Croatia eagerly awaits the performance of its representative, the current Miss Croatia Tomislava Dukić, at the upcoming 72nd edition of the Miss World global pageant. This prestigious event, gathering beauties from all over the world, will be held in India, specifically in the state of Telangana, from May 7th to May 31st, 2025. The city of Hyderabad, as the capital of Telangana, will have the honor of hosting the festival's opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the grand finale of the competition scheduled for May 31st at the modern HITEX Exhibition Centre.

Official Send-off and Months of Preparation

Ahead of her departure for this significant international competition, a formal send-off was organized for Tomislava at the well-known Zagreb gathering spot, Cafe de Paris. The event brought together numerous dignitaries from Croatian public life, including fashion agent Tihana Harapin Zalepugin, former Misses Antonija Gogić Bračulj and Ivana Delač, music manager Zoran Škugor, and the esteemed academic painter Dimitrije Popović, who came to support the Croatian representative.

Tomislava Dukić, a graduate kinesiologist currently studying physiotherapy, has dedicated months to intensive preparations for Miss World. Her preparations included not only physical fitness but also mental strength and creative expression, aiming to present Croatia in the best possible light. The Miss World pageant is known for evaluating not just external beauty, but also personality, talent, and dedication to humanitarian work through the "Beauty with a Purpose" project.

Representing Croatia: From Talent to Tradition

Our representative will compete in several categories. In the Sport category, she will demonstrate her impressive physical condition, acquired through years of sports involvement and kinesiology studies. For the Talent category, Tomislava is preparing a particularly emotional performance – she will paint motifs and memories derived from her volunteer experience in Africa, specifically in an orphanage in Benin. This touching story also forms the basis of her project for the most important category, "Beauty with a Purpose".

Furthermore, Tomislava will also compete in the Top Model category. For this occasion, she will wear a unique costume designed by Marina Lacković from the fashion brand Larie. The costume is inspired by an extremely important historical event – the coronation of King Tomislav and the commemoration of the 1100th anniversary of the Croatian Kingdom, symbolizing the rich history and strength of the Croatian state.

Croatian tradition will also be highlighted in the "Dances of the World" segment, held before the finale. For this occasion, Tomislava will proudly wear the traditional Lika folk costume. The choice of the Lika costume is not accidental; it pays homage to the Lika region, the area from which two great Croatian minds originate – the brilliant inventor Nikola Tesla, born in Smiljan near Gospić, and the Father of the Homeland, Dr. Ante Starčević, born in Veliki Žitnik, also near Gospić. Their legacy is part of the rich cultural heritage that Lika offers, which Tomislava proudly represents.

Promoting Croatian Beauty and Culture

Besides her performances in individual categories, Tomislava will also promote Croatia through a specially filmed video postcard. This promotional material was created in collaboration with the Croatian National Tourist Board and with the support of Lika-Senj and Vukovar-Srijem counties. The video showcases breathtaking shots of Croatian natural beauties and cultural heritage. Particularly prominent are the scenes from Lika, realized thanks to the engagement of County Prefect Ernest Petry, which further emphasize the beauty of this region. Wearing the Lika folk costume in these scenes, Tomislava symbolically connects the natural beauties with the rich tradition and history of the Lika region.

The official video depicting Tomislava's humanitarian story from Benin, which is part of her entry for the "Beauty with a Purpose" category, has already attracted attention and generated positive reactions. The video [00:00:02] begins by showing the orphanage in Benin, established after devastating storms in 2010, which provides shelter for homeless children. Tomislava spent time volunteering there, and the video shows [00:00:39] how she connected with the children through dance, learning, and play, even organizing a small sports camp. A particularly moving moment [00:01:14] is the visit to the "Route of Slaves," a place that bears witness to a painful past. Tomislava emphasizes in the video [00:01:41] that true wealth lies within the heart and highlights [00:02:17] the importance of volunteering and providing support not only in distant lands but also within one's own community. The message about the lasting impact of kindness and compassion [00:03:01] concludes this inspiring story.

