WMH India Magazine - October - 2022

Message from the Team

Dear readers,

Welcome back to World Model Hunt for another amazing edition. We continue to bring unique and diverse content from all around the world. This month and this season is all about the festive craze. It is Deepawali season! In this lively time, with all the shopping, cleaning, and decorations, we take the initiative to give you the best time off. Articles written on the most fascinating topics which give you a complete overview and essence of this festival will provide you with the refreshment you’ve been looking for amidst the chaos.

Just like last edition we are continuing the segment of "FROM THE VAULT" which includes interviews with people from diverse backgrounds in the fashion world. You will find first-hand experiences and stories from photographers, models, artists, and people who continue to pursue their passion in modelling

Let us celebrate the biggest festival of India, together with the team here at WHM India. We hope you enjoyed this edition of the World Model Hunt Magazine. Wish you and your family a happy and prosperous Diwali. May Goddess Laxmi bless us all.

Best wishes,

TEAM WORLD MODEL HUNT INDIA

Jayita DasINSTAGRAM: @jayitadasofficial

Classical Dancer & Fashion Model:

Meet Vertika Verma, who started her modeling career with a dream of achieving milestones. Coming from Banaras, Uttar Pradesh Vertika is trained in Indian classical dance from Kathak. She completed her studies from Banaras and then shifted to Mumbai to pursue modeling. Vertika’s main aim is to be an actor and try her luck in the best possible way. She started her career by participating in a beauty pageant named Miss Banaras. She became the finalist of the pageant Indian princess. From there her career kickstarted. Vertika was more towards modeling and acting. She did a few

modeling assignments initially in the 12th standard. Then she participated in Dabur Gulabri Fresh Face of Uttar Pradesh.

“From there my career started and even though I did not win the pageant, I had the confidence to take it forward. I did my portfolio done in 2010 from Delhi’s renowned photographer. Gradually my journey started and then I did a few catalog and commercial shoots. Then my main motive was to get into acting. I shifted to Mumbai in 2011.”

- Vertika Verma

Vertika pursued a bachelor’s of Commerce and side by side she graduated in Kathak. When asked about how supportive was her family in her decision, Vertika mentioned since her childhood she wanted to do modeling. So, her parents always supported her. Apart from modeling, Vertika is a sports lover and is a huge fan of

cricket. She loves traveling and has traveled to a lot of places. Speaking about her dream destination. When asked did she ever had a Plan B while opting for this career path, Vertika said she never thought of doing somethings part from modeling. She was always very passionate about modeling and still is.

Vertika pursued a bachelor’s of Commerce and side by side she graduated in Kathak. When asked about how supportive was her family in her decision, Vertika mentioned since her childhood she wanted to do modeling. So, her parents always supported her. Apart from modeling, Vertika is a sports lover and is a huge fan of cricket. She loves traveling and has traveled to a lot of places. Speaking about her dream destination. When asked did she ever had a Plan B while opting for this career path, Vertika said she never thought of doing somethings part from modeling. She was always very passionate about modeling and still is.

Vertika told that to stand out from the crowd in this competitive industry one needs to be very active. There is a lot of competition and every person out there wants to do modeling. But a person should have the personality to stand out from the crowd that is very necessary. “Constantly you need to be socially very active to grab the opportunity. You should keep on doing work no matter how big or small it is. You should work in a loop. If you love your work then continue trying because there is a lot of competition, make a way for

“Earlier I got a thought like I need to have a plan B. But now I am thinking of involving myself in some directorial work and I want to bring a more creative side of me. I dont want to leave this industry. So I am trying to learn new things and create another source for income."

yourself.”

Talking about the casting couch experience, Vertika told that she was once asked for it. Elaborating more, she says, “Once I was shortlisted for a south film, opposite very renowned actor. I was around 19 or 20 years old at that point, so there was a character of a young Kathak dancer. So I was very excited about that role. The project was almost finalized, I was about to fly for signing the contract. But sud -

denly the casting director called me and said Vertika you know how this industry works right? There are a few things involved are you aware of?

I said no I am not aware. You could have told me before I would have not even pitched about it. Then he asked me to meet the director once. But I clearly said no! because I don’t want to do it anymore. It was very disheartening at point, as I was very excited for that film.”

Vertika told that her acting career is in process. She recently did a movie and only the dubbing part of life. due to the pandemic, it was not able to get completed. She was very excited about the movie as it was her debut film. “It is a comedy genre film opposite Rajpal Yadav and many more famous actors. So now we are just waiting for the film to release."

