Neelam Verma Miss Canadian Universe 2002 Miss India Canada 2001 Journal Entry - December 2001

It's getting colder, Christmas is past, and we've rang in 2002!
I was intending to celebrate my birthday in India at this time but due to unforeseeable circumstances, this trip has been postponed. Nevertheless, I spent New Year's with my family and close friends, which ended up being a blessing in disguise. Isn't is amazing how time flies before our eyes. It seems like just yesterday I won my titles, and in only a few more months I will be on stage at the Miss Universe Contest! Am I nervous you ask? A little, perhaps more excited than anything.

Preparations for Miss Universe
As the days pass, I am becoming more involved in my preparations for the competition. I am working with an amazing team of people to help me develop in the areas of fitness, etiquette, communications and many other elements. I spend most of my time with my pageant coach Bobby Ackbarali, in an intense program covering each element necessary to bring home the title. I am also working with pageant historian Jimmy Steele to learn the in's and out's of pageantry and interview skills, and with Joanna Parris on Image and Etiquette. I have also devoted my time to working with Canadian fashion designers with intentions to help expose them internationally. The response from supporters across all industries has been tremendous. MAC has come on board as my official cosmetics supporter, which is a great partnership as we hope to do some joint work with AIDS organizations. Other supporters include: The Beresford Clinic, Tom's Place in Kensington Market, Sports Club of Canada, Canada's Nutrition Center, Fashionwatch.com and the list continues to grow!

So overall, I would say that the preparations are coming along well. I would like to thank you all for your kind support. I have received positive emails from South Asians around the world including Canada, USA, Europe, India and South Africa, the news is spreading fast! I feel strong and confident about the competition and plan to continue on my training as planned.

What's been going on
On more of a personal note, I recently spent 6 days in an intensive Mediation course from the Art of Living. It was phenomenal! I learned Yogic breathing, how to breath utilizing mind, body, and soul. We also spent time on understanding that life means living in the present, not worrying about the future or regretting the past. It was a powerful course and certainly helped me to centre and focus myself. The course helps put life in perspective, from learning to breath properly, to exuding positive energy and eliminating negative energy, it is definitely a course that can help you create a sense of meaning in your life. I now spend some time each day meditating and keeping myself centred, it has helped me in creating a more peaceful and positive state of mind. I think we often focus too much on improving our exterior and we end up neglecting our inner selves and spirituality. I would definitely recommend this course, it's a breath of fresh air (pun intended!). Speaking of spirituality, I recently had the pleasure of hearing Deepak Chopra live at Roy Thompson Hall. I enjoyed listening to his philosophies, which are comprised of theories of physics, the science of biology and religious and spiritual beliefs.

Community Involvement
Recently we have had some great news in our community, Raminder Gill, MP has successfully passed through a second reading of a proposed Bill to have May as the official South Asian Month. I was present to witness and support this proposal and was extremely proud to be mentioned as one of the accomplished South Asians in Canada that he addresses. I am confident that the Bill will pass and become law and when it does I will certainly be on the committee to execute the South Asian History month. This will not only help educate our own community on our culture and history, but Canadians of all ethnicities. This is a true accomplishment, I know I speak for the whole community when I say that we are proud to have this type of representation in Parliament.

Those of you who were at the Mybindi Awards, and those who should have been caught a glimpse of me presenting the best male media personality award, and officially unveiling the cover of Suhaag Bridal, fashion and lifestyle magazine, featuring yours truly on the cover. I received a lot of compliments and interest on why I selected a Japanese theme for my outfit. The reason is that I love the exoticism of foreign cultures and wanted to showcase the fusion of these cultures we share in Canada. The Awards Night was a great success, acknowledging the contributions of talented South Asians in Canadian Media. Kudos to the Mybindi team for creating this opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments. I had a great time socializing with everyone and look forward to next year's Awards.

Personal Take
As the year comes to an end, we often reflect on all the events that have happened in our personal lives and around the world. It has certainly been full of some exciting moments for me, as well as some very tragic ones for our countries. But we can look ahead with positivity and with hopes that the year ahead will be full of peace and resolution. I wish you all a safe holiday and a wonderful New Year's. I hope that 2002 is full of growth, happiness and adventure. Perhaps this can help you with your New Year's Resolution.

Work like you don't need money
Love like you've never been hurt,
And dance like no one's watching.

Have a great New Year!

Neelam
contactneelam@hotmail.com