Beauty with a Purpose: Experience from Benin and a Message of Humanity

The "Beauty with a Purpose" project is a central part of the Miss World competition, promoting the humanitarian engagement of contestants. Tomislava's story is based on her volunteering at an orphanage in Benin. As she described it, the experience was extraordinary and deeply connected her with the children and the community. "It's a place where love and life follow a different rhythm," she stated, "where happiness is not measured by wealth, but by smiles and sincere hugs."

During her stay, Tomislava and other volunteers organized various activities, from making jewelry to playing sports games. She pointed out that the children, despite modest conditions, showed incredible competitive spirit and joy. "We taught them, but they taught us more – how little it takes to brighten someone's day," she shared her impressions. Visiting the "Route of Slaves" prompted her to reflect on modern forms of slavery – time, pressure, materialism – and how the children from the orphanage, with so little materially, remind us that the greatest wealth is spiritual.

Her humanitarian engagement is not limited to Africa. Tomislava actively volunteers in Croatia as well, helping local organizations that support the underprivileged. Her message is clear: the need for love, attention, and support exists everywhere, often right in our immediate neighborhood. "Sometimes we think the real need for help is somewhere far away, but the truth is that similar situations can exist in our neighborhood too," emphasizes Tomislava, adding that sometimes a smile or a kind word can change someone's world.

Support from Croatian Companies and Experts

Realizing such a demanding project as participating in Miss World would not be possible without the support of numerous partners. Iva Loparić Kontek, owner of the Miss Croatia for Miss World license and national director, expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to Tomislava's preparation. Logistical support for the trip to India was provided by the company ATI.

Numerous Croatian designers and brands ensured a flawless appearance during the month-long stay in India, including the aforementioned Larie, as well as Nikolina Wedding Store, Natalija Smogor, Mocro Swim Fashion, Gemstone Gallery, Tvornica Naočala, and Brokat Haute Couture. Their creations will ensure that Tomislava shines at every event.

Expert help in preparations was also provided by other professionals. Dharma Institute took care of Tomislava's skin using Revello and Circadia products. Poliklinika Šlaj-Anić is responsible for her radiant smile. Stylists from Studio Marcela educated her on hairstyling, while makeup artists from Učilište Profokus taught her makeup techniques.

A special gesture was made by the academic painter and writer Dimitrije Popović, who gifted Tomislava one of his paintings. This artwork will be offered at a charity auction organized by Miss World Limited, with the proceeds intended for humanitarian projects worldwide.

Expectations and Message Before the Trip

Just before departing for Hyderabad, Tomislava Dukić expressed immense gratitude to everyone who made this dream possible. "I am incredibly grateful to everyone who helped me realize this dream and enabled me to go to the 72nd Miss World. Thank you to ATI and the Croatian National Tourist Board, and to all the wonderful people and collaborators who equipped and prepared me for this unforgettable journey – from beautiful creations to facial care, smiles, and style," she conveyed.

She eagerly anticipates meeting girls from all over the world and the opportunity to learn about their cultures and humanitarian projects. "I can't wait to meet girls from all over the world and learn more about their 'Beauty with a Purpose' projects. I look forward to sharing experiences, moments together, and stories that connect us all – love for the community, humanitarian work, and the desire to make the world a more beautiful place," stated Tomislava, carrying to India not only the Croatian sash but also a strong message of unity, humanity, and beauty with a higher purpose.

The Indian state of Telangana, as the host, is also intensively preparing for this global event. They plan to use the opportunity to promote their tourist attractions, culture, crafts, and gastronomy, presenting themselves as the "gateway to southern India." Participation of contestants from around 140 countries is expected, and the rich program will include visits to cultural landmarks, sports competitions, fashion shows, and numerous other events culminating in the election of the new Miss World.