ZEE TV Miss India South Africa KwaZulu Natal 2021

Entries Now Open...

Entries have opened for the Miss India KwaZulu-Natal-Natal Pageant which is due to be held at the City Hall, Durban on July 27.

This event is open to young women between the ages of 17 and 28 who have NEVER been married, is not a parent and is proficient in a talent.
No less than 10 contestants will be chosen to take part in the Miss India south Africa Pageant which is due to be held in Durban on December 7.
Candidates wanting to take part should apply here

There are two clothing sequences in this event, one Western and the other Eastern. But it is the three minutes on stage which each entrant is given to showcase her talent which is the heart of this contest. The Miss India south Africa KwaZulu-Natal Pageant has a number of other attractions which including showcasing young talent, singers, dancers and musicians and fine art proteges.

All would be entrants are urged to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Current  ZEE TV Miss India South Africa KZN : Serisha Maharaj

First Princess : Ranelle Haripersad

Second Princess : Priya Sooful

2019 Contestants

Bronwyn Ragavan

Bronwyn Ragavan

“You could rattle the stars, you could do anything, if you only dared” – Sarah J Maas

Hi there, I’m Bronwyn. I’m employed as a trainee accountant by day and by night I’m exploring the infinite worlds woven in the rich tapestry of storytelling. Sometimes I’m slaving over the intricacies of furthering my accounting studies, which I hope will lead me to a chartered accountant certification, and in the moments I can spare, immersing myself in the richness of religion.

As a novel enthusiast I often find myself drawn to stories with strong, resilient female leads, that through the subtle art of reflective imagination, inspire me to embrace my own femininity while also using it as a platform to pivot myself and others into the strongest direction. From the encumbrance of transforming society’s wildly quixotic notions of beauty, to realizing my independence through further education, I believe that building confidence is now more compelling than ever.

For me, this opportunity will provide a foundation to overcome insecurities and become a stronger voice and image of empowerment in both the female and broader communities. A journey to lose one’s footing momentarily but find oneself in the process.

Herusha Gopaul

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” –  Walt Disney

Pageantry should be the transformation of one’s life, whether you win or lose, it should set a positive impact by not only changing a person but creating a ripple effect by lending a helping hand in one’s community, country and the future generation yet to come.

My Name is Herusha Gopaul. A delightful young lady who is passionate about Life, Love and everything in between. I believe in Happiness and that a happy heart makes a happy person thus a happy world. I am driven, driven by an Omnipotent, Omniscient, and omnipresent power that denies me to never settle for average. I am 22 years old and currently studying towards a Diploma in Civil Engineering.

I am fortunate that I come from a close knit and supportive family who have instilled strong morals and unshakeable values thus I am able to live a life based on Integrity.

It is very important to realise that although we may often fail to live up to each other’s standards we must never fail to live together as Human Beings. I live to leave a mark, footprint and to make a mark wherever I go. 

Kirti Sookoonandan

Introduction for Brochure

‘’Let your light shine. Shine from within so that it can shine on someone else’’ – Oprah Winfrey.

In my high school career, I excelled in debating on a provincial level as well as other public speaking competitions. Those encounters allowed me to undergo training, travelling as well as exposure to so many new experiences, despite hailing from a humble background. I fully embraced where I came from, who I am and my upbringing, as something I should be extremely proud of. I have worked tirelessly to achieve every goal I have set for myself through hard work and not giving up on following my dreams no matter what challenges I faced. I have my own car, a successful career and am financially independent after pursuing my studies at University level in Psychology. Most of all, I believe the individual you grow up to become and the purity of your heart is your biggest achievement. I spend my free time helping others selflessly as this is what provides me the most personal fulfilment. I have been engaged in service to the senior citizens, youth as well as food relief in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

My dream is to inspire every single young lady I meet to forget all the labels that exist in the world. Do not let anyone label you as coming from a small town, humble home etc. Break free of others opinion and shine.

