(Photo Supplied)
Athulya Shreejit Nair
Auckland, September 13, 2022
It is an absolute honour to write an article for my fellow community members on my journey to winning Mrs India Globe New Zealand 2022.
Thank you Auckland Malayali Samajam for this opportunity.
The Pageant was indeed an experience that I can cherish forever.
I had never thought that I would compete in a pageant.
I got an opportunity to participate in a confidence pageant, Mrs Heritage which was held in February 2021. Though I was reluctant initially, I later participated and gave it my best shot and was crowned the runner-up.
I met many amazing women from other communities during that pageant who encouraged me to participate in the prestigious Mrs/Miss India New Zealand Pageant that was due to be held later the same year. The Pageant however was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and was finally rescheduled to be held in July 2022.
Pandemic saps interest
As the Pageant was delayed a few times, I had lost my zeal and even thought of backing out at some point. However, my husband Shreejit encouraged and motivated me to carry on.
The date was finally set and we had month-long training sessions, subtitle/charity events, photoshoots and other preparations for the main event.
It was tiring yet enthralling and a beautiful journey filled with excitement.
I could not have done this without the support from my family and friends and I consider myself a winner in that aspect. The Pageant had four rounds and I am thrilled and overwhelmed that I chose to wear the Kerala traditional dress set-Mundu for the final ethnic-wear round.
I was crowned in the same attire representing my roots proudly.
The Pageant takeaways
A few takeaways that I would like to share are that opportunities do not come often and the one thing that can make an opportunity look undesirable is the fear of failure. Therefore, please have the courage to grab the opportunity and turn it into reality. Enjoy every moment in your life.
There could be obstacles on your path to glory but have the belief and be the best version of yourself, then everything is achievable.
In today’s society, both men and women are equal.
Pageants and similar events provide women with the platform to showcase their talents, express their views and become strong, independent and confident. As we know, the most alluring thing a woman can wear is the crown of confidence.
If you are confident, it gives you the power to make a difference and outshine as an individual. It tells society that women no longer shy away from doing what they like to do but take the lead and inspire and influence others.
The time constraint
One of the most difficult tasks women face is finding the time. If you are a working woman, mother, or wife then of course it is hard to find the time. Your priorities are different but do not ignore your dreams and bury your desires. Listen to your heart and chase your dreams, do things you are passionate about and enjoy the memorable journey.
This will help you learn, grow and better yourself as an individual.
Be you, believe in you and you will achieve. Let us be the inspiration for one another.
Athulya Shreejit Nair was crowned Mrs India Globe New Zealand 2022 at the finale held at the Pukekohe Community Hall recently. Athulya has a Masters Degree in Business Administration and has been living in Auckland with her family for the past 13 years. She is an advertising specialist with Stuff New Zealand and is very passionate about our arts, and culture and getting involved with the community.
Pageants of India Producer-Director Sukhvinder Bhullar adds:
Pageants of India NZ 2022 is one of the most prestigious events in the country.
The ninth annual edition of the Pageant was held at the Pukekohe Community Hall on July 2, 2022, with the participation of Indian women, personifying grace, charm and talent.
Each of the contestants displayed self-confidence, determination and the sporting spirit that is important at such contests. Judges struggled to pick the winners for each participant did her best to qualify for the title.
We introduce the title of Mrs India Classic NZ this year, which we hope will gain popularity.
Women aged 50 years and above will qualify for this title and as the saying goes, nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful.
I have heard many winners saying, “Beauty is being the best version of yourself on the inside out. Real beauty is to be true to yourself.”
We are grateful to our panel of judges headed by Sandeep Raju, event hosts, Geetanjali Sharma and Rupinder Virk and photographer Ranjit Singh Ahluwalia.
We look forward to Pageants of India NZ 2023 which will mark the 10th Anniversary of the Pageant. We look forward to your support.
Following are the winners in various categories this year:
Sana Dhala: Miss India Worldwide NZ 2022
Sangeeta Thapar: Mrs India NZ 2022
Neha Dalal: Mrs India Classic NZ 2022
Athulya Nair: Mrs India Globe NZ 2022
Nisha Sahid: Charity Queen 2022
