Punjabi Woman reaches Miss Great Britain Top 5

Rajni Singh, a 40-year-old NHS Practice Manager originally from Punjab, India, reached the top five in the Miss Great Britain 2022 beauty pageant.

Conquering various health issues, Rajni stated that she wished to overcome stereotypes and to represent women of colour.

She finished fourth runners-up at the event, which was held in London.

The renowned Miss Great Britain pageant has been held every year since 1945.

Rajni, who graduated from Panjab University Chandigarh, was the only Indian competitor. She moved to the UK after getting married in 2003.

The mother-of-two overcame “the darkest phase” of her life due to health issues.

Speaking about her pageant achievement, Rajni said:

“I was someone who was anxious growing up and had low self-esteem.

“Like many women, I used to think that once you got married, everything became your priority, but you.

“Two years ago, I was in the darkest phase of my life when my health took a toll on my physical and mental well-being.

“(I had) a medical history of PCOS, sciatica, a herniated disc in my neck, vertigo, and anxiety.”

While she works for the NHS, Rajni turned her passion for fitness into a profession as an online nutritionist and fitness coach.

It was her fitness journey which inspired her to prioritise her well-being.

Rajni continued: “It was only through my fitness journey that I realised my true potential and true worth.

“As I was getting physically stronger, I was getting stronger mentally too. All my fears turned into my strengths.

“Lately, I have taken my passion for fitness into the profession as an online nutritionist and fitness coach.

“I am a fitness enthusiast and I aspire to educate women about the importance of fitness and nutrition through social media and from work.”

Rajni went on to say that her participation in Miss Great Britain was so she could inspire women of colour to chase their dreams.

“I wanted to remind (women) how important it is to live for yourself, to believe in yourself and to not let anyone else’s opinion define you.”

Rajni credited her husband Daljeet Singh for encouraging her “to dream big” and giving her “wings to fly high”.

Meanwhile, her family in Punjab is elated. Her father, Vijay Sondhi, commented:

“Even to participate in such a contest demands great courage and she made it to the fourth position, which is a matter of pride for us.

“It is a beautiful message to all the women who stop following their dreams and passion after a certain age.”