Arkitha Massallia set to represent SA in the teen category of Miss India Worldwide pageant
"incredibly honoured"
Arkitha Massallia.
Image: Supplied
A TEENAGE Durban pageant winner, Arkitha Massallia, is set to represent South Africa on an international stage later this month.
The 17-year-old, of Effingham Heights, will compete in the teen category at the Miss India Worldwide pageant at the Lalit Hotel in Mumbai, India, between August 24 and 29.
Arkitha, a Grade 12 pupil at Greenbury Secondary School, recently won the teen category of Miss India Worldwide South Africa. This made her eligible to compete overseas.
She said the international pageant was a beauty and talent competition that would feature contestants of Indian origin, and aimed to celebrate Indian culture, heritage, and identity.
“During the week-long pageant contestants from all over the world will explore Mumbai, while receiving training from celebrity choreographers and renowned ramp coaches. The competition includes a preliminary round and culminates in a grand finale that will feature segments such as evening gown, eastern wear, talent, and a question-and-answer round.
“I feel incredibly honoured and excited to represent my country. It is a dream come true and gives me the opportunity to not only showcase my culture and talents, but to grow, learn, and connect with people from around the world."
Arkitha said pageantry was a platform to express herself creatively, while raising awareness about issues close to her heart.
“Pageantry combines everything I love, which is performance, leadership, and purpose. I also want to help build confidence in young people and give them a voice.”
She said her goal was to inspire change and that she was in the process of launching her own initiative called Dance for Change.
“It is a non-profit organisation focused on promoting mental well-being and confidence through dance. The organisation will offer free dance classes and workshops to underprivileged communities, providing children with a safe space to express themselves, build self-esteem, and find healing through movement.
“This initiative is close to my heart as dance has helped me express who I am. Now, I want to use that same energy to uplift others,” she said.
Arkitha will travel to India on August 20.