Vertika mentioned that she never plans for the future. She tries to make her present better by working each day.

THE BIGGEST INDIAN FESTIVAL:

Diwali

A look back at the

History

Diwali is a festival that always comes in the month of Karthik as per the lunar cycles, on the thirteenth day which is known as Thrayodashi. The thirteenth day of the Karthik month is the festival. Traditionally, the science behind this is, on this day everybody worships the Deepawali day. Everyone is supposed to worship Dhanvantri, the deity dedicated to one’s health and well-being. Today the term Dhanvantri has become almost synonymous with the word doctor.

the winter months, what you should do with yourself, what time you should wake up, what you should eat, how your food habits should change, and how your practices should change. For all this, traditionally they created science as to how one should behave, so as to pass through winter months without getting depressed and without losing your senses. The lighting of lamps and bursting of crackers is a part of science so that you don’t slip into a slowdown.

Dhanvantri or the deity Dhanvantri is supposed to be the source of Ayurveda, the science of long and healthy lives. All of this, about Dhanvantri and Thrayodashi, has been modified over the years in the way it is pronounced and is known as Dhantera. What was about health became about wealth. Dhan means money, and now everybody thinks that Diwali is all about money. For those of us who live in the northern part of India, things change from this day onwards. In a way, there is a slowdown of life. So, for

The significance of the festival has largely been ignored but still, people are singing and burning crackers.

Mythology of Diwali

This festival has been celebrated for ages, and there are multiple stories behind its origin. While in northern India this festival is associated with Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, in the south this festival marks the history of Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu.

The most common tale that is prevalent in northern India is associated with the arrival of Rama, Lakshman, and Sita to Ayodhya from their 14 yearlong exiles. Upon winning the battle against Ravana and his Lanka to free his wife from abduction, ram coronated Vibhishana, the brother of Ravana as the king of Lanka. With very few days left to completion of the exile, Rama was restless to head back to Ayodhya.

When ram, Lakshman, and Sita arrived in Ayodhya, the people of Ayodhya lit millions of lights and earthen lamps across the city to welcome their beloved king Rama. Thus, lighting a Diya or a lamp has been a long traditional way to celebrate Diwali by Hindus.

In southern India, Diwali is celebrated to mark the victory of lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. Bhoomi Devi (mother earth) had a son named Naraka. Even though Naraka was the son of a goddess, his true nature was that of a demon. Naraka was powerful

and the thing that pleased him was terrorizing the inhabitants of the three worlds. Narakasura would cause havoc in the kingdoms of the three worlds. Narakasura once heard that Indra, the king of the devas, had thousands of elephants in his army. Narakasura, thinking like the greedy soul he was, wanted to possess everything and

attacked the heavens. Indra was helpless as he watched Narakasura plunder the sky. Naraka himself began the pursuit of the devas. While pursuing the devas, a shiny object caught his eye. Upon inspection, he realized that the glimmering object was Aditi, the mother of the devas. He then tried to assault Mother Aditi as well.

Now Indra, feeling humiliated at his loss and even worse that his mother was assaulted, wanted revenge. He knew that there was only one person who would be able to defeat Naraka, it was Krishna. Indra reached Krishna’s palace when he was spending quality time with his wife Satyabhama. He told Krishna about

everything that took place and begged him for his help. Krishna was enraged after hearing everything and said that Naraka had to die for what he had done. Narakasura was killed very easily in a battle with Krishna.

Not only Hindus but sections of other religions like Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism use Diwali to mark important events which were a part of their histories as well. In Jain tradition, Diwali is celebrated in observance of “Mahavira Nirvana Divas”. This day marks the physical death and the final nirvana of Mahavira. The Jain Diwali celebrated in many parts of India has similar practices to the Hindu Diwali, such as the lighting of lamps and offering prayers to goddess Lakshmi.

If we were to stay ignorant about our own culture, how do we expect others to accept and respect our culture? India is going through a major economic crisis, but people are still finding ways to strive in the chaos. Can we help them and buy diyas locally instead of shopping for them at the malls? Now that you know so much about this festival, and its importance scientifically as well as mythologically, we hope that you can enjoy the festival of lights to its full extent. Have a happy and safe Diwali.

Nikki Draper

Hosting a Diwali Party?

