Bennett University buzzed with excitement as the Femina Miss India 2024 winners graced its campus to motivate and engage with students. The triumphant trio—Nikita Porwal, Femina Miss India World 2024; Rekha Pandey, Femina Miss India 2024 1st Runner-up; and Ayushi Dholakia, Femina Miss India 2024 2nd Runner-up—shared inspiring stories of determination, glamour, and ambition, captivating the audience with their words of wisdom and experience.
Nikita Porwal, crowned Femina Miss India World 2024, emphasized the profound pride and responsibility of representing India on an international stage. Addressing the audience, she shared her perspective on the significance of her role. “Talking about the crowning moment and carrying this pride of India, I feel it is more of a responsibility with a privilege,” she remarked. Porwal highlighted her vision of showcasing not just modern India but also its deep cultural roots. “It’s such a significant task to showcase India on the world stage, being an ambassador for millions of girls, and being the voice of India and its deep-rooted culture. It’s not just the developed India I want to present but also our rich Sanskriti. I hope you’ll support me and Nandini Gupta, who will represent India at Miss World 2025. Let’s bring the crown home!” she added, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Rekha Pandey, the 1st Runner-up and recipient of the Times Miss Beautiful Smile and Times Miss Photogenic titles, shared her transformative journey from working behind the scenes to stepping into the limelight. “I am someone who has always worked behind the camera. I’ve spent years in a PCR room, and I was once the head of the PCR department for a reality show. But my life has taken a 360-degree turn, and now I find myself in front of the camera,” Pandey said. With a background in films and mass communication from Pune, she explained how her passion helped her overcome challenges and realize her dreams. Competing with 29 talented and experienced contestants was no easy feat, but her confidence and perseverance set her apart. “I believed in myself, and the organisation saw that potential in me,” she explained. She urged the students to always have faith in their abilities, saying, “Always trust yourself, even when the situation feels new or uncomfortable. Just trust yourself, and things will fall into place.”
Ayushi Dholakia, the 2nd Runner-up, known for her dedication to social work, focused her address on empowering young women. She highlighted the evolving perception of beauty pageants and their role in personal growth. “True beauty lies in strength and grace,” Dholakia said. Reflecting on her own journey, she spoke about how pageants now push participants to constantly strive for self-improvement. “Being young and educated in today’s society, I feel beauty pageants have come a long way. While they continue to empower aspiring women, they are also about pushing oneself to be the best version possible,” she remarked. Sharing her personal mantra, she added, “Do not wait for the right opportunities to come to you. Make the right opportunities come to you. That is what I have followed my entire life.” Her words resonated deeply with the students, who applauded her message of resilience and proactive effort.
The inspiring event concluded with an interactive and fun activity, as the winners joined students in a friendly game of Pickleball, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and celebration. The presence of these accomplished women not only filled the campus with energy but also left a lasting impact on the students, motivating them to chase their dreams with confidence and determination.
