KOTA KINABALU: A 25-year-old Indian beauty was crowned Miss Scuba International 2016 after winning the hearts of judges at the grand finale here yesterday.
Donning a pink evening gown, Varsha Rajkhowa took to the stage and gave her pageant wave as the crowd cheered after she was announced the winner, beating 15 other finalists.
During the question and answer period, the freelance project manager and model spoke of her passion for the environment.
“The most important thing we learn is that united we stand and divided we fall. We must come together to save our oceans and to (preserve) beautiful marine life.
“This is because what we love is what we save, and what we fear to lose is what we have to work for,” the 167cm knockout said.
Rajkhowa will begin her ambassadorial work to promote the diving industry and marine conservation globally.
Present at the event were Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, Miss Scuba International founder Robert Loh, and Miss Scuba International 2015 winner Cindy Madumma from the Philippines.
Rajkhowa, who has just completed her master’s degree in water waste engineering, is no stranger to beauty pageants, as she has won 12 titles in local pageants in India.
“However, this is my first international pageant, and Miss Scuba revolves around a concept that is very close to my heart because I’ve always wanted to do something for the ocean.
“I am a national swimmer and environmentalist. I love nature and I am extremely passionate about life and this (winning Miss Scuba International) is a whole package for me,” she said.
Rajkhowa expressed her hope to work closely with the Indian government and non-governmental organisations to stop shark finning in the country.
She said India is the second largest country which practices shark finning and that the government has put a ban on the activity.
“Unfortunately, due to some reasons, the ban has been removed and shark finning is back. That is one of the biggest concerns that I have and I’m working towards it and so are the people of India.
“We are trying to get government involved, and I hope we will be able to do that soon.
“Shark finning is carried out for export and not because the people in India are consuming shark meat. I want to help to put a stop to this," she added.
Meanwhile, Meryl Angeline King, 27, from Philippines secured the first runner-up spot, while Sun Zitong @ Allie, 24, from China grabbed the second runner-up and the Miss Marine Conservation title.
Other subsidiary titles went to Jessica Wohrmann of the Netherlands (Miss Photogenic), Ushio Asai of Japan (Miss Talented), Seonmi Jo of South Korea (Miss Congeniality), and Roshima Vithanage of Sri Lanka (Miss National Constume).