Here is the know how

Many people all across the world celebrate Diwali. Homes are cleaned and adorned, and lights are hung. Rangoli, or powder-colored art, is created on the floor to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of riches and prosperity. Hosting a Diwali celebration may be difficult, especially when the holiday occurs on a weekday, as it does this year. That's when a little forethought and a lot of imagination may come in handy.

Music, Dance and Games

What Diwali party is a party without some fun dance and singing sessions!

• Set up speakers in your Diwali party location and whip up an exciting playlist of songs to which your guests can dance and sing along.

• Engage your crowd and play singing games, like every Indian’s favorite Antakshari.

• For a successful use of music and dance to bring light to your festival of lights party, add good decor and

lights that fill the vibe in the room with laughter, fun and happiness.

• Your decor should be light colored, theme based or not depending on you and how you want your party to look like.

• Keep fairy lights for your house to decorate it, as it is the Festival of Lights afterall. But for a fun music and dance session keep a sunset lamp handy, which is one of the trendiest lights and creates a great fun, aesthetic vibe for parties.

Food, Food, and some “Portable” Food

Now the first thing that attracts and gives joy to people is food. Don't panic and try to make everything you know

how to prepare right away. First, sit down and plan out all of the courses:

appetizers, beverages, main dish, and deserts. What do you want to serve?

• Don't overdo it on the cuisine you provide for your visitors.

• You might wish to remember the menu from your previous Diwali celebration so that you don't serve the same items twice.

• To reduce waste, avoid over-preparation of foods.

• Serve "heavy appetizers" or finger food. People can roam and mix more freely with portable meals, and it frees up hands for gambling and card games.

The last point is of utmost importance. You don't have to prepare sophisticated delicacies that require a plate and silverware to eat; instead, offer bite-sized items with tissue papers and toothpicks or disposable cutlery so the host isn't seen collecting dinnerware from everywhere. You don't have to do much to provide little Vada Pav bits, mini Dabelis, Rajma Galouti Kebabs, Corn Fritters, Cocktail Idli Kebabs, and so on.

A cool thing to add to the food corner: DIY COOKING

Aside from cards and other activities, you may simply allow your visitors to participate in some cooking. If you have enough room on your balcony, set up a barbeque with marinated meats and veggies and let them create their own BBQ specialties. There should be no place for formality when it comes to your loved ones. So go ahead and get them used to DIY cooking.

What is food without the drinks on the side!

Take a mix of cocktails and mocktails ready for all types of people and suitable for the whole crowd.

GIFTS

If you really want to go out and about for your Diwali party, buy your guests gifts! Who wouldn't want to come to a Diwali party and receive gifts? Everyone expects presents around Diwali, so don't let them down. While guests to your party may or may not

bring any for you, make sure you have a hamper ready for everyone when they leave. You may either create this at home or buy it prepared from a store. When people leave your party satisfied with good food, drinks, music, dance and games, leaving with a gift in hand will surely tie the knot to you being the best host ever.

Last but not least, with a goodbye note, offer them sweets or, best of all, chocolates! Ending the party with a sweet note will give not only a smile to your guests' faces but satisfaction to the host inside you. This Diwali, host an amazing party with these few tips and tricks to ace it. We wish you a happy and prosperous Diwali. May God bless all of you with happiness, wealth, and the best Diwali party host mug!

Meet the beautiful and inspiring woman, Ms. Priya Bhargava, who was diagnosed with Lupus and Transverse Myelitis at the age of 19 due to which she became 70% disabled. But her strong determination and willpower helped her break all the barriers to achieve greater heights. Ms. Priya Bhargava became Miss Wheelchair India in 2015.

gest source of inspiration. They have taught her whatever she is right now. She has learned from their life stories. Expressing her pageant journey, Priya said that, first she filed her nomination out of frustration as she was bored of studying. By that time she had finished the master’s in Computer Applications by topping in her regional center.

She was always drawn towards beauty pageants like Miss India and Miss World but being a shy and introverted person, she never thought to become one. Modeling happened to her unplanned.

