Best B-day Gift! Diya Kumar Celebrates Her Win in ‘Asia Pacific Princess 2018’ on Her 14th B-day
Diya Ravi Kumar celebrated her 14th Birthday on 9 July 2018 with her parents, relatives, and friends at her residence after coming back from Thailand, winning IInd Runner-Up in the Asia Pacific Princess 2018 and Three Sub-Titles as -“Best Evening Wear”; “Best Talent”, and “Best Overall” in among all the Categories from Kids to Teen-I bet this may be the ‘Best Birthday Gift’ she got so far, by winning all these Titles!
Mangaluru: What a proud moment for Diya Ravi Kumar bagging the IInd Runner-Up in the Asia Pacific Princess 2018 and Three Sub-Titles as -“Best Evening Wear”; “Best Talent”, and “Best Overall” in among all the Categories from Kids to Teen, and that too on reaching Her 14th Birthday, which was on 9 July 2018, and it was celebrated in pomp amidst her parents, her two lovely twin sisters, relatives and friends at her residence. I bet Winning all these Titles was the ‘Best Birthday Gift’ she got so far!
Mirror.. Mirror on the Wall.. Diya is the prettiest among all! Fringe or no fringe, for this ravishing and stunning Mangalorean teen with a lot of gusto and a resplendent personality, Diya Ravi Kumar had outclassed the rest of the contestants to win the II nd Runners Up in the “Asia Pacific Princess 2018′ and Three Sub-Titles as -“Best Evening Wear”; “Best Talent”, and “Best Overall” in among all the Categories from Kids to Teen-. Gorgeous, honest and extremely talented are the few words that could describe Diya, and the way she interacted with Team Mangalorean during an exclusive interview, her honesty and positivity seemed to be pretty impressive.
A beauty pageant or beauty contest is a competition that mainly focuses on the physical beauty of its contestants, although such contests also incorporate personality, intelligence, talent, and answers to judges’ questions as judged criteria. Beauty pageants remain one of the oldest and well-known symbols of sexism in society today. However, the fact remains that beauty pageants still celebrate and reward a narrow view of feminine beauty. Many females who participate in beauty pageants contribute more to society than many would have expected in the past. By their very nature, beauty pageants support the idea that, for girls/women, any noteworthy success or accomplishment should ideally be presented in a pretty package – conventional feminine attractiveness being the package in question.
The ‘Asia Pacific Princess 2018’ Pre-Teen Pageant had provided a fascinating glimpse into how Indian standards of femininity have been defined, projected, maintained, and challenged. The pageantry had given a chance for young teens like Diya to unleash their talents and expose their beauty. But what one realizes beyond that is their warm and straightforward attitude towards life – beautiful, inspiring and infectious. With a stunning personality, anyone would envy Diya’s superb physique and flawless skin. She seems incredibly sharp, intelligent, confident and poised, and she was unbelievably good while interviewing. Being a winner in pageant has been a dream of hers for so long that the reality of winning is yet to sink in. She is just trying to appreciate every single moment of FIRST invaluable accomplishment.
Diya Kumar has always understood fashion and style to be an expression of the unique and beautiful inner self of each individual person. Her style prior to this pageant was exactly that. Her simple and modest demeanor translated into the sense of fashion which she appreciates herself. Ever since she got selected in the pageant she has found that her sense of style has become more expressive of who she is. She attributes her success to her promoter Fashion ABCD, and the mind therapy sessions by Mr Paulose, who helped her to focus on her strengths and boosted her confidence. Supermodel Josita Anola, also helped her to prepare her as to what to expect in competitions as these, as she already had the first-hand experience in participating in this competition in areas such as fashion, ramp walk and other aspects of this pageant. Ms Divya D’Souza of Uplifting Lives also helped to take her self-confidence to another level with NLP Therapy and also groomed her in ramp walking, basic makeup, costume choice with accessories and helped to enhance Diya’s personality.