Layyah Osman

 “Incredible things can be done simply if we are committed to making them happen.” –       Sadhguru

I am a nineteen year old student who has just embarked on a course of study in aviation – I want to be a commercial pilot which I believe will enable me to have a job in the top end of the market place.

It would also enable me to be of service to those who are less fortunate than I am. I am the oldest of four siblings and I know that I have to make wise choices so that I am able to one day be in a position to dispense good advice to my siblings.

The Miss India South Africa Pageant has always played a role in my life. For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be part of the bright lights, the glamour and to share in some of the glory. I believe that the performing arts is a wonderful avenue in character building. For five years, I have been studying drama at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

Drama is the avenue in which I chose to enhance my journey in life. It takes me to various locations around the world, to be able to be and test various characters and to escape into many wonderlands. It allows me to understand various people, their adventures and lessons which would otherwise escape me. Furthermore, it allows me to explore my emotions and for me to take to new horizons.

Mageshni Naidoo

Dance with fairies, ride a unicorn, swim with mermaids, chase your dreams.

Greetings, I am Mageshni Naidoo. A young ambitious, passionate, go-getter, currently studying for a Bachelor of Education degree, after obtaining a Higher Certificate in Event Management in 2018.

I have been a dancing since I was 3 years old and what started as a hobby, became my passion. It has changed my life and exposed me to many opportunities. My dream is to one day open a non-profit dance school in my community, so that I may give back and help better the lives of others through the performing arts.

My passion and love for children guided me to a career in Foundation phase Teaching. To be able to mould and shape the young minds of our children and future leaders whilst still having fun and enjoying their childhood is food for my soul. As I grow older, I hope to try my best and keep the child within me alive. 

Participating in this contest means a lot to me as I am a big fan of women empowerment and having this platform, I can show young women that regardless of where you come from, or what to wear, YOU can be amazing and make a difference, as we all have greatness within us.

Melisha Munian

I raised from a small town called phoenix in the Greenland’s of Kwa Zulu-Natal, being the eldest of 3 siblings.

I have completed my matric at Northmead Secondary School in 2016. Thereafter I took to the skies to begin my studies at Skyy Aviation Academy. At Skyy I studied Air Travel with Customer Services and Cabin Crew. I graduated in 2018 as a qualified licenced Cabin Crew member along with many other qualifications under my belt.

I believe with God on your side nothing shall be impossible. Our wings already exist all we need to do is take flight.  

This pageant is a platform for us as women to voice our choices and opinions to encourage one and other. We women not only love diamonds but are strong like them. Never be deceived by appearances, for true beauty is found within.

My strength comes from my Lord and Saviour, my happiness comes from my family and friends and lastly my motivation to succeed comes from my desire helping those less fortunate and to empower women. I am dynamite in a small package.

“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness”- Oprah Winfrey.

Miresha George

I am 23 years old, born and raised in Durban. I am currently in my final year at the University of South Africa where I am doing my degree in Early Childhood Education. The future of our world begins at the foundation of a child’s learning and development. I feel that is the most rewarding stage of a child’s life.

Ambition is something instilled in me from a very young age.At the age of 15 I graduated in the ancient art form Bharatha Natuym and attained the title of Kumari Miresha George. I received my Teachers Diploma in dance at the age of 17 and decided to give back to the community with charity work and classes for young girls. At the age of 18 I had qualified in Aviation. Whilst working in the field I realize my heart belonged to the youth and I’m better off making a difference in a young child’s life. Which is when I applied to start studying teaching part-time.

I have had many exciting opportunities to share the stage with some amazing people and artists from across the country as well as a few Zee stars, charity fairs as well as a few initiatives with various charity organizations.

I believe there’s nothing one cannot do with hard work, dedication and commitment. Respect the people around you no matter what their status. Keep aiming for your dreams and one day you will catch it.

“You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.” – Oprah Winfrey

Nerissa Naidoo

Namaste.

