Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)
Updated
Mangaluru, Apr 6: "Two months ago when I was sitting in my classroom at AJ Institute of Medical Sciences and listening to lectures, I never thought I would be on this platform today. The last two months have been an incredble journey. Hailing from a small town that has a great heart, I cannot express my gratitude. Words are just not enough. I really thank Mangaluru for its consistent support," said Aafreen Vaz, who was recently crowned first runner-up at Femina Miss India 2015 pageant.
Addressing a press meet at Hotel Gateway here on Monday April 6, the Mangaluru beauty who will represent India at Miss International 2015 said, "My focus is now on the international pageant. I want to portray Mangaluru, India and myself in the best possible way on international platforms. I dream of bringing the crown home."
Replying to a question, she said, "I am the only winner to launch my own organization for poor children and women with breast cancer. It will take shape within a month. I am very fond of kids and I would like to work for underprivileged children and provide them education. I want to create awareness on breast cancer among women in India and for this cause I plan to auction all my costumes after my international pageant to raise funds. I also plan to organize a first-of-its-kind coastal women's marathon to create awareness on breast cancer."
Asked about how she plans to manage her studies while preparing for the upcoming international pageant, Aafreen who is in third year MBBS, said, "I do not want to compromise on my studies. During the time of international pageant I may have to take a break from academics. I may finish my studies late, but I will definitely graduate."
On who she looks to for inspiration, she said, "I admire Sushmita Sen for her passion for welfare of girl child, a subject that is close to my heart too. She is a woman of substance and I am inspired from her."
To a question on how her family supported her, she said, "My family has been a great inspiration. When I won the competition, for the first time I came to know my mother has a loud voice! I could not see their happiness but I could feel it over the phone. I thank my family for their support."
Asked about her Mangaluru roots, she said it is 'very complicated' and 'long' and would explain on some other occasion. She added that she has been studying in the city for the last two-and-a-half years.
On her message for aspiring models and beauty pageant contestants, she said, "There is a lot of pressure and many challenges. There is a difference between modelling and contesting in a beauty pageant. If you have the confidence then you must take it up. Mangaluru has lot of potential and I want to see many more young talents on this platform."
Charan Suvarna of FashionABCD was present.
Earlier Report
Miss India runner-up Afreen Vaz accorded warm welcome, thanks Mangaluru
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)
Mangaluru, Apr 6: Mangaluru girl Aafreen Rachel Vaz who recently won the runner-up crown at Femina Miss India 2015 and would now be representing India at Miss International 2015 pageant, was accorded a warm welcome at Mangalore International Airport here on Monday April 6, where she arrived from Mumbai.
Speaking to media persons who thronged the airport, Aafreen thanked profusely thanked Mangalureans for supporting her and said, "I am extremely happy to be back Mangaluru. During the flight I could neither sleep, sit nor stand as I was so restless and excited to come to Mangaluru.
"Coming to Mangaluru is like coming back to my roots. My friends, teachers and everyone are full of warmth and I am specially grateful to Charan Suvarna (of FashionABCD) and family for their support. Mangaluru has given me the highest support in my month-long journey in Miss India contest. I cannot thank you enough," she said.
"Right now I have this crown on my head and I will soon be representing India on international platforms. It is only because of Mangaluru. Thank you all for coming to support me even though it is weekday. I am very happy to see the crowd here," she added.
Asked how could she could balance between her studies (medicine at AJ Institute) and preparations for the Miss India pageant, she replied, "I am studying medicine at AJ Institute. My college has been extremely supportive. While I was away for one month, I got all my lectures via phone. The management especially chairman A J Shetty and vice-president Prashant Shetty were extremely supportive. I will again discuss with them as how to balance between studies and prepare for the international pageant. But of course, I will pursue my studies."
On her experience at the pageant, she said, "It was a very tough competition. All the contestants were very competitive and focused, and knew exacty where they were going. The pageant is getting better every year."
Asked about her future plans she said, "I want to focus on my international pageant right now, because the organization (Miss India) is investing a lot on me and I am investing a lot on myself. I am getting the best trainees and the best experts are guiding me, so my current focus is on the international crown; but I will balance my studies also as medicine is also my passion."
Charan Suvarna and Anupama Suvarna of FashioonABCD received her along with Laxman Sunder and the faculty from AJ Institute. Aafreen's friends and airport authorities also accorded her a warm welcome.