Yogita Walke is a true success story that shows that it is never too late to dream. From being a college professor, she went on to participate at the Mrs India beauty pageant and won the contest this year. Wife of Milind Walke and mother to her dear daughter Aryaa, they made up for the support system that Yogita required to climb to the top.
“After completing my Masters in Biotechnology, my dream of participating in a beauty pageant was kept on the backburner, as I wanted to complete my education and establish my career. I joined as an assistant professor for Environmental Studies in DM’s College and Research Center, Assagao, where I met alumni, Jacqueline Shinde, who had won the Mrs India title in 2022. As soon as I saw her, I remembered my long forgotten dream of participating in a pageant and winning the title. From that point onwards, subconsciously my mind started to realize this dream. I started to take up activities and projects that would help me work towards my goal. Eventually in April 2023, I finally decided to take the plunge and register for Mrs India Queen of Substance 2023,” explains Yogita, a resident of Mapusa.
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As one is judged on fitness, health, intelligence, poise and self-confidence, Yogita had a year to prepare for the competition. At the college level, she was conducting various inter-class competitions and events which helped her in building confidence and addressing stage fear. “I trained my students to participate in inter-college cultural festivals, and specifically to participate in fashion shows. In this process, I was also learning the finer aspects of how to perform on stage. It sharpened my knowledge on fashion and ramp walk. All these experiences provided me with a good background and I finally decided to formally participate in Mrs India Queen of Substance 2023,” explains Yogita.
Jacqueline Shinde informed her about the preparation required to participate in a pageant. She started with her wardrobe, followed by her performances and ramp walk. “I am a fitness enthusiast and I love to stay fit and healthy. The first part of my daily fitness regime was to go to the gym. I used to do a mix of walking, cycling, some cardio and weight training. This helped me to stay toned and fit, and also boosted my energy levels. My diet included intermittent fasting followed by a high protein diet. I increased my intake of salads and fruits. I also substituted wheat with millets like ragi and bajra. Staying hydrated is very important for healthy and glowing skin,” she says about getting fit for the pageant.
The competition consisted of different levels that were covered in the span of three days. The pre-finale rounds consisted of the personal interview, talent round and fitness round. On the day of the finale, the rounds included traditional wear with heavy prop, evening gown round and finally the Q&A rounds.
Throughout her year of preparation to finally winning the title, Yogita is grateful to the people supporting and guiding her, right from her family, friends and students. “I would like to thank Jacqueline for her mentorship, my sister Sneha Kunal Kaushik for always believing in me and my in-laws, Ramkrishna M Walke and Shobha Walke for backing me and my parents Ghanshyam B Raikar and Saroj Raikar for always being supportive in whatever decisions I take. My pillars of strength, my husband Milind Walke and my dear daughter Aryaa for motivating me through thick and thin. They have been the rock of my life and nothing could have been accomplished without them. I take this opportunity to say that ‘I made a decision to be with you and it’s the best decision I ever made,” says Yogita.
Winning the prestigious title of Mrs India Queen of Substance 2023 has definitely opened up new avenues for Yogita in the areas of modelling, acting in movies/web series, and fashion designing. “I am truly excited for what the future holds in store. I believe that God has planned something good for me and it will come to me. Someday, I would also like to represent India on an international platform as well,” she says about her future plans.
What would she like to advise other women? “My message to all women is to believe in yourself. You are the best and you deserve the best. Think about your goals and aspirations and start working on them. Be positive and optimistic, give your 100 percent in whatever you do, and don’t worry about the results. The universe will be with you,” concludes Yogita
