Interview with Miss Galaxy Canada – Anmol Minhas

Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey for my pageant lockdown blog, it’s lovely getting to know fellow pageant queens and more about the systems that they represent.

What made you enter pageants?

For me initially it was all about being on the stage, competing and being a better version of myself. However through different participation I have come to understand that what I love the most is actually both sides of the coin. On one side, I love becoming the best version of myself, and on the other side, I’m empowering young women to do the same. Growing together is fulfilling since nothing is sadder than sitting at the winners table alone.

You have competed before Miss Galaxy Canada, can you tell us about your pageant journey so far ?

I have participated in Miss Teen India and came 10th, Miss Delhi, 3rd runner up, Miss North India, Miss World British Columbia, Miss Galaxy Vancouver

What made you decide to compete in Miss Galaxy Canada ?

I chose this system as they accept and promote all types of form and beauty. You don’t need to be a certain age, or size to represent the true values you hold.

What is the best thing that pageants have taught you ?

Being confident, caring for others, sisterhood and taking care of your community

What’s your pageant platform and why?

I have a focus on the education of young girls. Intellectual empowerment and societal fairness is fundamental for the development of girls as they age into individuals whose potential can reshape the world. I currently have an NGO, called Seva Sandesh, and we are active in remote parts of India, providing free education and meals. In these areas, girls are commonly accepted as burdens to their family, and this can lead to extreme inequality, and horrible situations, such as sexual exploitation, and living for labour. By simply lifting off the weight of providing the money for these girls to learn and eat, it can make a huge impact on the relationship of the girls with their families, and gives them the proper opportunities they deserve.

What’s your dream title?

Miss Galaxy International

If you were to win Miss Galaxy International what would it mean to you?

It would mean the world to me. It represents overcoming the bullying growing up and the negative beliefs I thought were true. However, over the many appearances I have had the pleasure of being apart of, it has been a joyful surprise of how many people want to see me win and the cheer support they give me. To represent such a diverse country with wonderful people, I feel winning internationally has more meaning than my personal milestones. It represents the cultivation of millions of people and their potentials being used to their fullest. It means hope for so many.

What’s the best advice you have for fellow pageant queens?

My best advice I can share is to not get comfortable. There are many different ways to practice and getting better in all parts of the pageant. Knowing you are completely ready is to admit defeat. Spend an hour walking around on your tippy toes, watch past pageants, research proper tonality and etiquette during questions and answers. It’s the culmination of the little things that count.

What have you been doing in the run up to the final of Miss Galaxy International?

This relates to my last question. It’s the culmination of little things that count. I have been studying pageant winners, practicing my walk, being involved in my community, and using my time so that it works for me later on.

What have you been doing since you Miss Galaxy Canada ?

I have been involved in the most wonderful events, charities and gatherings, that I feel most of my time after winning has been spent meeting people and giving back.

What makes a good pageant role model?

Involvement and Action. Truly involving yourself in appearances, communicating and sharing with girls who have hopes to win as well, taking action on preparation for finals, and being good natured and positive while doing all of the above.

What’s your favorite pageant round?

The evening gown. It’s an all in round that embodies what pageants are. It is beautiful and graceful, yet it is competitive and represents the amazing abilities of the contestants. It is the last impression on the judges and the audience.

How do you deal with pageant nerves?

I remember why I am there. I go back in my mind to the core of what it means for me to be there and how far I’ve already gotten. I take a bit of time to meditate in my mind, breathe in and out, and focus with all my intensity.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey. It’s been lovely getting to know more about you platform. I wish you all the best at the Galaxy International final in 2021. Much love Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.