Simplicity worked for her

Gurnaaz Kaur

Winning a beauty pageant has its own charm and benefits. It can open many avenues for you. That’s what Haut Monde Mrs India Worldwide 2018 Saroj Mann believes. A dentist by profession, she hails from Bhiwani in Haryana and thinks this title will be her way to work towards women empowerment. “I want to be the voice for the voiceless and spread awareness about domestic violence in Haryana. Inequality and injustice against women needs to stop and I feel having won this title will help me influencing people to work for the cause, which I am going to start by associating with an NGO.” This 28-year-old says education is the first step in the direction of empowerment.

A journey that started in February this year culminated in September and these eight months have been a learning experience for Saroj. “It wasn’t just about catwalk or looking beautiful; there were tasks we had to perform, which included doing social work and also being active on social media. We even got a chance to go to Greece for 10 days where we were given grooming sessions. Meeting different people from around the world, knowing their stories, making friends with them, being a part of each others’ struggles, there is so much I’ve gained from this contest.”

Of the many things she learnt in Greece, she says, “The most important one is self-belief. One has to believe he/she is beautiful, because what you think you become. When it comes to makeup, the mantra is less is more. It shouldn’t be a mask on your face, rather something that enhances your features.”

Beauty tips are many but this mother of a three-year-old says, “Beauty for me is not physical appearance. It is being happy, confident and content.”