These beauties want to spread literacy, promote cleanliness

Mumbai, Mar 20 (UNI) '' I would like to do something for the elderly citizens,'' Ponds Femina Miss India Earth Amruta Patki said here today.

Speaking at a press conference, all the three winners -- Amruta, Miss India Universe Neha Kapur and Miss India World Natasha Suri -- said they would like to do something to eradicate illiteracy and promote cleanliness.

Neha Kapur, Natasha Suri and Amruta Patki were crowned Ponds Femina Miss India Universe, Miss India World and Miss India Earth on March 18 by judges -- fashion designers Tarun Tahiliani and Suneet Verma, film directors -- Karan Johar and Rakyesh Om Prakesh Mehra, and actors -- Karishma Kapur, Zayed Khan, Shamita Shetty, Rakshanda Khan and Neha Dhupia.

Responding to questions, the three winners said they were interested in Bollywood but for the next one year all of them would concentrate on the international pageant.

''Presence of mind'' was their prompt answer to the question as to what was their winning factor. At the end of the day, it is fate too, they admitted.

That apart, it was belief in themselves, people who believed in them, confidence, grace, and the feeling you are one of the best.

Miss India Universe Neha Kapur said, ''I don't deny there is a lot of glamour but there is a huge responsibility too. I am here because I believe in certain things. Even though we have won the crown, we are still ordinary people who do ordinary things.'' Amruta Patki said, ''People identify with us through the reality that shows. They feel 'she is like us'. I thank Zoom for that.'' Natasha Suri said, ''I din't feel like sleeping or eating because I was full of anxiety and excitement ..... I was transfixed and, well, it still has to sink in that I have won. I thank all who have helped me get here especially the great panel of trainers.'' Mr Munish Purii, National Director, Ponds Femina Miss India 2006, said, ''This year's pageant had finalists who were all strong contenders. But we do have our three winners who have all the potential to bring the international crowns to India. For these winners, the journey has just begun and the next phase is to train them for the international pageants.'' UNI LS MAZ RA KN2320