Accomplished winners of New Jersey’s 2021 Miss India Teen and Mrs. India

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Since she was 3-years old, Riya Pawar’s voice has been regaling audiences.

From household parties to India Day Parade on Madison Ave., Riya has been singing her way to becoming famous.

Though just 15 years old now, Riya added another feather to her cap at the pageant for Miss India Teen NJ and Mrs. India NJ.

Around 25 individuals participated in the auditions which were held June 25, 2021, organizers told Desi Talk. Because of Covid pandemic delays, the winners were crowned recently at Royal Albert’s Palace in Fords, N.J. during the Aug. 15, 2021 celebrations for India’s Independence Day.

The New Jersey pageant is organized by New Jersey State Directors Shobhna Patel and Albert Jasani. The event “was powered by” Royal Albert’s Palace, Patel told Desi Talk. The awards were bestowed on the women by Patel, Jasani, Bollywood actress Neetu Chandra, as well as Indian Business Association President Dhiren Amin and Chairman Chandrakant Patel.

Riya won the Miss India Teen NJ 2021 crown. She is a student in a a prestigious science and engineering magnet program, a press release from organizers said.

“She has sung in various places, including the India Day Parade,” and has won many singing competitions, the press release said. She also plays the piano and the guitar. She loves software programming as well, and has developed her own website. Riya was also among the top 5 at Miss India Teen USA 2021.

The Mrs. India NJ for 2021 was won by Harsimran Dhillon.

Dhillon, responding to Desi Talk, said, said she was born and brought in Amritsar and moved to the U.S. as a young girl.

“The most influential people in my life have always been the people closest to me. My Parent’s always stood behind me before my marriage. My parents taught me to aim high, work hard and value your relationships,” Dhillon said.

A makeup artist by profession, Dhillon has some 63,000 followers on Tik Tok. Everyday she posts make-up and beauty tips for them.

“I am Happily Married and Blessed with two Beautiful Boys. I have a Wonderful life partner who has always been with me like a friend, my support, my inspiration, my strength and my courage. Whatever I has achieved today is only because of my Husband’s Support,” she told Desi Talk via email.

In 2017, she was crowned Mrs Punjaban New Jersey.

For the latest pageant, Mrs. India NJ 2021, Dhillon said she heard about it from a family friend. She discussed the matter with her husband, “and he was totally into it,” she said.

“I discuss about this with my Husband and he was totally into it.

“It was a tough competition but with a Blessing of God I got this Honor. I always work for woman’s empowerment. So by participating and getting this Honor on such a Big Platform is a Very Big achievement of my life,” Dhillon said.

“I want to set an example for all women that nothing is impossible if you have a strong will power and dedication. You can achieve and fulfill your true dreams in any age,” said Dhillon who informed Desi Talk that she is 44.

Asked about her future plans, she said, “My future plans are to Help our community and society to make a Safe and Healthy future for our next generation.”

She works with a few non-profit organizations in U.S. and also in India to provide food, shelter and education to homeless kids and young girls, she said.

“My Dream is that every woman and girl should get proper respect and Dignity in the society which she deserves,” Dhillon said.