Student in the running for Miss England 2021
Published: 08 March 2021
Penultimate year medicine student, Aditi Mukherjee, is in the running to be Miss England 2021. Aditi explains why she has chosen to get involved with the competition, the process of applying, how it is different this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and how she has found juggling the Miss England competition with life as a student.
Aditi begins, “I have chosen to run for Miss England 2021, because it is a platform for me to highlight the importance of self-confidence and self-worth. This contest doesn’t just focus on beauty (inner and outer), but looks at your purpose in serving the community, your intellect and your talents.
“Something I have enjoyed since childhood is serving my community. Since the age of six, I have been fortunate enough to have supported many charities. Annually, I help support religious festivals (Diwali, Eid, Dussehra, Christmas), where I pitch to local businesses to get donations, help cook food, serve the congregation and perform (anchor, sing and dance). During these events, I have even performed in front of Sadiq Khan and received a Jack Petchey award for my contributions.
“Throughout the pandemic, I’ve been able to help in many ways. As a medical student, I cared for patients and as a Radio Presenter, I raised awareness about lockdown regulations and COVID vaccinations. I have also hosted and performed at virtual shows raising money for ‘Action Village India’ and ‘Children with Cancer UK’.
“Address stigmas and misconceptions”
“During lockdown, metal health has been significantly affected worldwide. The Miss England platform will give me a wider reach to be able to help those in need, raise mental health awareness and address stigmas and misconceptions associated with mental illness, whether it is in my community, in England, or globally.
“I entered Miss England through the ‘WildCard 3 Round’. Winners of city pageants (e.g. Miss London) go straight to the Finals. For those who have not entered the city pageants, Wildcard rounds are a means to get through to the next stage.
“This year, most rounds are being done virtually due to the Pandemic. My three submission videos can be viewed on the Miss England YouTube Channel (introduction video, talent video, catwalk video). Hopefully, the finals can take place in person as soon as lockdown is lifted.
"I have had a great time”
“I have had a great time juggling the Miss England competition with life as a student. Being in my penultimate year of Medicine requires a lot of hard work, time and dedication, but completing the submission videos was an interesting experience.
“Trying to film straight after placement before the sun sets, changing costumes five times and standing in sub-zero temperatures in the snow and rain was all worth it. In fact, the Miss England competition has allowed me to keep a balance between the long and tiring shifts at the hospital, the pressures of the lockdown, and enhancing my skills and abilities.”
For Aditi to proceed to the Miss England 2021 finals, public votes are required. The vote closes at midnight on Tuesday 9 March. You can vote for Aditi by following the instructions below.
- Download the Miss England App
- Press the STAR (vote) button at the bottom of the screen
- Click on Miss England WildCard 3
- Scroll down to Aditi
- Vote For Aditi Mukherjee by clicking the star on Aditi’s picture