PANAJI: It was a proud moment for Goa-based Rina Jain who emerged as the First Runner-up at the Mrs. Cosmos International 2022 Pageant held at Orlando, Florida, USA recently.
For Jain, the stupendous achievement comes on the heels of winning the Mrs. India 2021 – Season 1, Mrs Cosmos India 2021, and Glamorous Eco Warrior by the International Glamour Project titles.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my journey as I represented my country at the international platform. I spoke from the heart and was genuine and true to who I am. God has a plan for everyone, and I am super excited to see the path he is leading me,” she said ecstatically.
For Jain, the journey to the USA and rubbing shoulders with participants from the world over at the international level was an enchanting experience.
“Pageantry is a beautiful journey. We meet participants from across the world. We make memories, a lifetime of friendship, care and share for each other. This experience is phenomenal. I have returned with a full heart, new friends, unforgettable memories and new learnings,” said Jain.
The pageant was held from 4 to 9 July, and consisted of several rounds that included personal interview, swimming costume, national costume, and grand finale round.
The highlight of her campaign were two of her elegantly designed costumes that drew widespread appreciation.
For her national costume round, Jain put on dazzling show in her in specially designed ‘Jantra Jal Rani’ costume.
“Yantra Jal Rani is India’s Meditating Aqua Queen that represents feminine strength. My costume focussed on the central colours of India’s national flag – White and Navy Blue. The white stands for peace, while the navy blue represents universal truth.The silhouette of the costume is that of a ‘Lehenga’, a traditional Indian skirt and blouse deeply embellished with Indian folk embroidery. Yantra is a geometrical formation which is seen in the interiors of the Indian temple and can be seen represented in the skirt of mine. These costumes are those that originated as the attire of royals, eventually moving into bridal celebrations of the common people. The Four heads represent the faces of Goddess Laxmi wealth, Saraswati/knowledge, Kali-time, and Bhuneshwari-Cosmos. Shree Yantra forms the core of the Shree Vidya-knowledge. It is the geometrical representation of the shakti -Power, thus reminding women that it is our power that the world procreates and grows, and it is by her strength she can balance the world,” she elucidated.
Overall, this Indian Cosmos costume is the representation of the power of a modern woman who can carry with grace her humble beginnings and enjoy her presence like a royal, making waves wherever she goes, Jain explained.
The top 6 participants were chosen for the Final Round.
For the grand finale outfit, Jain was draped in a scintillating ‘The Snow Angel’ costume that made heads turn.
“Just like an Angel in the beautiful glistening snow, ever fresh, the costume was imprinted in the minds of onlookers and a gentle reminder of the fun in life! The playful scoop sweetheart neckline of this piece was adorned with hand work of crystals, cut pipes and sequins with an asymmetrical drape from the shoulder that trickles down the sequin skirt for a look that feels both on-trend and timeless. The fabric waves and falls in an unexpected way, like these loosely placed, romantic ripples,” Jain pointed out.
Jain sealed her moment of glory in the Q&A Round, where she was asked the most important quality for success. “Walt Disney once said, ‘If you can dream it, you can do it’. Success is the answer of hard work, dedication, determination, and what you give in till you achieve your goal,” was Jain’s reply to the judges.
In the run-up to the pageant, Jain recalls the herculean efforts as part of the preparations, while simultaneously managing other responsibilities as a homemaker and entrepreneur.
“Although married life is full of responsibilities, balancing my home and work life, I never lost sight of my preparations – following a strict time table, diet regime and workout plans…reading, improving my communication skills, practicing on 6 inch high heels, etc. My focus was only to bring ‘The Best’ out of me. Representing my state and country at the International platform, and to fulfill the expectations of everyone was a task.that I took on as a challenge. I believed in myself,.and worked throughout for my transformation with my mind, body and soul,” she said
For the moment, Jain is basking in the limelight of her success. “I feel more confident and recognised, it’s a dream come true. I would like to pay my gratitude to the Almighty, the whole force of the universe, my mentors, parents, family, friends and well wishers, sponsors, who had helped me to make this happen. I have become a role model to billions of girls and women worldwide,” she proudly stated.
Jain, a passionate environmentalist, always believes in staying a step ahead and bettering herself, in anticipation of surprises in life.
“I always aim to beat my own progress. I believe in giving back to mankind and nature. If you light a lamp for someone, it is going to brighten your path as well. To quote Albert Einstein, ‘Look deep into nature, and you will find everything better,” she said.
Jain is the Managing Director at Stockholm Distillers and Vintners Pvt Ltd. For more than a decade, she has been actively curating art shows, and has also co-authored and published several books on wildlife.
