In Conversation with Krithi Nanthan - Miss India Teen NE 2012

Gauri: What motivated you to be a participant for the contest last year?

Krithi: I heard about the pageant from a couple of friends and initially, I was apprehensive to join because I was extremely busy with school and I felt I couldn’t be fully committed. However, my family encouraged me and even today I thank them for it. Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today and I would never have won Miss India Teen New England 2012 along with Miss Photogenic. After attending the practices, I felt a sense of confidence and that motivated me to become a part of the pageant experience.

Gauri: What was the most exciting and memorable part of the participation for you?

Krithi: The best part of participating was just being able to showcase my attributes on stage and meeting other wonderful girls from the New England area. Everything from getting hair and makeup done to answering the questions posed by the judges was exciting! The most memorable part would have to be hearing my name as the winner as the first Miss India Teen!  It was a completely novel experience which I will never forget.

Gauri: What did this title mean to you?

Krithi: For me, this title isn’t just a crown and a sash, but it is a huge responsibility. I should be able to use the influence to serve my community and do good for others and also, motivate others to do the same.

Gauri: How did winning change you as a person?

Krithi: This title definitely made me a better person. I am much more confident in my abilities, and am a better public speaker then I was before. I have gained more insight into learning how to be a more poised young woman and I feel I am much more involved in the Indian American community then I was before.

Gauri: Did winning this title open up any new doors for you?

Krithi: Yes, this pageant experience definitely opened new doors to me. After winning, I acted in the NE Hindi Manch Chitrahaar play and became a part of the organization. Early this year, I represented Massachusetts in the first ever Miss India Teen USA pageant, hosted by IFC, in New Jersey and was able to meet many talented Indian -American girls from across the country. I also attended and emceed several charity fundraisers for Saheli, Sankara Eye Foundation, Sankara Cancer Foundation, and many others. This summer, I volunteered at a Cancer Hospital and talked at an all-girls’ school to inspire them to be successful women, using my title as an influence. In the coming week, I will be representing the my title at the Diwali in Boston show by dancing to a medley of Bollywood songs. Overall, I feel I got exposed to many influential people in the New England Indian - American community and am looking forward to getting even more involved in my community in the future.