BY Amrita Chaudhry

Courtesy: Express India

Ludhiana, December 18: FOR some it was a dream come true and for others, the opportunity of a lifetime.

But then at the end of the day, it was love for Punjabi culture which took them to the winners’ podium.

Miss Punjaban World 2006 Japjee Khaira wears her crown with utmost responsibility; she says she is the role model for all the Punjabi girls in the diaspora. And the other two, first runners up Patiala ’s Manjosh Bhullar and second runners-up Harpreet Hanjrah claim they will show the world what a true Panjaban is all about.

Japjee Khaira, Miss World Punjaban 2006
It has been years now, since I had been dreaming of participating in such a contest. When I came to know that Jasmer Singh Dhatt had come to Sydney for the auditions, it was like opportunity had knocked at my door, and I grabbed it both my hands. I left Punjab when I was in Class IV, but my connection with my roots remained in the form of letters that I exchanged with my grandmother, which were always written in Punjabi. In Australia too, I remained loyal to my culture. Even at school functions, I would perform Punjabi folk dances.

I still remember the day when an Australian girl walked up to me and said how rich I was, for I had a colourful heritage and culture. This statement made me a prouder Punjabi. Post this contest, I am a role model for all the Punjabi girls living abroad. I want to tell them that we can stay connected to our roots even while we pursue our dreams abroad. I will want to make a career for myself in IT, but promoting Punjab and Panjabiat will be my priority.”

Manjosh Bhullar, first runners-up
I am an avid giddha dancer, and my love for Punjabi culture and heritage has brought me to this contest. My mother, a giddha teacher, introduced me to the rich heritage of Punjab. I am doing post-graduation in English, for I want to appear for civil services. Yet Punjabi language, clothes, culture and food _ they all come naturally to me. In the times when Western culture has influenced us much, at our house Punjabiat is a way of life.
I have had many asking me the secret of my beautiful skin: it is happiness and the art of staying happy.

Harpreet Hanjrah, second runners-up
I did not qualify for the finals but I was destined to be one of the winners, so I am here. When one of the finalists fell ill, I was asked to join the contest literally at the eleventh hour. I had nothing ready - no clothes or jewellery. But my positive attitude has made me emerge a winner.