miss World Greece (Miss Hellas), Irene Skliva was crowned Miss World that year. Incidentally, in a war-ridden world, peace is the underlying theme for this year's contest, said Julia Morley, Chairman and CEO of Miss World Limited. 'This year's pageant reflects the spirit of world unity, peace, and cultural appreciation, and I am excited to witness the remarkable journeys of each contestant as they inspire the world,' said Morley at the opening ceremony of the beauty pageant. 71st Miss World Krystyna Pyszkova, who too won the crown in India and who will be crowning this year's winner on May 31, said, 'It is an honour to pass my crown in this incredible country once again.' PTI JR KH This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sonu Sood to be honoured with Humanitarian Award at 72nd Miss World Festival for his philanthropic services
The Miss World Organisation has announced that celebrated actor and founder of the Sood Charity Foundation, Sonu Sood, will be presented with the prestigious Humanitarian Award at the Grand Finale of the 72nd Miss World Festival in Telangana for his philanthropic work during COVID-19. The Miss World Organisation has announced that celebrated actor and founder of the Sood Charity Foundation, Sonu Sood , will be presented with the prestigious Humanitarian Award at the Grand Finale of the 72nd Miss World Festival in Telangana for his philanthropic work during special honour recognises his exceptional service to humanity and unwavering commitment to social upliftment through his foundation. The award will be conferred on May 31, 2025, at the HITEX Arena in Hyderabad as part of the festival's final addition to receiving this global honour, Sonu Sood will also serve as one of the official judges for the grand finale, joining a distinguished panel to crown the next Miss Sonu Sood expressed his gratitude for receiving the Humanitarian Award from the Miss World Organisation, saying that the award reinforces his purpose in bringing "hope, support, and dignity" to people in need."Receiving the Humanitarian Award from the Miss World Organisation is deeply humbling. It reinforces the purpose behind our efforts -- to bring hope, support, and dignity to those in need. I share this recognition with every volunteer, supporter, and life we've touched through the Sood Charity Foundation. I'm also proud to announce that the Miss World Organisation and the Sood Charity Foundation have come together to collaborate on spreading awareness for a Cancer Free World. This shared commitment will help amplify the message and bring hope to millions around the globe," said Sonu Sood as per the press note shared by Altair Media: The Official PR handle of Miss Morley CBE, Chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organisation, said they feel honoured to present the Humanitarian Award to actor Sonu Sood for his inspiring work through his Sood Charity Foundation."We are honoured to present Sonu Sood with a Humanitarian Award at the 72nd Miss World Grand Finale in recognition of his extraordinary service to humanity. His compassion, tireless dedication, and impact through the Sood Charity Foundation perfectly embody the spirit of 'Beauty With A Purpose.' Sonu Sood's work continues to inspire people across the globe, and we are proud to celebrate his remarkable contributions on our stage," said Julia Morley as quoted by the press note shared by Altair the Sood Charity Foundation and its community-led initiative, the Sonu Sood Charity Club (SSCC), has spearheaded impactful efforts in education, skill development, healthcare access, and crisis relief, particularly during the COVID-19 helping stranded migrant workers and students return home to distributing medical aid and promoting free education and employment training, Sonu Sood's work has touched millions at the grassroots level.
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Sonu Sood to be honoured with Humanitarian Award at 72nd Miss World Festival for his philanthropic services during Covid
The Miss World Organisation has announced that celebrated actor and founder of the Sood Charity Foundation, Sonu Sood, will be presented with the prestigious Humanitarian Award at the Grand Finale of the 72nd Miss World Festival in Telangana for his philanthropic work during COVID-19. Sonu Sood will be presented with the prestigious Humanitarian Award at the Grand Finale of the 72nd Miss World Festival in Telangana. (Also read: Sonu Sood asks people to wear seat belts in road safety message days after wife Sonali Sood's accident. Watch) This special honour recognises his exceptional service to humanity and unwavering commitment to social upliftment through his foundation. The award will be conferred on May 31, 2025, at the HITEX Arena in Hyderabad as part of the festival's final celebrations. In addition to receiving this global honour, Sonu Sood will also serve as one of the official judges for the grand finale, joining a distinguished panel to crown the next Miss World. Actor Sonu Sood expressed his gratitude for receiving the Humanitarian Award from the Miss World Organisation, saying that the award reinforces his purpose in bringing "hope, support, and dignity" to people in need. Sonu expressed his gratitude for the award "Receiving the Humanitarian Award from the Miss World Organisation is deeply humbling. It reinforces the purpose behind our efforts -- to bring hope, support, and dignity to those in need. I share this recognition with every volunteer, supporter, and life we've touched through the Sood Charity Foundation. I'm also proud to announce that the Miss World Organisation and the Sood Charity Foundation have come together to collaborate on spreading awareness for a Cancer Free World. This shared commitment will help amplify the message and bring hope to millions around the globe," said Sonu Sood as per the press note shared by Altair Media: The Official PR handle of Miss World. Julia Morley CBE, Chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organisation, said they feel honoured to present the Humanitarian Award to actor Sonu Sood for his inspiring work through his Sood Charity Foundation. "We are honoured to present Sonu Sood with a Humanitarian Award at the 72nd Miss World Grand Finale in recognition of his extraordinary service to humanity. His compassion, tireless dedication, and impact through the Sood Charity Foundation perfectly embody the spirit of 'Beauty With A Purpose.' Sonu Sood's work continues to inspire people across the globe, and we are proud to celebrate his remarkable contributions on our stage," said Julia Morley as quoted by the press note shared by Altair Media. Through the Sood Charity Foundation and its community-led initiative, the Sonu Sood Charity Club (SSCC), has spearheaded impactful efforts in education, skill development, healthcare access, and crisis relief, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. From helping stranded migrant workers and students return home to distributing medical aid and promoting free education and employment training, Sonu Sood's work has touched millions at the grassroots level. (ANI)
