Daina Hayden

“Wow! That’s some strong disapproval of me winning the Miss World title!

It’s such a pity, and shame, that when you win the biggest and most respected beauty pageant title in the world, you get criticised and put down as opposed to being appreciated and respected for bringing more accolades back home, and further appreciation of our Indian brown exotic beauty.

It’s hurtful. It’s also very sad as being brown skinned, I have had to fight (society’s attitudes, and growing up, (even) my own lack of self confidence because of my colour). The “light skin is better” issue we have in India. I felt so strongly about it that I turned down a fairness cream ad because it went against my belief. We are Indians and predominantly our skin colour is brown, and we should be really proud of it and learn to appreciate it like it’s appreciated around the world.  It’s obviously that our skin colour difference is on his mind as he’s comparing me to Ash and not Priyanka or Manushi who currently holds the Miss World title, and very deservedly so!

Shame on him as our beautiful, exotic brown colouring is to be proud of; I AM!”