CHENNAI: On June 19, our very own next-door-girl Anukreethy Vas from Tiruchy was crowned FBB Colors Femina Miss India World 2019. The social media was flooded with praises and blessings for the 19-year-old student of BA French Literature, Loyola College. After competing with 30 state representatives in the 55th edition, Anukreethy bagged the crown and was also titled ‘Rajnigandha Pearls Miss Beautiful Smile.’ She is already gearing up for the Miss World competition to be held in China this December. “Miss India has completely transformed me as a person. My next focus is the second crown — Miss World. The most honourable moment for me was to be crowned by Miss World Manushi Chillar. After 17 years she made India proud and now it’s my responsibility to keep the crown in our country,” says Anukreethy.
Overwhelmed by the love and affection she has been receiving, coming back to her mother in Tiruchy was a much-awaited moment. Even in a conservative society Anukreethy grew up to be a tomboy who would bravely ride a bike around the streets. The mother-daughter bond helped her come out of the cocoon and reach great heights.
“One of the unforgettable wishes was from my grandmother. She didn’t like me putting on make-up or wearing short dresses, but she burst into tears after seeing me with the crown. My friends were indeed shocked. My mother gave me all the freedom and she knew everything that was happening in my life. My mother is also my father, and my superhero. If I had had a 6 pm curfew all my life then I wouldn’t have come this far especially in the fashion industry,” she shares.
The biryani and bike lover was one of the youngest contestants in the pageant, and has had no professional training in modeling. Anukreethy’s Beauty With A Purpose project is called Agni, right to education. Not only does she run an orphanage that’s home to 30 underprivileged kids but also uplifts 30 transgenders. The diva is a staunch believer of ‘Beauty with brain and beauty with purpose.’
“While crowning me, Manushi said, ‘Be yourself in the best version possible. That’s the greatest attire you need to walk with your head held high’. There is more beyond the dusky skin and a preconceived notion that only people from a higher class can win the title. I think my ability to learn from my weaknesses with a positive attitude and acceptance helped me win,” she shares.
According to her, a Miss India is somebody who is humble, easily accessible, a role model to many and has a purpose in life. She feels that Tamil Nadu needs more awareness to identify talents. Her next goal is to work towards the Miss World title and then complete her degree. “The best of panelists and experts are grooming me for the bigger platform. I am working on my fitness, diction, diet and ramp walk. The doors are open to all kinds of opportunities in future,” she says.
Know your Miss India
Nineteen-year-old Anukreethy Vas is pursuing her BA French Literature at Loyola College, Chennai. She is a bike lover. She is working on fitness, diet and ramp walk to represent India at the Miss World competition to be held in China in December. She then wants to complete her Bachelor’s degree.