My Name is Nerissa Naidoo, also lovingly shortened to Nisa, by family and friends. I am 21 years of age and I live in a town called Phoenix. I have always been a very ambitious and compassionate young woman. I enjoy helping the people around me in every way that I can.

I completed my Matric , in 2014. Thereafter, I volunteered at the local library for a year, teaching creative skills to senior citizens (need I say it was a huge success and a lot of fun). I then studied Chemical Engineering for 3 years and now I am currently employed in a very reputable chemical company.

I honestly never pictured myself as being a finalist in such a prestigious pageant, I always saw myself as just a regular girl. However, i am grateful for the opportunity and I am proud to say that ,My aim for being in the Zee Tv Miss India SA pageant, is to Represent and inspire the majority of women who do not always feel like they fit in , or feel less beautiful because of their size, color or little imperfections.

My motto being :
We are all different, and that’s Beautiful!

Preshnee Murugas

“Beauty Is Skin Deep” this is my mantra.

I am Preshnee, 21 and a very proud finalist of the MISA.

I am a very bubbly person and believe that laughter is indeed the best medicine which is why I love to laugh. I am a dancer and a complete bookworm.

Being a MISA finalist I see this an opportunity for me to inspire, encourage and motivate other young ladies to believe that they are beautiful regardless of their weight.

I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and due to that I was constantly bullied during my schooling years for being overweight.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is really common amongst us young ladies so by entering this paegent I hope to use this as a platform to show that outer appearances don’t matter,it’s what’s on the inside that really matters cause BEAUTY IS INDEED SKIN DEEP.

Beauty is not measured by the size of a girls waist,its measured by what’s in her heart. Every girl deserves to feel beautiful and I hope that if they read this it will inspire them to also enter this paegent to showcase their talent and let their inner beauty shine through.

We as women need to encourage each other so ladies let’s be our own kind of BE-YOUtiful.

Priya Sooful

“Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength”. – G.D Anderson. I am Priya Sooful, 20 years old and currently studying towards my Bachelor Of Education Degree at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal.

My inclination for my studies is drawn by the urge to educate and empower the youth of today as they are the future leaders of tomorrow and as a teacher in training, I believe that we are not just teachers, we are managers of the world’s greatest resource, children. I will also use my platform as an educator to empower women both locally and globally and be a voice to the voiceless.

I have a passion for the performing arts. Being a dancer is like having a spring in my step and due to my artistic mind set, I view the whole world as my stage. Apart from dancing, I pride myself in being a drama student as Drama provides me with a platform that not only makes me more confident but also allows me to explore a roller coaster of emotions whilst embodying the persona of various characters. Hence, I have become highly relatable and understanding to the various types people and their circumstances making me humble enough to humanise instead of criticise.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, friends and my teachers for supporting me as well as my parents for being the wind underneath my wings and allowing me to turn my dreams into a reality as I believe that a girl with dreams becomes a woman with vision.

Priyanka Govender

No sacrifice No victory

I believe that the world is a place full of opportunities and we as individuals should try and make a difference each day. Hailing from Chatsworth, being born just after six months of gestation, entering this world by a challenge itself, I defied the odds and ever since never stopped being victorious. Raised by a single parent and two older siblings whom served as my pillars of strength, I took on the universe and its vices.

At the age of 13 having lost my sight due to keractoconus, a visual disorder, I felt the weight of the world closing in on me. After undergoing a corneal transplant two years later, I used my experience to motivate and inspire others. Not only am I headstrong and fearless but have a passion at making people happy as helping others is my way of gaining courage and gave me the confidence to strive for the best.

Persuing a degree in Geography and environmental sciences as I am passion about environmental conservation, and I am to be a body of encouragement and motivation each day by taking the steps in achieving my goals. By sharing my story with you I want to show you that nothing and no one can stop you from embracing your true self and even if it kills you, never stop believing in yourself.

