BHUBANESWAR: Three young girls from the state are all set to represent India in the Junior Model International in Dubai. The pageant will be held from October 14-19. Sribali Das (11), KR Santoshini (16) and Lavanya Das are three among the eleven contestants who will be representing the country in the competition.
Lavanya Das, who is participating in the ‘Teens’ category (age 13-16) this time, has already been the winner of the ‘pre-teens’ category (age 11-13) of the 2017 Junior Model International. She says this is a great opportunity for them to represent both Indian and Odia cultures and traditions before a global audience.
“Since we are seen as the ambassadors of our countries, we know that we also have the potential to give a boost to tourism. The pressure is high in competitions like these, but I am looking forward to have a good time, meet people, make friends and also win the contest,” said Lavanya.
Sribali Das has been modelling since she was seven and has won similar contests before. She has won the title of Little Miss Odisha International 2018. She is a singer and has anchored shows as well.
A class 10 student of DAV Unit 8, Bhubaneswar, Lavanya Das looks forward to becoming a civil servant. But she says she will also pursue her passion in modelling.
Lavanya also has bigger dreams of participating in pageants like Miss World and Miss Universe in future.
The contestants have been guided and groomed by modelling agency Odisha Fashion Villa. Director Abhijit Mohanty says that the girls have a good shot at winning laurels for the country. “I am sure they will bring glory to both India and Odisha,” said Mohanty.