"It is the longest-running pageant for married Indian women"
A GP is hoping to inspire other women as she competes as a finalist in Mrs India Worldwide.
Dr Niru Ghosh, of Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, hopes to win the beauty pageant after beating thousands of hopefuls around the world to make it into the final 120 contestants.
The pageant is open to married Indian women and aims to “celebrate beauty and grace” while encouraging women to “fulfil their dreams”.
Niru, who is based at the Victoria Medical Centre in Hebburn, moved to the UK from India 18 years ago.
She has two sons with husband Saurabh Ghosh, a consultant eye surgeon at Sunderland Eye Infirmary.
Niru hopes to make it into the pageant final, which will be held in Dubai from June 5 to 9, 2023.
She said: “It is the longest-running pageant for married Indian women all over the globe.
“It is the 12th season this year and the final will take place on June 5 to 9 in Dubai.
“I only came across the pageant through Instagram when one of my friends sent it to me and said, ‘You must apply’.
“I applied in late January and had an online audition where I had an interview and had to do a walk.”
The GP has to earn her place in the final by taking part in a series of challenges, which includes weekly social media tasks around themes such as cyberbullying and poverty, which will be marked by judges on how much engagement they receive.
Niru must also raise funds for charity.
Throughout May, she has been walking 60,000 steps a week, raising around £3,300 for Shanti Sajal Research and Charitable Trust which supports underprivileged people in India.
Niru said: “I have always had an inclination toward beauty and fashion.
“This pageant is unique in the sense that it allows women to own their own uniqueness and be confident in their skin.”
“It is something that has always been my dream to talk in front of millions of people to be able to convey my message which is that age is no limit and you should always try to chase your dreams.”
If Niru reaches the Dubai final, she will take part in an interview and fashion show that includes modelling a saree, gown, ‘resort wear’ and swimwear.
She hopes Mrs India Worldwide will give her the platform to raise awareness of mental health.
Niru added: “I do feel that being South Asian I will be able to give the South Asian community a voice to talk about mental health.
“As a GP 40% of consultations are based around mental health so I think I can promote that if I have a bigger platform.”
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