Sahil Verma
Jammu Tawi: Richa Mahajan, recently crowned “Beyond Beautiful Queen 2024,” embodies the perfect blend of beauty, talent, and purpose. Hailing from Jammu, Richa’s journey to this prestigious title is as inspiring as it is remarkable. As a Global HR Director, Certified Life Coach, accomplished dancer, and passionate advocate for mental health, she has seamlessly balanced multiple roles while staying true to her vision of empowering others.
In this exclusive interview, Richa Mahajan shared the highs and lows of her incredible pageant journey, the challenges she overcame, and the profound message she wishes to convey to aspiring women everywhere.
- How did it feel to be crowned “Beyond Beautiful Queen 2024,” and what was your first reaction when your name was announced as the winner?
Ans: Winning an international title like “Beyond Beautiful Queen 2024” is truly a blessing, and for me, it is something incredibly close to my heart. This title represents not just beauty but also purpose—a purpose I carried with me on that stage. Hearing my name announced as the winner among 70 talented contestants was an indescribable moment. It felt out of this world, but more importantly, it was a moment of profound satisfaction and empowerment. Knowing that my work was recognized and acknowledged on such a prestigious platform fulfilled my purpose and made the journey truly worthwhile.
- Could you share some highlights and challenges of your journey leading to the UMB Mrs. India 2024 pageant?
Ans: This pageant, organized by a prestigious US-based organization, is highly reputed and encourages participation from people from all walks of life. Balancing my roles as a corporate leader and dancer was one of the biggest challenges, but I saw this platform as an opportunity to express myself and inspire others. The journey was both empowering and joyful. However, it was also demanding, as maintaining mental resilience in front of people from diverse backgrounds required me to perform at my absolute best, making the experience truly transformative.
- As an advocate for mental health, what inspired you to focus on this cause, and how do you plan to use your platform to further this advocacy?
Ans. Watching Miss India contests and seeing participants being recognized while representing the country on an international stage deeply inspired me. It sparked my desire to one day represent my hometown, Jammu, at a global level. I have always embraced challenges, and facing them has helped me prove myself time and again. This journey has strengthened my resolve to use my platform to advocate for mental health, empowering others to overcome obstacles and thrive despite life’s challenges.
- Being a Global HR Director, a Certified Life Coach, a dancer, and now a beauty queen, how do you balance these diverse roles in your life?
Ans. I have always been a multitasker, and I believe multitasking is an art driven entirely by mindset. It requires a focused and adaptive approach to overcome challenges while ensuring priorities are met. For me, each day is unique, with its own set of priorities, and being organized plays a vital role. A well-planned mindset allows me to manage all my responsibilities effectively and fulfill my commitments without compromising on what truly matters.
- Who has been your biggest inspiration in life, and how have they shaped your journey?
Ans. I consider myself truly blessed, as my biggest inspiration has always been my parents. They have supported me unconditionally throughout my life. From the age of three, when I first stepped onto the stage to perform dance, my parents were there, encouraging me every step of the way. Their unwavering support allowed me to continue performing on various platforms until my marriage. They not only believed in my talent but also instilled in me the confidence to pursue my dreams, no matter the obstacles. Their guidance and love have shaped my journey, helping me stay focused and determined.
- Can you share a particular moment in your life where you faced a major obstacle and how you overcame it?
Ans. A major obstacle I faced was the severe shortage of time—only two and a half weeks to prepare for the pageant, while my work priorities were intense and I was also dealing with some family issues. Despite these challenges, I was determined to transform myself for the pageant. I convinced myself that I had to make this work. I focused on managing my tasks and goals efficiently, ensuring that every minute counted. I adopted a disciplined approach, prioritizing my time and balancing my professional and personal commitments. This rigorous planning and commitment allowed me to be fully prepared for the pageant, even within such a tight timeline. It was a test of both my time management skills and mental resilience, and overcoming it made the experience even more rewarding.
- Through your work and coaching, what key advice would you give to women entrepreneurs and professionals struggling with self-doubt?
Ans. Whether you’re a working woman or a business owner, the demands of a professional life can often feel overwhelming. However, it’s important not to lose sight of your own identity or personal aspirations in the process. Don’t let your passions take a backseat; these passions fuel your drive and set you apart from others. With the right mindset and belief in yourself, you can achieve anything. My personal advice to women entrepreneurs and professionals struggling with self-doubt is to stay true to who you are, embrace your passions, and never let go of your dreams. Dedication and commitment are key, but they should not come at the expense of your individuality. Confidence in yourself is the foundation for success.
- Now that you’ve achieved this milestone, what’s next on your bucket list?
Ans. This achievement is just the beginning for me. Although it feels like a significant milestone, I won’t stop here. The platform I’ve gained has given me the momentum to continue spreading awareness about mental health issues. I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response so far, and I’m committed to helping college students and women, as I believe many are still struggling with mental health challenges. Teenagers, especially, go through numerous changes during their formative years and can often feel lost. Life coaching isn’t therapy; it’s about guiding them in the right direction. I want to help young people, particularly those in their early 20s in finding their path. My future goal is to host more sessions and share valuable insights through my social media platforms to reach a broader audience and make a positive impact.
- What message would you like to give to women aspiring to participate in beauty pageants?
Ans. First, I would like to give credit to Urmimala Boruah, founder of this pageant, for creating such an empowering platform. My message to all women aspiring to participate in beauty pageants is simple: you are no less than anyone else. We all have our unique stories and struggles, but it’s how we leverage those experiences and stand tall in front of an audience that truly matters. Be confident and believe that nothing is impossible. Find the right guidance and surround yourself with people who inspire and support your dreams. Don’t be afraid to chase your aspirations, because you have the strength and potential to break any stereotype and achieve your goals. So, best of luck, and make sure to participate in the right pageant! I am always here to guide, support and show the right path to the aspiring women of Jammu and Kashmir.
