Monica Gill won the title of ‘Miss India- New England 2013’ and Shirin Bakre won the Miss India Teen. There was an audience choice award as well that was won by Arohi Shah for Miss India Teen and by Monical Gill in the senior category. 

Monica's mature response to the question ”What is your biggest achievement and biggest disappointment to date?” was touching.  "When difficulties come my way, my response to them has been varied. When I react in anger I am very disappointed. When I overcome my negative feelings and react in a positive manner it is a great achievement for me" said Monica. 

Shirin Bakre from Burlington MA was crowned ‘Miss India Teen - New England' 2013. In response to the question, “What qualities are your assets that you possess which set you apart from other contestants?”, Shirin answered very confidently that she is a very optimistic person and looks at the bright side of everything, and she is ambitious and always finishes what she has started. She also said that she is fun-loving and loyal to her friends, community and her commitments.

Aarohi Shah (Teen) and Monica Gill (Miss) became Miss Viewers Choice.  Invited guests, Dr. Manju Sheth (IMANE President, Chai with Manju host), Ms. Ranjani Saigal (Executive Director-Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation USA) and Mr. Amit Dixit (Executive Director-South Asian Art Council) helped honor the winners. 

Miss Photogenic title was won by Sweta Nanavati in the senior and Sulbha Patel in the teen category. Teen winner from state of New Hampshire was Harika Talluri. Ann Thomas was chosen as the runner up for Miss India New England.  Henal Motiwala   and Samantha Kakullavarapu won the Ms. Talented titles..

Of note were several beautiful dances and musical presentations by  Vrinda Iyer and Michaela Abraham and others. 

The contest is organized by State Director Ruchika Arora in affiliation with Miss India USA (IFC of New York). Winners will compete in the Nationals to be held in New Jersey on 23rd, 24th November at Royal Albert’s Palace hotel. Crown sponsors for this pageant were Relucir (skin and haircare), IM Wireless (Verizon wireless cellphone and  Manish Arora Real Estate and Insurance.

 â€œThanks to all sponsors, community groups, choreographers, performers, friends who have supported and attended this unique celebration of Indian heritage. My message to all contestants this year is to know about other contestants and take them as inspiration, and not competition. It is impossible to predict who is going to win. The only way to go ahead and reach goals is to enhance yourself. Hope with our community’s support, we will be able to produce Miss India Show next year too featuring contestant’s individual talents and having them talk about their personal and professional achievements and dreams/aspiration on stage", says Ruchika Arora.

For me it was a delight to be present at the event and see the wonderful youngsters whom I have known for a long time have such a beautiful presence on stage. To see my student Shirin Bakre and my dear friend Monica Gill win the titile was also a special pleasure. 

We look forward to seeing these young women grow and impact the world.