Interview! Femina Miss India World 2023 Nandini Gupta: I want to make history & bring home the Miss World crown

Nandini Gupta (Femina Miss India World 2023) is all set to represent India at the 72nd Miss World Festival pageant, which will be held at HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana, on May 31. Hailing from Kota, Rajasthan, the 21-year-old says, “It feels surreal to be able to stand on stage and proudly declare myself as an Indian representative, and that, too, when the competition is happening in my own country.”Coming from a humble farming background, Nandini says, “I’m a product of passion, purpose and a lot of courage thanks to my farming roots. I learned discipline from the soil and patience from the seasons.”Trained under some of India’s best known industry experts, Nandini’s transformation reflects what focused preparation and holistic training can achieve. The business and finance graduate will be competing in various rounds, such as Miss World - Beauty With A Purpose, Miss World - Top Model, Miss World - Multi-Media Award, Miss World - Sports Challenge, Miss World - Talent and Miss World - Head To Head Challenge.Having witnessed the challenges faced by her uncle, who lived with Down Syndrome, Nandini’s Beauty With A Purpose project Ekta champions inclusion and empowerment for the differently-abled community. Nandini’s national costume by Gaurang Shah is a rare jugalbandi of jamdani, uniting Andhra’s gold zari leheria with Maharashtra’s intricate Bangdi Mor — four peacocks in a bangle. Draped on hand-charkha khadi, the ensemble sings of heritage and craftsmanship. Her national costume has been meticulously woven over three years.She adds, “I am motivated to work harder when I see young girls wanting to be like me. As you go through the journey, you learn to express your purpose, thoughts and feelings together — that’s what pageantry is all about. The fact that this is happening in my own country is what makes it even more special. I really want to make history and win the title on my home soil. My dream of participating in a pageant began thanks to Aishwarya Rai. I also admire PriyankaChopra for the way she made a mark globally.”