KwaDukuza resident Caitanya Diplall is a Zee TV Miss India South Africa International 2020 finalist.
The pageant was started 28 years ago to help young women showcase their talent.
Six years ago a sister pageant was introduced — the Miss India South Africa International — which introduces young women to the world of fashion and modelling.
“Winners of this pageant have travelled abroad where they received intensive modelling training and participated in the international fashion pageant,” the KZN North Coast resident said.
“This pageant promotes women empowerment. It entails grooming, dress sense, modelling, deportment, fashion sense, etiquette training, speech and eloquence training and confidence building. It also introduce networking with fashion houses, companies, media and fellow colleagues.”
Diplall, who has been modelling for 16 years and has seven titles, hopes to grab her first international title through the pageant.
The local beauty is also using the platform, provided by the event, to start the One Hope Drive, which aims to assist the disabled, less fortunate and orphaned children. “My aim is to provide people in need with toiletries, hot meals, grocery hampers, toys and clothing items,” she said.
Currently completing her second year in a degree in education, Diplall’s confidence, charisma, bubbliness and boldness has captured the hearts of people in her community.
“Pageantry is a platform I utilise to uplift the lives of young women, children and the community,” she said.
“It allows me to voice my opinions and promote change freely.
“As a little girl, I always dreamed of wearing the Zee TV Miss India South Africa International crown with pride. Today, I am a strong finalist who confidently promotes education, equality, equity, community upliftment, emotional and mental support of abused women and children.
“I have a vision for creating a unified society, country and nation. I refuse to be remembered for the beauty or title I hold, I want to be remembered for the emblem marked on the hearts of millions actively through my title. My motto is, ‘I strand strong alone but, together we stand even stronger’.”
The winner of the Zee TV Miss India South Africa International pageant will take part in the Miss India Worldwide pageant in Mumbai.
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Diplall believes she has what it takes to win the international event, saying: “I have embarked on several drives as a finalist thus far; namely cancer drives, women empowerment programmes and feeding of underprivileged communities. This is in addition to my One Hope Drive. As founder of the One Hope Drive, I look forward to making this drive possible with the help of our community.
“I would gladly appreciate any contribution of grocery items, toiletries, old clothing items and toys. Together we can make this possible.
“Every contribution counts.”
To get involved in the One Hope Drive, phone Diplall at 072 358 5080.
