12-year-old Padmalaya Nanda from Odisha is all set to represent India in the Little Miss Universe 2017 beauty pageant which is to be held in Georgia, US, commencing from May 31. Padmalaya has been declared as a world finalist to represent India in the pageant among other 16 contestants.
“I thank people for their blessings and support. For the beauty pageant, I am giving my 100 per cent and I am very confident. I am trying to promote my culture and if people support me, I will definitely win this title,” she told ANI.
The Class 8 student of Stewart School in Cuttack will also be taking part in the Little Miss World contest in Greece on behalf of the nation.
"My efforts are now targeted towards the world finals because I am representing India at the Little Miss Universe and Little Miss World contests. I will give both the contests my best shot," Padmalaya said. She has appealed on Facebook to all her fans and supporters to vote for her in the Little Miss Universe contest till 9 am on June 4. The finals are expected to take place on June 6.
Padmalaya
was crowned as the Little Miss India at the Junior Model International contest in Kozhikode, Kerala. She also won three other titles – the Best Ball Gown (which was designed by her), Best Pre-Teen JMI (jury choice) and Best Pre-Teen JMI (people's choice).
The daughter of Supreme court lawyer Prasanna Kumar Nanda and Dr Subhasudha Priyadarsini, Padmalaya had mesmerised one and all during the auditions. She said she was interested in modelling and fashion design.
“I am very glad that he wished me for my future. I am very confident and fully prepared for the final event. It is just like a festival based on art, culture, style, intelligence and talent. It is a pageant where you can promote your talent and culture”, Odisha TV quoted Padmalaya Nanda after meeting Naveen Patnaik.