1
1
Proud moment for India – Mrs. Gunjan Nigam from Kolkata wins Miss & Mrs. Global Universal 2023 held in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Kolkata:
When you determine and put your best to achieve something it becomes a destiny. Mrs. Gunjan Nigam proved it again in Nepal by winning the crown for the glamorous beauty pageant in the first week of July 2023.
She was crowned the winner of Miss & Mrs. Global Universal, an international beauty pageant held in Kathmandu, Nepal in collaboration with Nepal Tourism. The pageant was both for married and unmarried women from Asian countries. Mrs. Gunjan won in the Queen category age group of 35 to 50 years. It is indeed a moment of pride for any individual to have made such a big impact on such a prestigious platform.
The pageant featured 21 finalists in this category from Asian countries with diverse backgrounds. The event was for 4 days i.e. from 6th July to 9th July and included a talent round, costume round, talk on social issues, fitness round, personal interview, and other rounds to judge the contestants on various parameters. The grand finale was on 9th July in which the chief guest was the Chief Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Nepal.
Mr Karl Mascarenhas, Director of DIVA pageants was in the jury along with eminent personalities from the Fashion industry and Nepali films. The event was choreographed by famous Indian choreographer Mr Prashant Ghosh.
The contestants were evaluated on the basis of their elegance, poise, communication skills, intellect, and commitment to social causes. Besides, being the overall winner, Mrs. Gunjan also got the subtitle of Mrs Congeniality.
Inspired by the theme of Indian culture and tradition she swept the heart of the people and judges. Mrs. Gunjan got special applause in the costume round wherein she dressed up as Goddess Durga. Gunjan adds “ Kolkata is a wonderful city known for its rich culture and heritage. Ma Durga is a revered deity in Bengal and Bengalis are firm believers in her shakti and love to worship her. So, being from Kolkata. I decided to represent the culture of Kolkata by dressing up as Goddess Durga, the epitome of women’s empowerment. The costume was conceptualized and designed by local artists in Kolkata.”
Mrs. Gunjan Nigam is an educationist and has worked in different schools in teaching and administrative capacities. She is not only an educated young woman but also a beauty with the brain and heart of a true philanthropic angel. An avid social worker, she is the President of a women’s welfare organization and has recently opened up an elementary school(up to class-5) for underprivileged children in Kaiser Street Sealdah. She loves to be with kids and nurture them. With minimal 100₹ fees, free books and free dress are provided under the “Chahak Kids Academy” under the banner of Eastern Railway Women’s Welfare Organization(ERWWO).
She is the mother of two grown-up children, a daughter who is a management professional, and a son pursuing engineering. She further adds “After getting married at a young age, I pursued my post-graduation and once my children were grown up, I decided to step out to make my dream of participating in a pageant come true. I first participated in Mrs. Royale International 2022 held in New Delhi and was the second runner-up. This gave a boost to my confidence and I worked hard to make my mark in this international pageant. My family always motivated me to follow my dreams. I want to set an example for other married women to also pursue their dreams and not let age be a hindrance.”
Originally from Jhansi and currently living in Kolkata, Gunjan considers herself pan-Indian as she has experienced the flavour of living and studying in different cities across India, owing to the transferable job of her father and husband, Mr. Dipak Nigam(DIVISIONAL RAILWAY MANAGER OF EASTERN RAILWAY). She currently prefers to juggle her social work, and her family commitments and pursue her dreams.
Her concept of inner beauty is a subject for the admiration of all. Definitely, her work and achievements will inspire many in the railways family and beyond.
