Cynthia Thanda

The catchphrase, “Namaskara” reverberated throughout the posh and lush gardens of the Indian High Commissioner’s residence on the evening of May 2, 2025.

Radiant guests lined up to welcome Miss Botswana 2024, Anacia Gaothusi, in spectacular Telugu culture ahead of her Miss World competition in Hyderabad, India.

The vibrant farewell event was organized by the High Commission of India, in collaboration with the Telugu Association of Botswana, to celebrate and prepare her journey to India.

Anacia will compete in the 72nd edition of the Miss World competition, scheduled to take place in Hyderabad, the capital of the Telugu-speaking state of Telangana.

Speaking with pride and admiration, Mr. Venkat Thotakura, leader of the Telugu Association, reflected on his language and culture.

“Telugu is the language we speak in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana,” he explained.

“She is traveling to Telangana, where the entire Miss World event will be held. We invited her to introduce her to our culture—its origins, traditions, cuisine, and attire—so she can feel more connected to the place she will be visiting.”

He further acknowledged the Indian High Commissioner’s instrumental role in organizing the occasion.

“When we learned that a Motswana contestant was headed to our home state, we felt immense joy. Even our High Commissioner hails from Telangana, making this moment even more meaningful.”

Ms. Anacia Gaothusi, a beacon of hope, resilience, and ambition, captivated the audience with her grace and enthusiasm.

She gleamed with joy, her smile lighting up the room as she laughed, danced, and embraced the warm reception.

“I feel radiant—I’m truly grateful,” she shared.
“This experience has given me invaluable insight into the traditions of where I’m going. I’ve learned so much—India’s contributions to the world, from mathematics to diamonds, and the richness of the Telugu language. I can’t wait to take personal classes, immerse myself in the culture, and even learn simple greetings like ‘hello,’ ‘thank you,’ and ‘you look beautiful.’ I also picked up a bit of sign language!”

The evening was more than just a farewell—it was a cultural bridge, helping Miss Botswana familiarize herself with Telangana’s vibrant heritage before stepping onto the global stage of Miss World.

Understanding local customs can be an invaluable advantage in such a prestigious competition, allowing contestants to connect meaningfully with the host country.

The Indian community in Botswana, particularly the Telugu diaspora, expressed immense pride in supporting Miss Gaothusi. To them, Anacia is not only a symbol of Botswana’s excellence but also a testament to the enduring friendship between India and Botswana.

As she prepares to depart on May 6, she carries with her the well wishes of the Indian community in Botswana and the nation of Botswana.

With elegance and determination, Miss Anacia Gaothusi embarks on a journey that will further strengthen the ties between these two nations.

(C) TPA 2025