Punjab-origin girl is Miss India USA

Washington, December 18

Shree Saini, a resident of Washington state, was crowned Miss India USA 2017. The 21-year-old, who is a student at the University of Washington, said she wanted to lead a life dedicated to service.

Shree, who had a pacemaker implanted at the age of 12 and was told that she would never be able dance, is an inspiration for all.

A victim of bullying in high school, she has been campaigning against the oppressive behaviour.

“I believe in working together to create a hole that is greater than the sum of its parts,” Shree said, whose parents migrated to the US from Punjab.

Prachi Singh, a 22-year-old medical student from Connecticut, was declared the first runner-up, while North Carolina’s Fareena became the second runner-up at Miss India USA 2017 pageant.

At the beauty pageant, cancer surgeon Kavita Malhotra Pattani from Florida was declared Mrs India USA 2017.

Prerna was the first runner-up while Ishwarya was declared the second runner-up for this title.

Swapna Mannam, 17, from New Jersey was crowned with Miss Teen India USA 2017. While Simran was the first runner-up, Kritika bagged the sash as the second runner-up. More than 50 contestants from over two dozen states participated in three different pageants — Miss India USA, Miss Teen India USA and Mrs India USA. — PTI