My Journey at the First-Ever Miss Wheelchair World Pageant

Hi, I am Priya, Miss Wheelchair World 2017 finalist and here’s my experience at the event.

Hi, I am Priya, Miss Wheelchair World 2017 finalist.

(Photo Courtesy: Miss Wheelchair World 2017)

Hi, I am Priya Bhargava. You may have seen my story a few days back on The Quint.

If not, let me refresh your memory a bit: Me and another Indian woman, Dr RajLakshmi were the two contestants who represented India at the recently held Miss Wheelchair World 2017 in Warsaw, Poland.

Well, even though Aleksandra Chichikova from Belarus won the crown, and South Africa and Poland were the first and second runner-ups respectively, I am so proud of the performance that both of us put up. Dr RajLakshmi even won the Miss Popularity title at the pageant. And while interacting with other participants, we also got to witness first hand, how different the lives of people with disabilities is in India, as compared to the rest of the world.

Miss Wheelchair World 2017 winner Aleksandra Chichikova, center, from Belarus, with first runner-up Lebohang Monyatsi, right, from South Africa and second runner-up Adrianna Zawadzinska, left, from Poland during the Miss Wheelchair World 2017 beauty pageant final in Warsaw, Poland.  (Photo: AP)

The crown may have been bestowed on another woman, but for me, my biggest victory was to be able to present myself in front of other fabulous disabled women from the world over and to be able to represent India, my beloved country.

Here’s my journey to Warsaw, which was literally and figuratively, such a long one!

Here’s a glimpse of the competition. Spot me in it!

You know what, I do feel a bit sad about not winning, but I have a life time of memories to cherish now, after participating in the competition.

Miss Wheelchair World participants Visiting the Copernicus Science Centre

Planting flowering apple trees in the Jazdów Estate.

On our way to the Jazdów Estate.

Miss Wheelchair World participants Meeting with choreography teacher

And as if memories weren’t enough, so many of you have sent your love in hordes.

Gargi Ghosh said, “Whole experience through your eyes is quiet nice and wonderful. ..kuch batein is a nice gesture by you to connect with us....best wishes for future endeavours”. Another lovely message from Ranjana Choudhary added, “ Participation in any contest matters a lot. Priya for us you are a winner. We are proud of you. All the best for future”.

(Priya Bhargava is Miss Wheelchair India 2015 beauty pageant winner and Miss Wheelchair World finalist, besides being an educationist, fine artist, motivational speaker and author)

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