17 Aug 2022  |   05:12am IST

All for the crowning glory

Jacqueline Shinde from Siolim was recently crowned Mrs India Queen of Substance 2022 at a function in Delhi. Six months postpartum, Jacqueline got into a fitness regime to compete against 25 glamorous contestants to win the title
All for the crowning glory

Ten months after giving birth to a child, mothers are usually getting into the routine with a new member in the family. With irregular sleep patterns, mood swings and caring for the new baby, a mother’s priorities mostly focus on the child. But when Jacqueline Shinde got a call from a beauty pageant that she has made it to the top 25 contestants, she had to put in extra efforts to get back into shape and be mentally prepared to face the competition. Shinde from Siolim went on to win the title of Mrs India Queen of Substance 2022 at a function in Delhi. Dr Jyoti Gupta from Kolkata won the Ruby category and Julie Fernandes from Bangalore won the Emerald category.

Currently residing in Bengaluru, Shinde from Siolim is the daughter of Jacob and Annie Shinde and the only sister to Jason. A student of Holy Cross High School, Siolim, and St Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Mapusa, she completed her graduation in Commerce from Dnyanprassarak Mandal’s College and Research Centre, Assagao. “Before becoming a mother I used to work with Indigo airlines as Lead cabin crew which gave me the opportunity to explore new places and meet new people. I love to dance as it keeps me active and fit. I also exercise to maintain a happy and healthy lifestyle. I am blessed beyond measures with a wonderful life partner, my husband, Wilson Paul. We have been married for five years and are blessed with a beautiful little daughter, Samaira, who is just ten months old,” says Shinde, talking about her family.

Though passionate about beauty pageants, this was the first pageant that she participated in. “Ever since childhood, I had this craze for pageants. I looked up to many inspiring women who made me strong and independent. Now, I am here to inspire every woman to dream big as marriage and motherhood is not the end but just the beginning,” says Shinde.

She was just six months postpartum when she got selected as a finalist for Mrs India Queen of Substance 2022 in April. “It was just four months after delivery and I had gained weight. After pregnancy, every woman’s body has massive changes. I started focusing on healthy habits. I started exercising every morning for at least 20 minutes and also focused on having proper nutrition. I love to dance so that added to my advantage in losing weight. It took almost three months for me to see the changes in my body. This was possible only through hardwork and consistency. I lost ten kilograms in three months. It was extremely challenging but my hard work paid off,” Shinde explains her fitness regime.

She had six rounds in the competition which included personal interview, little red dress, sportswear, traditional wear with prop representing India's diverse culture and traditions, talent and the evening gown round. All rounds had their respective marks allotted. Besides this, contestants were also marked on their punctuality and

tasks assigned.

Rejoicing in her winning glory, Shinde says, “At the moment, I'm still sinking in the fact that I am the winner of Mrs India Queen of Substance 2022 and enjoying this victory with my loved ones. Whatever opportunity comes my way, I'll definitely work on it to achieve much more. I just want to tell every woman never give up on your dreams, no matter what life throws at you. Work hard for yourself and be independent.”

Mrs India Queen of Substance gives an international platform for participants to compete in Mrs Universe, Mrs Earth, Mrs United Nations, Mrs Universal and other international pageants. Shinde is grateful to the pageant organisation and the directors, Ritika Vinay and Vinay Yadawa. Under their mentorship, she won the most coveted title for married women and will be taking the legacy ahead as a brand ambassador by continuing the community services.

Shinde is blessed to have an understanding husband who motivated her to participate in the pageant. “They say behind every successful man, there is a woman. But in my case, it’s behind every successful woman, there is a understanding husband. My husband knew that being a beauty queen was my long lost dream, so he pushed me to pursue my dreams. Besides him, my parents and my in-laws have always supported me throughout this journey. I would like to thank each one of my family members. I'm grateful to have them in my life,” concludes Shinde.

IDhar UDHAR

Idhar Udhar