Jammu woman Sargam Koushal, representing India, was on Sunday crowned the Miss World at a gala event in Las Vegas, USA.
Miss Koushal trumped contestants from 63 countries to bring the title back to India after 21 years.
As per media sharing the news on Instagram, the managing organisation of the Miss India pageant said, “The long wait is over, it’s after 21 years we have the CROWN back!”
Sargam Koushal, who hails from Bahu Fort area of Jammu city, Jammu and Kashmir also shared a video describing how elated she was to win the title.
“We’ve got the crown back after 21-22 years. I’m so excited. Love you India, love you world,” the newly-crowned Miss World said.
Daughter of a retired Chief Manager, Bank of India, Sargam Koushal did her schooling from Presentation Convent Senior Secondary School, Gandhi Nagar Jammu and graduated from Women College, Gandhi Nagar Jammu.
Thereafter, she did her Masters in English Literature from Jammu University and B Ed from Government B Ed College Jammu.
She has previously worked as a teacher in Vizag. A teacher by profession, content writer, model and painter, the 31-year old Sargam is married to Jammu guy Aditya Manohar Sharma, a Lieutenant Commander in Indian Navy, presently posted in Mumbai.
Speaking to media, father of Miss World, G S Koushal that it’s a proud moment for entire country as Sargam won the title for nation. He said that from childhood Sargam is an outstanding child and always excelled in whatever she has done so far. The proud father said that daughters are blessing and he and entire family feel has shot of word to express the feelings on the achievement of Sargam.
Miss World is the first beauty pageant for married women.
The pageant was conceived in 1984 and traces its roots to the Mrs America pageant. Initially, the pageant was named Miss Woman of the World. It came to be known as Mrs World only in 1988. Over the years, Miss World has seen entrants from over 80 countries with America having the most number of winners.
India has only won the Miss World title once, in 2001 with Dr Aditi Govitrikar bagging the coveted crown. Dr Govitrikar has now served as a judge for Miss India Inc 2022-23.
Meanwhile, People throng to congratulate the parents of Mrs Kaushal, after her international recognition.
President Bahu Fort Development Authority (BFDA) Rajeev Charak along with other local residents congratulated the proud parents of Mrs Koushal.
Charak said that daughter Sargam not only won the crown but make Jammu and the entire country proud as she has established the country’s name on the world stage with hard work and dedication.
He said that the hard work that Sargam Kaushal has done to reach this place and his parents have done more hard work, so such parents should be respected.
He said that it is a matter of pride for us that the daughter of Bahu Fort Jammu has brought laurels to her region as well as the country due to her talent in world class message world.
He said she brought laurels for the entire country. He wishes her luck for the future