Diya Ravi Kumar is a 9th Std student at Yenepoya School-Mangaluru, and daughter of Ravi Kumar-a PWD Engineer and Vani Kumar- a homemaker. Diya’s hobbies are Dancing, Drawing, and she has done photo shoots for Fest-time boutique, and Kiora Amorez diamonds. Diya has two cute little twin sisters-Dhrishya.R.K, and Disha.R.K. Divya Kumar’s passion is fashion designing and her ultimate goal is to wear her designs and promote her creations the world over at fashion events. Her mother Vani speaking to Team Mangalorean said, “The Yenepoya school has supported immensely by assuring us that they will help her to make up whatever portions she has missed in school and have always encouraged Diya in every way. We, me and my husband will also encourage her so that she fulfills her goals, and her dreams of becoming a super-model”
This ‘Asia Pacific Princess 2018’ Pre-Teen Pageant being her first experience at an international level, Diya’s first love remains modeling and fashion designing, and Diya who was all excited and not scared to walk the ramp in front of the large audience, the audience eyed her moves and performance. Even though this teen Kudla beauty has not been a prominent face on the ramp until now, this international pageant was a stepping stone, which made her dreams come true. On her achievements for the FIRST time in her life in Fashion, Diya Kumar said, ” I am overwhelmed by the Titles I got at this International Pageant, which is my first time experience. It was a tough contest between all other contestants from different countries, but I faced the gauntlet with determination and faced the competition and came out in flying colors because I was groomed by experts, and also since I took mind therapy session and counseling. I feel proud that I accomplished in my dream by bringing home these Titles to make my parents, my school and Mangaluru proud”.
Diya’s beautiful complexion which commanded admiration and her magnanimous presence at the ramp did overshadow all others contestants during the Contest, to make her win all these Titles at the 2018 International Pre-Teen Princess. Her blessed looks and potential were her biggest assets, plus her knack of being passionately different from other contestants lead her to be one of the Best in this pageant. After being selected as International Pre-Teen Miss Karnataka 2018, and after hectic auditions in Mumbai, she got qualified for this International Pre-Teen of the Year / Asia Pacific Prince & Princess 2018 {12-15 years category}.
On her arrival at Mangaluru International Airport along with her dad and mom, she was greeted and hugged by her relatives and friends, among whom were- Ms Mishria Yenepoya- Campus Director of Yenepoya School; Ms Reshma Nayak- Programme Head at Yenepoya School; Ms Mercy Rego- Diya’s former teacher at Yeneopya, and presently Principal at TCIS School, Adyar-Mangaluru; and MCC Corporator Prakash B Salian. After an exchange of greetings and flower bouquets at the Airport, the guests were all invited for Diya’s 14th Birthday party at her residence, and Yours Truly of Team Mangalorean had an exclusive interview with Diya.
Following are the excerpts from the exclusive interview:
Q: How does it feel being the ” IInd Runner-Up in the Asia Pacific Princess 2018 and also winning Three Sub-Titles as -“Best Evening Wear”; Best Talent: and “Best Overall” in among all the Categories from Kids to Teen? What was your reaction after winning the Titles?
It was the most amazing feeling to win the 2nd runner-up and all of the subtitles that I did. Initially, it was a little difficult to actually believe that I have actually realised my dreams.
Q: Since this was your FIRST try in a pageant, how did you prepare for it?
To enter this pageant was a sudden decision and in the short time I had, I totally focused on getting ready. I was lucky to have the support of my family with me whose encouragement gave me even more confidence. Fashion ABCD promoted me to take part in this pageant. As a part of the preparations, I had mind therapy session by Paulose Sir who helped me to focus on my strengths and boosted my confidence. Supermodel Josita Anola Maam, helped to prepare me as to what to expect in competitions as these, as she already had the first-hand experience in participating in this competition in areas such as fashion, ramp walk and other aspects of this pageant. Divya Dsouza Maam helped to take my self-confidence to another level with NLP Therapy and also groomed me in ramp walking, basic makeup, costume choice with accessories and helped to enhance my personality.
Q: How did modeling and fashion interest happen? So when was this first opportunity that came across?
I have always been interested in fashion and the modelling world and have developed even stronger interest since 2 years. My first opportunity was doing a photo shoot for Fest Time Boutique at Kasargod for designer Kavita Shenoy about one and a half years back. Photography was done by Preetham Denzil D’souza.
Q: Which phase of the competition was your favorite? How do you measure success?
