Werrington’s Saritha Ram Menon comes home with two sashes
Western Sydney’s Saritha Ram Menon travelled to the Mrs United Nations Pageant World finals earlier this month.
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Werrington’s Saritha Ram Menon has been crowned Mrs United Nations Pageant World 2019.
The international competition was held in New Delhi and Punjab from November 1 to November 10.
Saritha became the first South Asian woman to win the prestigious title.
She also won the People’s Ambassador Award 2019, as she got the maximum votes in an online people’s choice voting system.
The pageant saw 59 contestants from Asia, Europe, South East Asia, Africa, and the Americas vying for the coveted title.
The contestants were judged in a gamut of rounds, namely promoting multiculturalism, charity and social causes, national costume, personal interview, high fashion, talent round and sports round.
They went through nine days of vigorous training and grooming sessions under known grooming experts and well known choreographers.
Mrs Menon said it took “bravery” to compete in the pageant.
“It’s like carrying a burning torch,” she said.
“If you’re comfortable with yourself, then you’ll look beautiful. If you’re not feeling comfortable with yourself, that always shows.
“Hopefully my journey in pageants will be conducive in any young woman’s preparations in the pageantry world.”
Mrs Menon said that while it was nice to win, it wasn’t her ultimate goal.
“Everyone has something unique to offer,” she said.
“I am a body-positive influencer, and I fully support the body-positivity movement.
“Young women should know that no matter your size or age, you have great worth.
“I would dedicate my whole self, my love for fashion and my voice to uplift, empower, and educate these women.”
As part of social causes and involvement – the contestants went to NGO’s, children’s homes and orphanages, and all contestants cooked delicacies of their respective nations and served to these underprivileged kids.
They also handed over books, pencils and other donations.
As part of pageantry excursions and showing the cultural flavour of India, all contestants were also taken to the Golden Temple in Amritsar and the Wagah Border.