Back from the Miss Universe contest in Las Vegas on Thursday afternoon, Dalysha Doorga, Miss Mauritius 2009 talks about her experience during the event and on passing the crown to Miss Mauritius 2010.

Miss Mauritius

I feel a sense of accomplishment because I have learnt many things such as rising to the same level as girls from Latin America who have mastered this event. I am very proud of what I achieved.

What was your your programme like at the contest ?

The programme was loaded, there were 83 of us and we were told that the 83 of us had to be involved in different things, so it was quite interesting. We were divided into 10 groups. We participated in shows such as an Elvis concert with singers, dancers, costumes. We also met managers and leaders.

Can you briefly describe your entire experience?

First I had gone to Tanzania to participate in Miss Africa, then I got involved with the events in Mauritius. Then I went to Rodrigues for Miss Rodrigues contest. After that I started preparing for Miss Universe.

I had training in communication and speech which I believe will really help me in the long run.

Could you describe the night of the main event?

Actually the preliminaries which are quite an essential step took place on August 19. It was the time we found ourselves alone on stage with the jury and we were being judged. The final however had a huge audience, it was a great night with all the girls together.

What do you feel are the positive and negative points of this experience?

Almost positive! I made many friends. Another great memory was the Elvis Show.

I also saw David Hallyday and many other stars. The only thing which was a bit difficult was the lack of sleep because you only slept about five hours per night.

What are your views on improvised body painting? Do you think this had an impact on the final decision?

A few girls did it. There were different groups such as body painting wearing a top or going topless, I chose not to go topless.

I don’t think it made any impact on the final decision, because Miss Mexico, Australia and Jamaica didn’t go topless, and neither did most of the fifteen finalists. Some of the girls might have thought that it would help them but they were wrong.

Do you think it has helped you become famous ?

A: Yes, everyone knows me! It has advantages, for sure. Even at the airport I had many supporters and people were really helpful which was a big boost as it was the first time I was travelling alone and a bit nervous .

What are your future plans?

After handing over the crown, I will go for Miss World from October 1 to 31. I have to polish my dancing skills. I have my charity project too, so there is lot of work yet before giving back my crown!

After Miss World, I’ll concentrate on my career. I am a qualified stylist and also working as a partner for a fitness center in Grand Baie which my boyfriend and I have opened.

Since you have travelled a lot, do you wish to settle abroad?

Not at all, I will live in Mauritius.

I have never thought of leaving Mauritius.

What do you think of the fourteen finalists for Miss Mauritius 2010?

I saw the pictures on the internet in Las Vegas, I think they are very pretty, I am really looking forward to meeting them soon.

Do you have any tips for them?

Yes, especially for the preparations. I was fortunate to have been helped by Anais Veerapatren (Miss Mauritius 2008).

I think even if you are different you should not worry about it, I was the only one with short hair. I think it is also important to show your natural look.

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