Every phase of the competition was an amazing and enjoyable experience, but if I have to really choose, it would be the evening gown round that really was the best experience. I am thankful to Jeevan Gatty Sir of Designer Mantra-Mangaluru for designing my evening gown. Success to me is realizing your dreams and goals. If you believe in yourself, success will always be yours.
Q: How were you different from the other contestants? What made you unique?
Coming from a multicultural country like India, and having such a strong foundation in my own family has made me so confident that I believe in my dreams and myself.
Q: Winning titles in this pageant, do you have any ideas for a change in your career for the future?
Winning this title was especially to achieve my dreams and make my parents proud. I want to be a role model for girls to prove that if I can represent India coming from a small city in South India, anyone can pursue their dreams and succeed. My intention is to complete my studies and pursue my fashion designing career as I had always focussed from the beginning itself.
Q: What do think would be the three qualities that every girl should have?
The three qualities that every girl should have is a good and kind heart, loyalty and self-confidence. I believe that these will help a girl come a long way.
Q: What is your style inspiration? What is your favorite item in your closet?
I love western wear and my style inspiration is Neeta Lulla. I really love her fabulous designer wear.
Q: Who is your latest celebrity guy crush and girl crush?
As far as celebrity guys, I like Varun Dhavan and Ranbir Kapoor. And I admire quite a few lady celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Shraddha Kapoor and Deepika Padukone.
Q: What is your favorite social media platform to use and why?
I love Instagram as it helps me to connect with like-minded people and make friends. I am pretty much on ‘Insta’ most of the time.
Q: What your parents have to say about your success in this pageant?
My parents have always been my driving force and my biggest fans. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it were not for them. I consider myself the luckiest and most blessed girl alive to have parents who gave supported me and encouraged me every step of the way. They are truly happy to see me achieve my dreams.
Q: I am sure that your family is such a huge support to you and your journey in shining in this pageant and winning few title-Was there any particular thing a family member has said that has inspired you to go this far?
As I mentioned earlier, my parents are the source of my strength. Each of my family members have encouraged me in their own way telling me to believe in myself. My grandparents from both my mom and dads side have been extremely supportive and encouraging. Even my little sisters have been amazing. My mom in particular always dreamed of me winning in a pageant like this and she would always encourage me saying, Be confident and have faith in yourself. And seeing that faith in her eyes gave me even more confidence to dream such big dreams.
Q: How would you define your personal style? What do you see when you look in the mirror?.
I see a confident young girl in the mirror who is ready to take on the world with poise and elegance.
Q: From where you stand right now how does your future growing up girl life look?
Like any other young girl, I will be concentrating on developing all facets of my personality taking on every opportunity that is presented to me, to take my life to the next level of experience.
Q: What would be your greatest achievement that will make you feel your life was a huge success?
To become the most sought-after fashion designer not only in the Indian fashion industry but to make a name all over the world giving my customers the ultimate satisfaction of wearing my designs. This is my ultimate dream and achieving it will make my life a success.
Q: If you could high-five anyone in the world who would it be and why?
My parents, my mom and dad, they are the only people I would want to high five with because they are the reason for my dreams and my success. They have been and always will be with me pepping me up on this journey of life.
Q: Being a beautiful young girl yourself, who would you consider as the most beautiful woman, and why?
Thank you for your lovely compliment. I also find Urvashi Rautela one of the most beautiful women as she is not only a role model for so many young women as a woman of substance. It’s her inner beauty, her personality and her desire to uplift the society with her charities that make her a complete woman.
Q: What do you plan on doing after high school? What can we expect next from Diya Kumar in the next 5-10 years?
I intend to complete my education and specialise in fashion designing so that I can fulfill my dream of being the top Indian designer making a mark in every part of the globe. I want to create my own label of unique designer wear that will totally mesmerize my clients.
Q: What is that you would like to share with Mangalorean.com readers? Also some words of advice to younger girls who may want to follow in
your footsteps.
I would like to tell everyone adults and youngsters alike, to Just follow your dreams and believe in yourself no matter what. Things will happen, that’s life, take everything as a challenge and just focus on you and your dreams and in no time, success is in your hands.
Congratulations to Diya Ravi Kumar from Team Mangalorean for all Her achievements in this International Pre-Teen of the Year/Asia Pacific Prince and Princess 2018 pageant to be held in Bangkok-Thailand. You Go Girl!