ON a night filled with laugher and excitement, Canada-based Guyanese Sangeeta Bahadur was crowned Miss India Guyana 2017 by reigning Miss India Worldwide Karina Kohli early yesterday morning.
The crowning brought down the curtains on the Miss India Guyana Pageant, which was held at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown.
“It was pretty unbelievable and I’m so very happy. The competition was extremely tough and everyone put up a great fight. I was a bit nervous, but I’m just so happy that I did get the crown,” Bahadur said.

The marketing and communications coordinator prevailed over the nine other young ladies vying for the crown after she offered what was adjudged to be the best answer in the decisive final question.
The final question put before the top five pageant finalist was: “If you will be winning the crown tonight what will be the very first thing that you will do?”
Most of the delegates strayed far in their answers, with one particular delegate proudly pronouncing that she will use her title to start a political campaign, and another saying the first thing she will do is go on to represent Guyana and be a better role model.
Bahadur by far offered one of the better answers of the five, giving a direct answer to what the question requested.

The 25-year-old informed that the first thing she would do is bow at the feet of her mother, because of all the support and strength her mother has given her.
“If I were to win the crown this evening the very first thing that I would go and do is to bow at the feet of my mother, because without her support, her guidance, her love, I would not be the young lady that you see in front of you today, nor would I have the chance to be in front of you competing in the pageant. She is the backbone of my life, my support, I would never be able to accomplish so many things in life without her help, and because of that, I would definitely go and take her blessing and her thanks.”
Her response was well received by the crowd as was the announcement of her win.
Bahadur’s mother later confirmed that Bahadur kept true to her words and bowed to her after winning the crown.

Aspiring chemist Ashmini Ramnauth was named first runner-up while the second runner-up spot was copped by fitness trainer,Cynthia Dookie.
Third runner-up place went to aspiring entrepreneur Sarah Rajkaran and rounding out the top five were Sarah Rajkaran and Kuldavie Samantha Chunilall.
Walking away with the “Miss Catwalk” special prize, Chunilall was a favourite in the packed audience. Her unique modelling style made the crowd lively every time she took to the stage.

In other special prizes, Bahadur was also voted “Miss Congeniality” and also won the “Best Talent” prize.
The “People’s Choice” and a special “Miss Beautiful Heart” award went to Ramnauth,while Rajkaran won the “Miss Photogenic”title. Some of the other young ladies also won prizes for best eyes, hair, skin, face, and smile.
Journalist Neil Marks and radio personality Surida Nagreadi were the hosts of the evening.