It’s not every day that an Indian wins the crown at an international beauty pageant, and it’s just as rare to find a Goan making waves in the global pageant style scene. However, both milestones were achieved last month at the prestigious Miss Grand International 2024 in Thailand, when Rachel Gupta, from Punjab, clinched the Miss Grand International 2024 title, while the stunning national costume she wore was designed by Goa’s renowned fashion designer, Melvyn Noronha. This victory makes Rachel the first Indian to win the title of Miss Grand International.
She began her winning series in Grand India by winning the Best National Costume Award, which was designed by Siolim -based fashion designer and pageant mentor from Goa, Melvyn Noronha. The costume was themed 'The Grand Princess Warrior of the Incredible Farmers,' highlighting the idea that everything that grows from the soil of Mother India is worth its weight in gold. Since the beginning of society, farmers have been an integral part of our survival, and the fruits of India's fertile soil have been nurtured by the toil of its farmers, who, despite enduring countless wars, continue to face numerous challenges to this day.
The gold-themed costume celebrates the true worth of farmers and the richness of India's fertile soil. The wings, shaped like growing crops, symbolise the abundance cultivated by our farmers. The golden drop shield represents the sweat, blood, and tears of those who work the land, underscoring the u.