Naila crowned Miss India TT

The contest was held in the Auditorium of the Gulf City Shopping Complex, La Romaine in grand "Bollywood" style — the elegance, glitter and glamour added to the special lighting, smoke and sound effects.

This year’s pageant theme was "Celebrations with festivals of India and Trinidad and Tobago" where each participant represented a celebration of a festival of India and one of Trinidad and Tobago.

Singh, 18, after research in her respective celebrations of choice, focused on highlighting Miss New Year’s Day/Vishu-Chaitravish.

She not only won the crown but also copped the positions of Miss Congeniality, Miss Intelligence, Miss Beautiful Eyes, Best Bollywood Gown and the People’s Choice.

Singh wore a white gown, the upper part elegantly decorated with gold sequence and complemented with a floor length, flowing layered milky white chiffon trail.

Speaking with Newsday, an elated Singh although admitting that she was at first surprised at winning the title said that her intentions are now to place extra emphasis in representing her country in the upcoming Miss India International 2006 pageant to be held in New York. "I would be focusing on how best to represent my country and its culture. I am now considered an ambassador to the country and I know for sure that I would represent to the best that I can," Singh said.

Giving advice to the young East Indian women of the country, Singh urged them to be determined and strong-minded. "Anything is possible, once you believe you could do anything, just put your mind to it and keep focused."

Two other queens were crowned on that memorable night: the Miss India Worldwide title, along with Best Talent - Sherene Sadia, 19, of Woodland, La Romaine and Miss India Global — Trinidadian born/Venezuelan national 18-year-old Sashel D’La Fe’ Mungal. Mungal also captured the Best Festival Presentation category.

Other special awardees: Miss Confidence, Miss Photogenic and Best Smile — Siann Baldeo, 21 of Arouca; Miss Perfect Teen and Miss India Special Award — Deokie Ramlochan, 23 of Debe; Most Wanted — Abigail Bebbeau, 19 of Couva and Cyber Queen — Donna Depoosingh, 23 of Arima.

During all pre-pageant activities, the 14 young women were given the opportunity to learn about the art of pageantry, how to cope with a hectic lifestyle, become winners, lose gracefully, maintaining pride and confidence in themselves, also, to become emotionally, physically and mentally prepared for the journey of life ahead.