While many around the world are still buzzing over the recent Miss Universe 2011, how many of us were aware of Miss Deaf World, which took place in Prague in July this year?
This pageant, organised for and in support of deaf women all over the world, is in its 11th year and had contestants from 38 countries. 20-year-old Ilaria Galbusera from Italy went home with the crown this year, but Southeast Asia has also been represented, with 27-year-old Dian Inggrawati Soebangil coming in as the second runner-up.
A Communication Science graduate, Dian impressed audiences with her culture dance performances, dancing in time with the music despite being hard of hearing.
A volunteer at the Foundation for Healthy Life Coaching (Sehjira), Dian hopes that other girls will follow in her footsteps to take part in future Miss Deaf World pageants, saying, “Beauty is something that comes from within, rather than what appears on the surface.”
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