Priya has always been a very creative person who loves to explore things and opportunities. She grew up in a very homely childhood. She has always been an extremely shy and introverted person but an ambitious one as well. Her family has always been supportive of her decisions whether it was related to studies, modeling, or something else until it is life-threatening. Her parents (Mr. S.C Bharagava and Mrs. Gayatri Bhargava) are her big -

" I wanted something new to explore. So, I decided to send my pictures, videos, and bio-data for entry into Miss Wheelchair India. I was interviewed by the Founder of Miss Wheelchair India and was asked to send glamorous pictures for the Miss Popularity round. It was a big turn-off to me as I had been a shy person all my life. At one point I had decided to take my name back from the contest but before I could do that I was already amongst the top 7 finalists. I made my mind to complete it. Then I worked on all the necessary skills including my weight. And finally, On 5th Dec 2015, I won that contest in Bangalore. "

Being a counseling psychologist at @talktoangel online portal and who herself has been through depression, relates to Mental health a lot. According to her, mental health occurs when you start thinking rationally and when you start seeing things from both perspectives, objectively as well as subjectively. We are the outcomes of our biases toward ourselves and others. Being happy always is near to impossible and it is not the parameter to define our mental health. Mental fitness includes feeding our minds with the right information and the right knowledge. There is no scope for negativity if we feed our minds with the right things. Sharing her views on whether mental health is getting the required amount of importance in India or not she said,

At present, people are getting more aware of mental health. I do counsel a lot many people from different age groups. Still, a lot of improvement is necessary. People hide away telling that they have an appointment with a counselor or a psychiatrist but they

do not hide away from telling that they have an appointment with a Dentist or a Physician. Until this won’t normalize, we can’t say that people are rational about this aspect of life. Many physical ailments exist because of mental health problems. So when you are mentally fit, you automatically get physically fit directly or indirectly.

Priya is a practicing Counselling Psychologist. Besides that, she is a Motivational Speaker, Educator, Fine Artist, Actor, Model, YouTuber, and Author( Freelancing). All these are her sources of income besides being her passion. She completely enjoys her work and gets peace out of it. She received the ‘Excellence Award’ by International Human Rights Organisation in association with United Nations and International Bar Association.

She has modeled for Quint, Miss Wheelchair World, and Open Magazine. Priya has not only exhibited and successfully sold her art and crafts but also worked for a dress design -

er whose work was exhibited in Delhi and Dubai. She is a co-author in the book “Holding My Tears”. She has her YouTube Channel named “LifeSkillsByMissIndiaPriyaBhargava” for educating “life skills” to the people. Priya is also a petitioner to make “Cinemas Wheelchair Accessible” and “My Yellow Vehicle” for school students’ safety.

Wheelchair World contest in 2017, becoming the 1st Indian woman to do so. She was also the First specially-abled model from India who was published as a cover girl on the Literary Magazine of ‘Tales & Tellers’. Her life story is on a Moral Science Book ‘Gems for Life’ in schools and colleges of India. She believes, being born as a human and finishing it being a human is the greatest achievement of all.

My work is my hobby. Besides that, I always believe in serving our society in any way we could. I am a social activist where I work for women empowerment, accessibility for specially-abled people, I am a member of WICCI-NMHC (National Mental Health Council). So mental health has always been on my agenda, I am also working for enriching people with information about Lupus by doing webinars with experts. I have a WhatsApp group where we are now a family of more than 100 Lupus warriors.

She has faced a lot of criticism throughout her journey. But Priya believes that people can criticize you at any point in time but it is your call whether you wish to take it positively or negatively. She has learned to handle criticism. She is more into working on herself to become a better version of herself. Not because people criticize, but because she wants to do it for her happiness and self-satisfaction.

For Priya, her biggest accomplishment is Miss India Wheelchair winning. She has also represented India in the Miss

" My biggest strength is my parents, who have been there with me in my thicks and thins. I never forget to take their opinion while I make a decision. They are my motivators. They show

me the other side of the coin. And that really helps. My weakness includes me being workaholic and very sensitive. I feel these are also my assets, I just need to be a bit conscious about my health both physical and mental."

In conformity with Priya, discrimination is everywhere. She has faced discrimination and she fights back in whatever way is possible or she simply just boycotts them. Some people are scared of her due to this. Standing for truth and fighting for it, needs a lot of guts and sometimes you are left alone all because of this. But this cannot break her determination to stand against something which is wrong.

Sometimes it gets disappointing for her with today’s societal norms but she always tries to make people aware of things. She feels that as we make the society, so we need to maintain a balance between law and order. If something is lacking in our society then it is our sole responsibility that we change

it. People with disabilities are still not accepted or have basic rights. The young generation should act and change this perception of society.

Everyone has a unique mindset but something which Priya would like to change is how people perceive disability. She has noticed one common thing among people that is when they see any specially-abled person, their attitude is more of pity or sympathy.

