Reita Faria Powell (1966)
Reita Faria Powell, an Indian-British doctor and former beauty queen, became the first Asian woman to win the Miss World title in 1966. After winning the Miss World title, she pursued a medical career and served as a judge in various beauty pageants, including Miss World.
Upon her passion to become a doctor, she was asked the reason behind it. With great honor, Reita replied, "India needed more obstetricians and gynecologists." When asked about the increasing birth rate, she said 'It is something that we need to discourage."
Reita became eligible to represent India at Miss World after winning the Eve's Weekly Miss India title. She carried a saree for the evening wear contest, showcasing Indian culture. Along with the prestigious title, she secured the titles of Best in Swimsuit and Best in Eveningwear. She is the only Miss World winner who chose not to pursue modeling or acting, which set her apart from her peers in the beauty queen world.