Priyanka Sookdaw

‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.’ – Winston S.Chruchill

Namaste

My name is Priyanka Sookdaw. I am 23 years of age and currently in my 3rd year of studies in a BCom marketing degree. Our beautiful, colourful nation needs young, vibrant minds in the field of commerce to take the rein and assist in transforming the economy to cater for the serious crisis of a lack of employment which is close to my heart.

My fervor for the performing arts has led me to the doors of West End Academy where I qualified in Drama and Bollywood dancing.

My qualities includes integrity, respect, peace, love and truth which I earnestly promote.

My life so far has been an amazing journey filled with laughter, pain, sorrow and joy however I will not change a moment of it because it has moulded and shaped me into the person I am.

I am extremely humbled by being a finalist in this renown pageant which pays homage to my roots.

I hope to use this esteemed platform to dedicate my time in aiding the community in different projects so as to spread kindness, peace, truth and humility.

‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others’ – Mahatma Gandhi.

Raeesa Ali

“Let your smile change the world…but don’t let the world change your smile…be you and you will never go wrong”

Greetings, I am Raeesa Ali 21 of age and a proud finalist in the Zee Tv Miss India South Africa 2019 pageant.

My parents (Rohida & Junaid) would know how and what it took me to stand this high and proud to get to were I am today. I am self powered ,goal driven,very ambitious,big hearted,open minded and outgoing individual. I believe behind every successful women is herself with a kind heart brave spirit and fierce mind.

I am a self taught dancer and enjoy dancing it keeps my mind at peace and my soul calm.As I was given the opportunity to participate in many fundraising events and also fashion shows which was held at Sibaya by Big M Production which became a hobby for me my goal in life is to open a modeling school to teach those who can’t afford to pay fees. I was also crowned Miss Newlands at the age of 9 and also crowned Miss SPL 2018 by a car show organization.

I was given this opportunity by Culture India Pageant I put myself out there and become recognized to other organizations.

As a young lady I am ready to take risks and put myself out there encouraging other females like me that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

I would like to also take this opportunity to thank my parents and also my best friend and sister Nasheen for making my dreams into reality.

I bring this message to you with dignity and respect… I aim to become your next ambassador.

Revashnee Naidoo

“The greatest moments in life are not concerned with selfish achievements, but rather with the things we do for others.” – Walt Disney

My name is Revashnee Naidoo. I am a highly motivated 27-year-old who grew up in the modest suburb of Newlands West.

I have been very fortunate to have had a cherished youth, and along my journey to adulthood I have been equally fortunate in my experiences. These have left a lasting impact on me and is a primary reason for my eventual career trajectory into my current role as a Quality Manager in one of the leading IT organizations here in South Africa.

Walt Disney is one of my many role models.

His early work in the 1930’s – “a drawing of Mickey Mouse” has inspired millions and continues to do so even today.

I believe this is what true inspiration is.

Just a single thought or action – a single moment in your life – that may create a ripple affect around the world, uniting generations whilst spreading happiness, positive influence and a shared perspective. 

Of course, we all can’t be Walt, but what matters is having the courage to think or act in the hope of inspiring just one person and knowing in that, you have contributed to the ripple.

Saiyuri Maharajh

The kindest words ever said to me was…,

woman like you drown oceans,

A perfect mix of passion and perseverance , and a heart filled with devotion.

23 years ago , a premature baby girl was born , and coming from a family of Sai baba devotees, my grandmother said :” This is God’s Child, and we shall name her Saiyuri Maharajh”.

If you want to reap financial blessings , you have to sow financially. Being raised by a single parent , in less than average conditions , I understood the importance of education ; career and it’s relative essence to a successful lifestyle.

As an individual that has always been intrigued by the power and pride of the navy industry. I had ventured off into shipping and customs after matriculating, where I had completed a 3 year shipping qualification whilst attaining 3 consecutive distinction pass rates , and a first place position in freight forwarding and customs, due to which I was given an opportunity of a paid learner ship to work for M.S.C.

