In a society obsessed with women who are young, single and beautiful, it is truly refreshing to see a pageant that focuses on older married women who have successful careers and life experiences. The Mrs World pageant will be held in China from March 1-12 and will have around 50 contestants from all around the world.
The beauty industry is largely built on ageism so a pageant for the mature women is more about recognising their skills and accomplishments and acknowledging the fact that women can succeed in work, life and relationships and be beautiful too.
Iris Maju, who was crowned Mrs India World and who is from Kochi,will be taking part in the Mrs World competition and is preparing hard for the competition that will have rounds that will judge the talents, accomplishments and skills of the candidates.
Iris is learning the martial art form kalari and is also practising yoga for the fitness aspect.
She says, “I will be performing kalari for the talent round and I am learning it from a kalari school in Fort Kochi. My aim is to take kalari to the International platform with the message of women empowerment. There are a lot of crimes against women and kalari can be used to defend ourselves. The reason I chose kalari is that it is a performing art as well as good for my physical and mental strength. It is not easy to learn kalari for me at this stage but I want to give it my best shot. I spend two hours each day for my martial art practice; and I have been doing yoga for a long time.”
Iris explains that there would be a gown round and the National Costume Round, in which she will be dressing up in a handwoven sari with a peacock and mango design designed by a prominent brand. Iris adds, “The peacock is the national bird of India and mango is the national fruit.”
A lot of encouragement and support has been flowing to Iris and she has been preparing for the past six months for the contest. Iris has planned her routine well. She explains, “In the talent round, I want to use the International platform fruitfully and pass on the message to reach the people of the World.”
Neither is Iris nervous and she has all praise for her supportive family. Her husband, a Colonel in the Army based in Shillong, their son and the in-laws always cheer her on.
