DHAKA: Nina Davuluri is not the first Miss America of colour. She is not even the first Asian-American to wear the crown. But her victory has clearly struck a chord in some quarters.

At a news conference held after her name was announced on Sunday night, the first question was about a slew of social media users apparently upset that someone of Indian heritage had won.

Some tweets called her Arab and a terrorist, reports The Straits Times.

‘I have to rise above that,’ said Davuluri, who competed as Miss New York.

‘I always viewed myself as first and foremost American.’

She said she was delighted that the nearly century-old pageant sees beauty and talent of all kinds.

‘I’m so happy this organisation has embraced diversity,’ she said.

‘I’m thankful there are children watching at home who can finally relate to a new Miss America.’

BDST: 1642 HRS, SEPT 17, 2013
RoR/GCP