The All-India Deaf Arts and Cultural Society recently organised Mrs. Deaf India 2024 in Hyderabad. Niyati Malgaonkar from Mapusa, made Goa proud by winning the title.
Niyati is the wife of Gaurish Malgaonkar, president of the Goa Association of the Deaf, and an employee of the Department of Agriculture. It was after her marriage in January 2023, that she was encouraged to take part in fashion events. With the backing of Prasad Joshi, Founder and General Secretary of the Goa Association of the Deaf, and her husband Gaurish; she went on to register herself for Mrs. Deaf India 2024. This was also the first time, she took part in an event outside Goa.
A HSSC student of Sanjay Centre for Special Education in Porvorim, she then pursued bakery through Indian Institute of Hotel Management, Goa. Niyati runs her own bakery from home, specialising in customised cakes.
Commending this victory for Niyati, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Guruprasad Pawaskar said: “It is indeed a proud moment for Niyati, her family, and all of us in Goa who have been supportive of her moving forward. She now is an inspiration for persons with disabilities and women to shine bright in whatever field they wish to pursue. She did not let her hearing limitations come in the way of her dreams.”
Niyati says she feels blessed and rewarded for her confidence and efforts with success attained through this title.
“I’m on top of the world after having won this title. It means a lot to me and my family who was supportive of me participating in this pageant. I hope I can inspire more people from our deaf community to come forward,” says Niyati.
Goa Association of the Deaf (GAD) has expressed joy with Niyati winning the Mrs. Deaf India 2024 title. Gaurish said: “Heartiest congratulations to Niyati Malgaonkar on winning the Mrs. Deaf India 2024 title. As the first Goan to achieve this remarkable feat, Niyati has set a historic precedent for future Goan participants in the Miss, Mister and Mrs. Deaf India competitions organised annually by the All-India Deaf Arts and Cultural Society. We eagerly look forward to seeing her represent India at the Asia Deaf Fashion 2024 in Thailand this October. Wishing her all the best in her future endeavours.”
Niyati hopes her achievement will inspire other deaf women to pursue their goals and attain success.
