REUTERS/LUCAS JACKSON

OK, So I am not a fan of beauty pageants…but I am a fan of the newly crowned  Nina Davuluri – the first Miss America of Indian descent. Yes, she did it. She danced a Bollywood fusion number and won the hearts of the judges to become Miss America 2014.

REUTERS/LUCAS JACKSON

I’m happy to see that she didn’t shy away from her heritage, although it’s probably true that the 24 -year old has never really lived in India.  Mindy Kaling    once    said on NPR that she forgets she is Indian because she went to India once when she was 17. I have seen so many women from Gov. Nikki Haley  to Norah Jones renounce their Indian-ness to gain more acceptance in western society.

The Bollywood fusion dance number that won her the crown will also give Indian women the much needed boost they need. There are Indian women everywhere celebrating a tiny little victory. Something that doesn’t focus on   the pain and suffering of the women in India. Her win is a celebration of beauty and intelligence.

So today, I applaud this young woman who wants to take her winnings and pay for medical school to become a doctor. Proof again, that Intelligence IS SEXY!