Mangaluru: Aafreen Rachel Vaz, the recently crowned 1st runner up at the Femina Miss India 2015 visited her original hometown Mangaluru, for the first time after wearing the crown, and she was greeted with love and joy by her family, friends and well-wishers.
Aafreen, currently, a third year medical student at the City’s AJ Institute of medical sciences, was felicitated at a program organized by her institute and the occasion was graced by many dignitaries of the city, including Mr. A.J Shetty, Mr. Ramanath Rai, Forest and District Inc. Minister, Sandesh Shenoy, CEO, Volkswagen, Mr. Dharmaiyya, ex-DCP of the city and others who gathered to convey their wishes.
Expressing her gratitude, Aafreen said, ‘It is really heart-warming to see so many well-wishers and be welcomed like a queen in my own city. The love and endless support of my family and friends have made this dream possible for me. I would also like to thank the Miss India Organization for providing me with such a platform. I am also thankful to the people of Mangalore for believing in me and for showing me with so much love and good wishes. I hope to perform my best with this title and make a difference.’
A heart warming personality
The 25-year-old, Aafreen has a heart-warming personality, that possibly won her the crown. But she humbly says, “I have got consistent support and endless love from my family and friends. My parents are extremely happy. Though I may not see them, sometimes; but I can feel their happiness revolve around me.”
Gurgaon girl, Aditi Arya, was crowned as the Miss India World 2015, Aafreen Vaz as the first runner-up and Vartika Singh as the second runner-up at the FBB Femina Miss India 2015 beauty pageant, the precursor to participating in the Miss World, Miss International and Miss Universe beauty pageants.
After securing the runner up crown at the Miss India beauty pageant, Aafreen is passionately focusing on the next beauty pageant, Miss International, which is going to be held this year in November. She will represent India at the Pageant.
Aafreen was born and brought up in Mumbai and moved to New Zealand for higher studies. She completed her Bachelor in Science with major in Physiology from the University of Otago, New Zealand. She has also done her one year Radiation therapy from the University of Otago and has also been awarded a scholarship from the Royal Society of Breast Cancer.
A tough competition
Talking exclusively to newskarntaka.com about the competition, from which she had just emerged, with flying colours, she said, “there is a lot of pressure. It is difficult to be motivated all the time, especially when it is a hectic schedule. But the only thing that has helped me is that I spend a few minutes with myself because in the run and rush, one shouldn’t forget who you are! Taking responsibility of the right and wrong things is the only way to learn.”
Aafreen also spoke warmly about the other contenders for the crown of Miss India World 2015, Aditi Arya, whom she described as an intelligent and talented girl, who will participate in the Miss world beauty pageant, and the second runner-up Vartika Singh, who Vaz said was gorgeous and flawless in her personal grooming. She says, “I have something to learn from them on a daily basis”.
The future beckons
Talking about her future plans, Aafreen said that apart from the various national and international platforms that the crown takes her to, she will also be launching her own institute which will work towards spreading awareness about breast cancer among Indian Women.
Aafreen told newskarntaka.com that she is a secret actor and is sure that movie roles will play a part in her future. But not right now. She is totally focused on the Miss International pageant
Talking about her studies, Medical student Aafreen quips: “I understand my role in the glamour industry, it may take extra time. Moreover, I may take up distant learning or will take a break from the studies. Also, I may not complete my studies along with my class-mates. But I am absolutely going to complete my medical degree. It’s very important to me.”
Check-out Photos of Aafreen:
