When missus became mod

It was a seamless blend of beauty and brains at the recently concluded Mrs India Karnataka 2017 red carpet event, where three women achievers from the city emerged winners. Dr Shruthi Gowda walked away in style with the crown held high (age group 22-40) at Orion Mall Brigade Gateway. The winners will be representing Karnataka in the Mrs India grand finals to be held in Chennai in April.

Talking about her experience of winning the pageant, Shruthi shares, “There were three rounds; ethnic, fitness wear and western gown. I was picked from the hundreds of participants. I was one of the 17 grand finalists and finally after a gruelling round of questions, I was declared the winner. The first runner up was Tripti Arvind and the second runner up crown was bagged by Sneha Nagpal.”

“Women from various walks of life participated in this contest. Their aim is to empower women and enrich opportunities for personal growth. I’ve completed my bachelors in dental sciences. My continuous dedication towards education has fetched me a gold medal in my profession. I’m very passionate about the cause of education for women. I work as an educationist and managing trustee in a group of institutes,” says the 28-year-old winner. Some of the women achievers who were awarded include Roopamouli, Prafulla Patel, Uma and others.

With no previous experience in modelling, were there any challenges that she had to face, we ask and Shruthi states, “My primary purpose to enter this pageant is to create my own identity. Ever since my growing up days, I’ve always been fascinated by modelling and beauty pageants, but medicine was my true love. I pursued my love and became a doctor and now my other dream has also been fulfilled. It was a learning experience from each one of the contestants. I’ve gained a lot of confidence. There were lot of challenges as all contestants were highly talented but my refusal to give up and belief in myself led me to victory.”

What does her family feel about her taking part and winning, we prod and she explains, “My family has been very supportive all through. My husband Chethan Gowda has always been very encouraging and this wouldn’t have been possible without him. Pratibha Saunshimath, Mrs India 2015 has been my inspiration.”

About her other passions and hobbies, Shruthi adds, “I’m a strong believer in yoga and the yogic way of life. I also love to sing and would like to work on projects that help make our city clean and green, charity missions and educating the public on caring and saving the environment.”