Whenever people come to interact with Priya thinking that she is some kind of sufferer, she opens up and tells them about all her achievements. That acts as a mirror to them and an indirect question, ’What are you up to? Her favorite quote is ‘This too shall pass’ as she has faced a very difficult time in the past due to her health issues. She was in the hospital for 4.5 months continuously, underwent several surgeries, blood, plasma, platelet

transfusions. Two times doctors were also not sure of her life. She used to always think about when would she be fine as she aspires to do several things. That time, this thought has always relieved her from all the pains and kept her grounded in most of her happiest times.

In the end, modeling has thrown a great impact on Priya’s life. It made her stronger and better.

Diwali Fashion

In budget for teens

Diwali conjures up feelings of color, light, and happiness. We anticipate this celebration all year long and look forward to sharing it with our loved ones. Each of us looks forward to glowing and shining on the night of Diwali since dressing up is a big element of this event. Nowadays, people like hosting Diwali celebrations at their homes and inviting their

loved ones over for food and treats. Teenagers want to look their best for the impending Diwali gatherings, and guys are eager to mature into their father-like appearances.

LEHENGA:

Every young girl loves wearing lehengas. In a lehenga, any girl appears more elegant, graceful, and beautiful.

Moms can experiment with unexpected color pairings and combinations when wearing lehengas. Although lehengas are flattering on a variety of body shapes, shorter women look especially adorable in them. Use some strings to fiddle with the blouse, then wear it with striking earrings.

SAREE:

Sarees will always be in style. Assist your young beauty in draping a saree, and finish off the ensemble with bangles, earrings, and spectacular neck jewelry. Matching jewelry made of glass or terracotta will intensify the color. Wearing a saree can make any woman feel beautiful and special!

INDO-WESTERN THEME

The Sherwani has changed from a straightforward two-piece to many other incarnations. By adjusting the lengths, materials, original designs, prints, and brocades, designers have produced a wide range of variants. Sherwanis go well with colorful coats.

A Chinese collar shirt and a neon-colored blazer will definitely attract attention if your kid enjoys wearing pants. You can give a regal look for Diwali by dressing in a silk sherwani. Put on some khussas with it.

Floor-length anarkalis are now popular. The majority of adolescent dress suggestions for Diwali this year feature anarkalis. With the addition of belts, coats, pin tucks, and asymmetrical cuts, they may take on a more

HALF SLEEVED MAXIS:

You can choose a patterned maxi or 3/4th dress if you don't want to go all Indian. It can have floral, abstract, diamond, teardrop, or even geographical patterns as a motif. You may choose

western look. During this festive season, anarkalis with striking neck embroidery are trendy. This Diwali, treat yourself to a stylish anarkali in a striking color to make yourself feel special.

simpler jewelry, like a bracelet or ear studs, as the print already commands attention. Below is a red beauty made by Urbanic. We now have various sites offering ethnic clothes online, not only

the ones that are typically pursued, in contrast to five years ago. The ease with which shopping has evolved is wonderful.

DHOTIS:

Any man looks regal in a dhoti. They enhance men's charisma and elegance and have enchanted ladies for centuries. Dhotis will help you grow into a gorgeous man overnight. Dhotis go well with sherwanis, kurtas, or just plain ol' shirts, so you will charm everyone in the room. One of the finest suggestions for dressing up teenagers for Diwali is to try colorful dhoti-pajamas if crisp white dhotis bore you.

DAPPER LOOKS AND DRAPE:

A formal shirt and pants are the best option if you dislike wearing formal attire. A double-pocket checkered shirt goes well with either professional or casual pants. To finish the outfit, add extras like cufflinks, a bow tie, or suspenders. For a smart appearance, use it with sneakers or long formal shoes.

There are ready drapes for girls who find it tough to carry a separate dupatta. For a fashionable and fusion style, you can get kurtas with an attached dupatta or a gown with a readymade drape. For a finished look, use them with jeans or dhoti salwar. For a stunning persona, opt for loose curls and high heels.

THE SHARARA TREND :

Allowing yourself to wear a colorful sharara to the Diwali party will ensure that you steal the show. Now that shararas are back in style, females choose to wear them to day or night events, including mehndi parties. Nowadays, adolescent females want to wear shararas. For a sparkling appearance, choose for hues like orange, crimson, or blue.

To appear stunning, wear it with juttis or kolhapuris and long danglers.

We hope this post has provided you some pointers and recommendations on the newest Diwali festival clothes you might try out.

The cliche "Don't burn patakas, just appear like one" is the one to use.

Mannat Dutta

INSTAGRAM: @a_vishkanya