TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO’S representative at the 2025 Miss World competition Anna-Lise Nanton said she sees pieces of home in the vibrant south Indian state of Telangana.
Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana, is hosting the 72nd Miss World pageant which runs from May 7 to May 31 and features contestants from 116 countries.
Nanton penned A Letter to Trinidad and Tobago, from Telangana – with Love on May 23.
She wrote, “From the vibrant soul of Telangana in southern India, I write to you surrounded by warmth, tradition, and a sunshine that feels so familiar, almost like a piece of home travelled here with me.
”Though we’re worlds apart, I often glimpse pieces of home through the welcoming smiles of the Telangana people, their shared sense of community and the vibrant colours and energy which occupy every space.“
[caption id="attachment_1156898" align="alignnone" width="683"] Anna-Lise Nanton, Miss World Trinidad and Tobago - Photo by Gary Jordan[/caption]
She said she was truly moved me, though, is the role of women in both nations.
“In Telangana, women lead through Self-Help Groups, running businesses and changing lives in rural villages. I also visited the Integrated Command and Control Centre where advanced technology is used to ensure the safe mobility of women. It’s an empowering model which resonates with my work at The Shelter in Trinidad and Tobago, where I serve as the youngest board member, offering support, safety, and new beginnings for women in crisis.
“While I've met so many strong women here in Telangana, how could I not mention the pride I feel when I said, in Trinidad and Tobago, the top three national offices are held by women – our President, our Prime Minister, and our Leader of the Opposition. This was not just representation; it’s inspiration.”
She said, Telangana and Trinidad and Tobago also share a deep spiritual heartbeat, with festivals like Bathukamma here resonate with our own Diwali, Hosay and Christmas.
“Both places celebrate life with colour, music, food, and faith while embracing diversity as strength and intertwining tradition with innovation,” she said.
“As I walk the streets of the city through bustling bazaars and peaceful temples, I carry the heart of Trinidad and Tobago with me. The experience here has already touched me deeply. From witnessing incredible architectural marvels, to experiencing ancient spiritual traditions to learning more about innovative and advanced technologies, this truly is a remarkable place! My mind has been opened, my heart has been filled and my dreams have expanded.”
[caption id="attachment_1156897" align="alignnone" width="683"] Miss World TT Anna-Lise Nanton - Photo courtesy Agape Focus Photography[/caption]
“One of the most exciting common threads? Cricket. The love for the game here is electric and yes, I learned that Bhuwaneshwar Kumar is just one of Telangana’s bowling gems. Imagine my joy when I shared that I’ve met and personally know Brian Lara and Dwayne Bravo, not realising just how legendary they are here in India.
