It was sheer ecstasy for Nina Davuluri, who was crowned 2014 Miss America pageant on Sunday becoming the first Indian-American to wear the crown. “I’m so happy this organization has celebrated diversity, and, on this stage tonight, there was so much diversity,” Davuluri told media shortly after defeating contestants from other states.
Davuluri’s victory also meant that the crown went to Miss New York second year in a row.
The 24-year-old aspiring physician who reportedly lost 60 pounds in order to compete in the competition said, “I’m so proud to be the first Indian Miss America.”
As part of her triumph, Davuluri will receive a $50,000 scholarship which she will be using towards medical school.
The big event witnessed, Davuluri performing a Bollywood fusion dance for the talent competition and answered a question about plastic surgery, saying, “Be confident in who you are.”
Crystal Lee, Miss California, was announced the first runner-up.
Meanwhile, following her victory, Davuluri encountered social media racism where she was judged by individuals on the basis of her skin. To these remarks, Davuluri said, “I have to rise above that. I always viewed myself as first and foremost American.”
Written by Garima Goswami, Assistant Editor at DARPAN Magazine
Image Courtesy of ABC News