Reita Faria

Miss World 1966, Dr. Reita Faria in Africa

Reita Faria Powell (born 23 August 1943) is an Indian model, doctor, and beauty queen, who won Miss World 1966, becoming the first Asian woman to win the event. Born in Bombay, India, Faria made history with her win, marking a significant moment in the world of pageantry as well as signaling a shift in global beauty standards.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Reita Faria was born in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, into a Goan family. From a young age, she showed a keen interest in both academics and extracurricular activities. Faria pursued her education in medicine, aspiring to become a doctor. She attended Grant Medical College in Mumbai, where she balanced her studies with her passion for modeling.

Miss World 1966[edit | edit source]

Faria's entry into the Miss World pageant was somewhat serendipitous. Encouraged by friends and family, she entered the Miss India contest in 1966 and won, which led her to represent India at the Miss World contest held in London, United Kingdom. Her win at Miss World was groundbreaking, not only because she was the first Asian woman to claim the title but also because she demonstrated that beauty and intelligence could go hand in hand. During the competition, Faria impressed the judges with her poise, intelligence, and answers during the interview segments.

Career and Life After Miss World[edit | edit source]

Unlike many beauty queens who pursue careers in modeling or entertainment, Faria chose a different path. After fulfilling her duties as Miss World, she returned to India and completed her medical studies. She then moved to Dublin, Ireland, where she furthered her studies and eventually settled down. Faria married David Powell in 1971, and the couple has two children. She has since led a life away from the limelight, dedicating herself to her family and her profession as a doctor.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Reita Faria's win at the Miss World 1966 pageant remains a significant milestone in the history of Indian pageantry. She paved the way for future generations of Indian women to aspire to and achieve success on international platforms. Faria is often cited as a source of inspiration for young women in India and across Asia, demonstrating that it is possible to excel in both academic and non-academic fields.