Many Goans have achieved greatness on the global pantheon and have become immortalized in the minds of fellow countrymen. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, ItsGoa in its humble attempt would like to introduce to our readers, Reita Faria Powell, the Goan who won the 1966 Miss World crown.
There were many firsts, when this young lady was crowned Miss World. Not only was she the first Indian to win the honour, but also the first Asian to do so. The list of firsts does not end there as Reita later went on to become a Doctor. The very first among the Miss World winners.
In fact, after the one year tenure of her Miss World reign was over she refused to take up any modelling jobs and film roles, choosing instead to concentrate on her studies. She went on to gain her M.B.B.S degree from Grant Medical College & Sir J. J. Group of Hospitals. Later on, Reita went on to study at the King’s College Hospital in London.
In 1971, she married her mentor David Powell. The couple shifted to Dublin in 1973; here Reita began her medical practice. She was one of the judges at the 1976 Miss World contest and 1998 Femina Miss India contest.
Photo courtesy: www.india-infofacts.com
