Many beauty pageants are organised globally as well as in the country. One of them is the Mrs India - Queen of Substance (MIQS) pageant, which is held every year, and sees a galaxy of talented contestants from across India.
This year, the 11th edition of Mrs India - Queen of Substance was held on August 12, 2023 in New Delhi, and was graced by Bollywood Actor Kunal Kapoor, as well as the Directors of the event Ritika Vinay and Vinay Yadawa, among others.
GT Digital chats with this year’s winner, Goa’s Yogita Walke, about the pageant experience, motivation and more.
Tell us about yourself – education, family.
As far as education and career are concerned, I completed my BSc in Chemistry and Biotechnology from Dhempe College, Miramar, Panjim (2005), followed by an MSc from Bangalore University (2007). After that, I cleared my CSIR NET in 2014, and was a lecturer in the reputed Jai Hind College, Mumbai, until we relocated to Goa.
Then, I worked as a Project Assistant (at NIO in Goa and Mumbai), as a senior research fellow (CIFE, Versova), taught at St Xavier’s College (Mapusa), and lectured in DM’s College (Assagao). I also have an Airbnb hosting platform. Marriage happened in 2009, and I have a 12-year-old daughter.
Why did you decide to participate in the pageant?
As a kid, I dreamt of participating in a beauty pageant, and even designed and stitched my own outfits when I was 12. Anyway, I eventually completed my Master’s in Biotechnology, and my beauty pageant dreams were put on the backburner because I wanted to complete my education and establish my career.
When I was studying at DM Higher Secondary School, Assagao, I was voted Miss Beautiful by fellow students. Then, during my first year BSc at Dhempe College, Miramar, I participated in the Miss Goa contest and finished among the top 15. Later, in my third year of college, I participated in the Miss Dhempe contest of the college festival, and won the title!
Fast forwarding to August 15, 2022, Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav was being celebrated in DMC where I was a lecturer. Among the eminent personalities invited as chief guest was Jacqueline Shinde, who had won the Mrs India title in 2022. As soon as I saw her, I remembered my long forgotten dream of participating in a beauty pageant.
From that moment on, I began to take up activities and projects that would enhance my confidence and stage presence. Eventually, in 2023, I took the plunge and registered for the Mrs India Queen of Substance 2023.
How did your family react to your decision to participate in the beauty pageant?
My parents, Ghanashyam and Saroj Raikar, as well as my in-laws, Ramkrishna M Walke and Shobha Walke, were very supportive. So was my husband, Milind, who encouraged me and accompanied me while shopping for clothes and accessories, and for every fitting. My in-laws were surprised, yet thrilled, to learn that I was participating in the pageant.
Tell us about your fitness and diet regime.
I used to go to the gym and engage in a mix of walking, cycling, cardio and weight training, which helped me stay fit and toned, while boosting my energy levels. Intermittent fasting was followed by a high protein diet.
I increased my intake of salads and fruits, and substituted wheat with millets (ragi and bajra).
Besides cutting down on all forms of processed and salty/sweet foods, I also stayed hydrated which is important for healthy, glowing skin.
Tell us about this year’s pageant.
The Mrs India Queen of Substance contest is a Government of India registered national platform for married women, and is held every year. This year, it took place in Delhi on August 12, 2023 with 34 women vying for the Mrs India title. Some Indian women had specially flown in from Kenya and Switzerland to participate in the pageant. I was crowned Mrs India by Bollywood actor, Kunal Kapoor.
This year, the competition consisted of different levels to be covered in a span of 3 days, with some online tasks to be undertaken prior to the contest.
During the pre-finale round, there was an interview, where candidates were judged on appearance, intelligence, personality and answers to questions.
During the talent round, I danced to a famous Bollywood number, and during the fitness round, I displayed my badminton abilities (wearing sporty attire).
On the day of the finals, there was a round of traditional wear with a prop, evening gown round, introduction to judges and question-answer rounds.
Punctuality and interaction with other participants was looked upon favourably. Late-comers would end up losing points.
You also won the ‘Intelligence’ sub-title. Tell us about the event.
A series of questions were asked, one of which was, “Who is a woman of substance?” I answered that she is one who is independent, takes her own decisions, achieves her goals and lives her dreams.
In addition, participants had to form 3-letter, 4-letter, 5-letter and 6-letter words.
Another question that was asked was, “What would you do if you were to win ₹ 1 lakh?” I replied that I would keep half of it for my family and daughter’s education, and utilize the rest for skill development classes and workshops for orphan students.
How does it feel to be crowned Mrs India - Queen of Substance?
Thrilled, excited and feeling on top of the world!
Will you continue to work as a lecturer in future?
Yes, I will.
Your message to married women.
Believe in yourself! You are the best and you deserve the best. Work on your goals! Give your 100% to whatever you do without thinking about the outcome. The Universe is with you. Take, one day at a time.