Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

'I was told I am not beautiful': Miss India Teen 2019

June 06, 2019 15:20 IST

Meet Sushmita Singh, the 18 year old who did both India and Asia proud.

On May 27, 2019, Mumbai's Sushmita Singh made history when she became the first ever Asian and Indian to win Miss Teen World 2019.

Here's everything you need to know about the talented beauty.

Sushmita Singh is first Indian to win Miss Teen World 2019

Sushmita Singh, 18, was crowned Miss Teen World 2019 at the end of an eight-day long competition that ended May 27 in El Salvador, USA. Her crown is inspired by the crown of King Enrique IV of England.  Photographs: Kind courtesy Sushmita Singh/Instagram

Sushmita Singh is first Indian to win Miss Teen World 2019

Sushmita is a student of mass media and loves to paint and dance as well.

Sushmita Singh is first Indian to win Miss Teen World 2019

The pageant tested contestants for their behaviour, fitness, fashion, intelligence, and glamour.  In the costume round, Singh wore a lehenga that represented different elements that defined India -- there were colourful embroidered elephants, peacocks, lotus and Taj Mahal.

Sushmita Singh is first Indian to win Miss Teen World 2019

In the final question and answer round, Sushmita was asked how she intends to serve the world if she won. 

Her answer won her a lot of praise. 

'I was told I am not beautiful, but I worked hard and stood up for myself, and here I am. I want to serve as an inspiration to all girls to dare to live their dreams.' 

Sushmita Singh is first Indian to win Miss Teen World 2019

'Good better best,
Never let it rest.
Till your good is better,
And your better best,' she wrote in an inspirational post after winning the title.

Sushmita Singh is first Indian to win Miss Teen World 2019

'We did it...
'I am grateful to all the people who have been there with me..
'I still can't believe this has happened.. I got no words to say I thank to all the people who stood by me...I feel proud to say that I am the first Asian Indian to win this title..
'My parents, family and my friends have stood by me and supported me as pillars... Let's make this year the best one,' Singh wrote in a long gratitude post.

Sushmita Singh is first Indian to win Miss Teen World 2019

We are all proud of you, Sushmita. Hope you continue to inspire us with your success.

Rediff Get Ahead Bureau