Miss India USA pageant to raise funds for Bihar flood victims

The popular Miss India USA pageant this year would raise funds for the Bihar flood victims, organisers of the beauty competition have said.

The 27th edition of the Nationwide Miss India USA is scheduled to be held in New Jersey Nov 23, in which some two dozen Indian-American beauty queens representing their respective states of the US are expected to participate.

"Part of the proceeds will go for the relief of Bihar flood victims," said Dharmatma Saran, chairman and founder of the pageant Thursday. Some 2.3 million people in North Bihar have been badly affected by massive floods, said to be one of the worst in the state in recent memory.

Saran said Prakash Jha, a well-known producer/director from Bihar, would be attending the pageant to promote the fundraising. Jha is currently touring various parts of the US raising money for Bihar flood victims.

In its 27th year, Miss India USA is the oldest Indian pageant outside India. Winner of this competition would represent the US in the 18th annual Miss India Worldwide pageant to be held in South Africa Feb 14 next year.