Embracing her best version: Shailja Madhok makes Chandigarh proud by winning the second runner up at the Diva Pageant Mrs India

Karman Singh

Chandigarh-based Shailja Madhok brings laurels to the city by grabbing the second runner up in the ‘Elite Category of Diva Pageant Mrs India’. As many as 55 women from India as well as Qatar and Africa made it to this dazzling event. Madhok’s journey is all about embracing her best version, and confidence. In the 21-70 years age category, women showcased their talent in multiple rounds. “Sharing stories and learning from each other is what makes you grow as a person,” shares Madhok.

Her connection with Chandigarh is not from birth, but marriage. She informs, “Around 28 years ago, I got married to this Chandigarh munda and instantly fell in love with the City Beautiful. Meticulously planned city, beautiful trees on both ends of roads and parks; there are innumerable reasons to embrace it whole-heartedly as my home.”

The three basic divisions — Gold, Silver and Elite — pertaining to different age-groups were made to keep the competition fair. Undergoing different rounds, contestants were judged on the basis of punctuality, confidence, task performances and how one embraces fellow participants.

Madhok, who won the second runner-up title, says she entered the competition only to challenge herself. “I wanted to push the invisible boundaries that we often set for ourselves. With this, I wished to serve as inspiration to many other women, especially my age, to break the stereotypes and explore their full potential. Getting recognised beyond the age of 50 has definitely boosted my confidence and further pushed me to learn new things. Life is all that matters, so why not do what you like? I have embraced my best version, have you?”