SHE remembers days when she had lost confidence in herself and how the support of her family and friends had lifted her spirits and gotten her to where she is today.
Sheryl Kumar, 20, was on Saturday night crowned the new Miss India Fiji from a pool of nine other contestants. The soft but well spoken beauty from Suva was emotional upon receiving her crown, saying she did not think that one day she would be on stage, winning a national pageant.
"My mind straight away went to those days that weren't my best. Every girl has her down days and I am no different. Then, I didn't think I would make it through life, let alone take part and win the Miss India Pageant. I am blessed to have come this far and I couldn't have done it without my friends, my family and even those people that passed me on the road with a smile or a bula - they all deserve a mention in this win. They have played a part in building my confidence."
"The hardest journey begins now. I am honoured to represent Fiji on the world stage and I hope, like those winners before me, I do a worthy job in my reign," Ms Kumar said.
She now prepares for the Miss India Worldwide pageant that will be held at Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia next March.
Ms Kumar who was sponsored by Sheer Bronzer also scooped the Pure Fiji Beautiful Skin award.