I was thereafter employed by Vanguard Logistics Services, where I now work the position of an import controller. I am an independent, goal orientated women that does not wait around for anyone to validate my existence , as rightfully said” fortune favours the Bold , fortune favours all those courage’s enough to go for gold.

Similarly , my dreams and aspirations have become the sole purpose of my life- with my greatest aim being the fulfilment of every happiness wished upon by my parents.

Shiara Ramdath

“We must accept finite disappointments, but never lose infinite hope.” –  Martin Luther Kind Jnr.

I am Shiara Ramdath, a 20-year-old who hails from a town south of Durban called Shallcross. I have achieved my national diploma and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Technology in applied science.

I subscribe to strong attributes of religion and spirituality together with cultural values as laid down by my parents. This has defined me as a well-grounded individual being focused and who aspires to create positive bearings amongst all living species. As a participant of the Miss India SA, it provides me with fruitful opportunities to interact with my community thereby inculcating my aspirations to help those in need.

Although I do not have any accolades in the “pageantry arena,” this pageant provides a catalyst to an unlimited potential exposure, thus bringing out the best in myself and achieving desired results. This prestigious event will permit me to fully embrace the activities of a true ambassador.

I have always believed that “if your will to succeed is stronger than your fear to lose, then the impossible does not exist.”

Shresta Dipooa

Namaste

I am Shresta Dipooa, I am 21 years of age, born and brought up in Isipingo Durban.

As you all know a girl’s best friend is her dad and her role model is definitely her mom, that’s my situation. My dreams and goals for the future consist of me getting into the field I have studied which is aviation, I have always wanted to travel the world and explore new cultures, people and most of all new places, it’s who I am, I have successfully qualified in my aviation course so fingers crossed for me I progress very soon.

Being 21 with 2 smaller sisters can be very frustrating, but they help me in learning something new about myself every day, being the eldest is not easy as I have to set examples and level of respect.

I classify myself as a strong independent woman, built on good morals and respect, I am the type of person who would rather be cut short so someone else can smile with happiness. I always try to go out of my way with everything that I do and if it was not for my parents I would not be the woman I am today.

Tamana Dhaja

I believe in a holistic approach to life and I lead my life accordingly. I am Tamana Dhaja, a 20 year old with a strong mindset and an outgoing and ambitious persona residing in the beautiful town of Umzinto. I believe in hard work and perseverance and leading a life of integrity, honesty and kindness.

I am a final year student at UKZN majoring in Psychology and I aim to eradicate the stigma attached to attending therapy. Additionally, I have been involved in the performing arts since the age of 6 and enjoyed dancing which is my passion. I was also casted as an extra in “Mowgli” and a few years ago a Miss UniWorld South Africa Finalist.

I also received a bronze medal at the Science Expo in high school and was in various leadership positions. Volunteering and assisting in charity events is close to my heart. Currently, I am the Secretary of the Student Society of Psychology which enables me to be involved in various other events and reach out to a larger mass of people.

Materialistic success cannot be enjoyed unless there are others to share it with. “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – the world is one family

Tia-tyrone Naidu

My name is Tia-Tyrone Naidu. I am 19 years old and currently studying towards my bachelor of commerce in law degree. Once I obtain this degree, I wish to go on and do my LLB and one day become a humanitarian lawyer. As helping people and trying to make their life a tad more better is all that I want to accomplish in mine.

From above you will notice that I am a very passionate person, I also try to involve myself in many matters of the community. It is for this reason that I am a proud member of Rotary International and a well known volunteer at my local child welfare. As well as on my civic committee in my residential area.

Other issues that I take very seriously is women empowerment, education and saving our oceans.

Heritage, religion and traditions have played paramount importance in my upbringing. As I was taught that I should be proud of who I am and where I come from.

The Zee TV Miss India South Africa KZN pageant will definitely give me the platform that I need to air my concerns and make bigger changes than what I’ve already done as now people will have to listen to me,  before it was easy to ignore me but now with this platform, even if they do not want to listen to me, at least they will hear me.