Changing the Way We See Beauty

Indo-Caribbean Beauty Magazine (ICB) had the honor of collaborating with Miss Lotus Beauty Pageant Queen Saleena Ram, Runner-Up Sindu Hariprashad, and Delegate Karina Dookie to hear their stories, honor their voices, and celebrate pageantry in the Indo-Caribbean community.

Indo-Caribbean pageants have a long history within the community and continue to evolve as a platform to showcase Indo-Caribbean culture. Much like the mission of ICB, these pageants provide a space where Indo-Caribbeans can feel seen, heard, and represented—a vital representation that celebrates a community and culture often overlooked.

We asked Saleena, Sindu, and Karina about their experiences in pageantry. Here's what they shared.

Why did you want to get involved in beauty pageants?

Saleena Ram shared that initially, she felt hesitant about joining a pageant, acknowledging the vulnerability involved. However, after encouragement from her support system, she decided to use the platform to showcase her talent in classical Indian and Hindustani music, a passion she has cultivated since she was 15. Her performances at weddings, pujas, and community events have cemented her place in the cultural sphere.

Sindu Hariprashad's journey began at age 17 when she entered her first Caribbean pageant. Encouraged by her community, she found joy in the experience and was inspired to continue participating.

Karina Dookie, who moved from Trinidad to the U.S. three years ago, has always been involved in cultural events. She emphasized that beauty is not just about appearance but about confidence and how you carry yourself through singing, dancing, and other expressions of individuality.

What are some of your most vivid memories?

Karina recalled a touching moment when she stumbled during rehearsals but was encouraged by the management team, who showed immense support. This act of care from Uncle Greg and Lakshmee Singh was a turning point for her and helped her realize how much the pageant team believed in her potential.

For Sindu and Saleena, one of the most significant takeaways was the sisterhood they gained through the Miss Lotus Beauty Pageant. Saleena noted, "No one else would ever understand what we went through, and that bond keeps us close." Sindu echoed this sentiment: "This pageant, sisterhood came to life. Some contestants are now my best friends, and that's special."

What were some disheartening experiences?

Like any event, on pageant day, she had challenges. Saleena described the intense scrutiny on social media, but she remained grounded by trusting in herself and her journey.

Karina shared a difficult moment when she experienced anxiety during a dance performance outside her comfort zone. Despite months of preparation, a mistake in her routine caused her to lose confidence and left her feeling vulnerable. "I cried the entire show, feeling like I let myself down after working so hard for six months."

Sindu spoke candidly about the backlash participants received, highlighting how pageants are often misunderstood as solely about physical beauty, ignoring the deeper qualities they bring to the forefront. She reflected, “It's sad when people from your community bring you down, not realizing how much you're trying to do better.”

What do you want the community to know about you and the pageant world?

In her own words, Saleena said, “Pageantry isn't just about dressing up and looking beautiful on stage. It's about expressing yourself, showcasing talents, and advocating for causes close to your heart. That has meant raising awareness for mental health and music therapy. Pageantry has allowed me to tap into my divine feminine qualities, embodying compassion, creativity, and resilience. It celebrates womanhood, moving beyond surface-level beauty to something more profound.”

What would your dream pageant look like?

Sindu hopes future pageants will continue to inspire young girls to take a leap of faith and believe in themselves. She emphasized the opportunities and personal growth that come from pageantry.

Karina noted that pageantry helped her find her voice and confidence. "It taught me how to communicate, not just on stage but in everyday life," she said, describing how the pageant experience improved her public speaking skills.

Saleena's dream pageant would reflect the essence of the Miss Lotus Beauty Pageant—a space for women to honor their past, embrace their futures, and embody the qualities of the lotus flower. "Like the lotus, we rise from dark places and bloom into something beautiful. My dream pageant would focus on empowering women and celebrating their journeys of self-discovery and sisterhood."

ICB is honored to collaborate with Miss Lotus Beauty Pageant winners and celebrate their grace and vulnerability. They have redefined beauty standards, paving the way for a new understanding of what it means to be beautiful in the Indo-Caribbean community—a beauty rooted in confidence, self-expression, and empowerment.