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In conversation with Mele Pucho, the state director of Miss Universe India from Nagaland
Mele Pucho from Kohima has been appointed the state director of the Miss Universe India competition for Nagaland. He will be responsible for the selection of the representative(s) from the state of Nagaland for the upcoming Miss Universe India contest – the Indian preliminary event to the world’s biggest beauty pageant, Miss Universe. Mele Pucho is an award-winning entrepreneur and businessman from Nagaland and currently serves as the president for two organizations – the Northeast Beauty Pageant Organization and the Beauty and Aesthetic Society of Nagaland (BASN). In addition to that he also runs the Miss Nagaland competition. His efforts have also been appreciated by the people of Nagaland and his organization – BASN was conferred with the Governor’s Gold Medal in the year 2014 for their contributions to the society. In this exclusive interview with the Beauty High magazine, he talks about his journey so far and what can be expected from the state of Nagaland at the upcoming Miss Universe India competition.
Q. Many congratulations to you on being appointed the state director for the Miss Universe India competition. How does it feel to shoulder such a prominent responsibility?
Answer: Thank you very much. It's an honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the Miss Universe India competition. I'm excited and motivated to contribute to empowering and celebrating the women who participate, and I'm committed to upholding the standards of excellence associated with the Miss Universe brand.
Q. What inspired you to take up the role of a beauty pageant director, and what keeps you motivated in this industry?
Answer: As the president of BASN (Beauty Aesthetic of Society Nagaland) and the state director of Miss Universe Nagaland, I'm honored to champion the empowerment and celebration of women in the beauty pageant industry. My passion for promoting women empowerment and celebrating diversity motivates me to provide a platform where contestants can showcase their talents, intelligence, and beauty. Beyond crowning beauty queens, I'm dedicated to empowering them to pursue their dreams. Through BASN, I aim to provide resources, guidance, and support to help them excel in their chosen endeavors, whether it's in modeling, entrepreneurship, advocacy, or any other field they aspire to conquer.
Q. How do you stay attuned to ever-evolving trends and preferences within the beauty pageant industry?
Answer: We stay attuned to ever-evolving trends by conducting thorough market research, attending a variety of industry events, and actively engaging with the beauty pageant community on the social media platforms. Building strong relationships with industry insiders, contestants, judges, designers, and sponsors also provides valuable insights into emerging trends and preferences. Additionally, we prioritize continuous education and training to ensure our team remains well-informed and adaptable to the evolving landscape of the beauty pageant industry.
Q. What is going to be your plan of action now that you have been assigned the responsibility of selecting your region’s representative(s) for the prestigious Miss Universe India 2024 competition?
Answer: The state of Nagaland will be represented by the winner of Miss Nagaland title at the Miss Universe India competition. To ensure our candidate shines on the national stage, we'll conduct thorough auditions, offer intensive training and mentorship, and build partnerships with sponsors and media outlets. These efforts aim to present a standout contender who embodies the grace, intelligence, and beauty of our region at Miss Universe India 2024. Our auditions across Nagaland are designed to create a welcoming environment where contestants can comfortably participate and showcase their talents. We aim to select a candidate who not only represents Nagaland's cultural richness but also embodies the values and spirit of Miss Universe.
Q. Can you please share some behind-the-scenes insights into the planning and execution of the selection process that will be conducted to select your region's representatives) for the national finals of Miss Universe India 2024?
Answer: We want to ensure that the contestants get real world exposure and that they get used to the environment when they go ahead in their respective careers. For which we have tied up with different brands and different field experts to guide and train them. We want to ensure that they get a great platform and have a transparent decision in the selection of the representative. The selection process also requires good coordination and clarity within the team and we are well set with that.
Q. What qualities are you going to be looking for while selecting your region’s representative(s) for the upcoming Miss Universe India competition?
Answer: While selecting our region's representative(s) for the upcoming Miss Universe India competition, we prioritize qualities such as confidence, charisma, intelligence, inner beauty, cultural awareness, and compassion. It's essential that the candidate's commitment to their social project emanates from within, reflecting a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Our aim is to choose individuals who not only excel on stage but also serve as inspiring ambassadors for our region, embodying the values and spirit of Miss Universe.
Q. Once the selection of the representative(s) is done, will there be any training program that the representative(s) will be attending prior to heading to the national finals?
Answer: Definitely, after the selection of the representative(s), we will organize a comprehensive training program to prepare them for the national finals. This program will cover various aspects including fitness, grooming, public speaking, talent development, and pageant etiquette. Additionally, there will be sessions focused on enhancing their knowledge of current events, cultural awareness, and advocacy skills. Industry experts, former beauty queens, and mentors will lead these training sessions to provide personalized guidance and support. Our goal is to ensure that our representative(s) are well-equipped to shine on the national stage and make a positive impact at the Miss Universe India competition.
Q. What is the most crucial piece of advice that you would like to share with the individuals that want to join the beauty pageant industry?
Answer: The most crucial advice for the aspiring beauty pageant contestants is to prioritize authenticity and stay true to themselves. Embrace your uniqueness and let your genuine qualities shine through. By staying authentic and true to who you are, you'll not only stand out in the industry but also make a lasting impression on others.
Q. Any message for the readers.
Answer: Whether you're from Nagaland or elsewhere, if you believe you have the potential to be the next Miss Universe, don't hesitate to register and participate. It's a beautiful opportunity to embark on a new journey and showcase your unique talents and qualities on a global platform. As I, the state director of Miss Universe Nagaland, undertake the responsibility of selecting our representative(s) for the upcoming Miss Universe India competition, I am committed to providing the right guidance and training to our candidates. It will indeed be exciting to see who will represent Nagaland at Miss Universe India 2024.
As Mele Pucho unfolds a new chapter in his life by undertaking the responsibility of selecting the representative(s) from Nagaland for the upcoming Miss Universe India competition, we wish him good luck in his new journey. Whoever wins the title, it is very certain that she will receive the right guidance and training under the management of Mele Pucho. It will be indeed exciting to see who will mark Nagaland’s debut at the nation’s biggest pageant this year.
