Miss Teen India contestant represents Renton

Arshia Kathpalia enjoys modeling and pageantry, a hobby that has helped her gain confidence and also helped her serve in Renton and India.

Kathpalia, a senior at Liberty High School, grew up in Renton and represented Renton when she won Miss Teen India 1st runner-up at the Dec. 2023 Miss India Washington Pageant. Following the win, Kathpalia said she will represent Washington state, but specifically Renton, at Miss Teen India USA in New Jersey in December.

Kathpalia said the pageant consisted of six judges, scoring contestants based on an opening speech, interview questions, a talent round where she performed a Bollywood and Bharatanatyam dance fusion, and a walking round where they usually wear a traditional Indian outfit called a lehenga with a gown. Kathpalia said there is also an opening dance, which is unjudged, for welcoming the judges to the pageant.

Kathpalia said there were about 10 contestants in her age group, all ages 15 to 18. She added that each girl represented a different city.

Kathpalia said her interest in pageantry had been brewing for some time, but she started to get really focused two months before the pageant began.

Following a photo shoot, Kathpalia said she would meet with the other contestants once or twice a week to practice their walks and the opening dance, but as the pageant neared, things started getting more hectic.

“Pageantry for me was something I was super passionate about, So I really tried to get in as much practice as I could,” Kathpalia said. “Especially for rounds like my talent round. I used to practice almost every day.”

Kathpalia said she got interested in pageantry partly because she dabbled in modeling, has extensive dancing experience, and likes being on stage. After actually being in a pageant, Kathpalia said pageantry has become much more than dressing up and performing.

Kathpalia said after winning, there have been various volunteer and charity events, which she does alongside the other contestants on behalf of the nonprofit organization that hosts the pageant, Ampowering. Most recently, Kathpalia said they volunteered at the Renton Senior Center and held a fashion show and a dance performance for over 200 seniors.

Additionally, Kathpalia said they’ve participated in parades such as the India Independence Day parade in July and Renton River Days. They have also gone into the community and have given away peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

Through this outreach, Kathpalia said she’s gotten to know many people in the community, and she’s also been able to expand her goal, which is to help empower women. Kathpalia said she and Ampowering have donated to organizations and charities in India that help people as a whole and empower women.

“I wanted an opportunity to help and have my pageantry journey met with a purpose,” Kathpalia said. “I think in my experience with this pageant specifically, I have had a lot of opportunities to help women empowerment and just try and inspire others and serve as a catalyst for change.”

Kathpalia said participating in pageantry has helped her be more open, step out of her comfort zone, and overall grow as a person. She said she’s not 100% sure she wants to get into the dance or modeling industry, but it’s something she wants to be part of her future.

Kathpalia said she’s excited about her upcoming Miss India USA pageant.

“I know it’s going to be competitive, so I’m kind of scared, but I’m also really excited because I’m excited to meet everyone who’s coming, and I’m excited to get to know people from all these states,” Kathpalia said. “It’s happening in New Jersey. It’s going to be a really good experience, and I’ve been preparing. But yeah, I’m excited, nervous too.”

Arshia Kathpalia being crowned. Courtesy Photo

Arshia Kathpalia and others doing a dance. Courtesy Photo

Arshia Kathpalia. Photo by Sheng Xiong