Despite the complex relationship between Pakistan and India, the love shared by their people often transcends borders.
This was beautifully demonstrated by two contestants — Pakistan’s Roma Michael and India’s Rachel Gupta — at the Miss Grand International 2024 beauty pageant held in Bangkok last week.
Rachel, who emerged as the winner, wrote a heartfelt note to her “Punjabi sister” Roma, expressing her affection and admiration.
In an Instagram post, she shared: “Roma, my heart swells with pride when I think of your courage and grace. Competing alongside you has been a blessing, like finding home away from home. Your kindness, your hard work, and your strength have been an example to all, and I am so proud of everything you’ve overcome on your own.”
Rachel continued, “Borders may keep us apart, but they cannot separate the bond we share. We are born of the same blood, and you will always have a friend in me, and a home in India. Keep your head high, Roma, because you are not alone. We are stronger together because what divides us is not bigger than what unites us!”
Miss Grand International, a global beauty contest dedicated to promoting peace and understanding, serves as a platform for cultural exchange and goodwill.
The winner receives the “Golden Crown,” crafted from gold and brass and adorned with diamonds and emeralds, with its design refreshed every three years.
