Dr Kaniska wins Ms Miri Saree Queen 2019
MIRI: Dr Kaniska Lachumanur working at Miri Hospital was crowned Ms Miri Saree Queen 2019 after beating 12 other contestants at the beauty pageant held in conjunction with the 3rd Miri Indian Bazaar here recently.
Dr Kaniska,27, from Cameron Highlands in Pahang wearing her favourite green and red coloured saree won herself a sash, tiara, trophy, and complimentary prizes including a two-day-one night stay at Miri Marriort Resort and Spa and a Balinese spa treatment at Mandara Spa.
The second and third placings went to Mukta Paul Choudhury, 27, a Palliative Care Association Miri volunteer and Drew De Jesus, 33, a fitness instructor from the Philippines respectively. Both received a sash, tiara, trophy and complimentary prizes of two-day-one-night stay at local hotels in addition to spa treatment.
Datin Patinggi Datuk Wira Lorna Chan of Moving Communities, Rita Lau (Miri City mayor Adam Yii's wife) and pageant organising chairman Sara Devasara jointly presented prizes to the winners and other contestants.
Lorna commended Miri Hindu Society (MHS) for working closely with other communities in organising the Ms Miri Saree Queen 2019 as part of the events at the Miri Indian Bazaar to raise fund for their new temple in Taman Tunku.
“The pageant itself not only showcases the beauty of saree but also the significant meaning and symbolism attached to the garment in the form of different colours or designs.
“In short it showcases one of the Indian community's rich cultural heritage. Besides, the pageant also served as an ideal platform to promote closer rapport and understanding among the different races and also to attract tourists to Miri City,” said Lorna when commenting on the event.
Meanwhile, the newly crowned Dr Kaniska agreed with Lorna and pleased that MHS had organised the pageant.
“I am very pleased not so much for winning this saree contest as it was my first attempt joining a beauty pageant, but felt happy to share our rich culture and creating greater public awareness of saree.
“We hoped this contest can be organised on an annual basis especially in conjunction with Miri Indian Bazaar, so as to make Miri a vibrant city,” she said adding that Indian saree is full of tradition, pride, and innovation as it represents Indian culture and symbolises a way of life.
The Ms Miri Saree Queen 2019 attracted 13 ladies from various races and nationalities such as from India, Indonesia, the Philippines and host Malaysia, who are residing in Miri.