A Scone woman has earned a podium finish at the annual Mrs India UK competition.
Sonam Srivastav claimed second place in the 21 to 35 age group at the annual competition.
Finance manager Sonam, who has stayed in the Perthshire village for the past six years, become the first Scot to take a place on the podium at the prestigious tournament.
She said: “I won a runner up position in a prestigious beauty pageant Mrs India UK 2019 whose grand finale was held in April in London.
“I was the only winner in my category from Scotland amongst the total of 30 contestants from all over the UK, and the first Indian woman to have won in Scotland in my age category in a world known beauty pageant.
“I also won Mrs Talented and Mrs Rising star gold and silver sub-titles for the various rounds during the journey of three months which was quite intense.
“There were grooming sessions and competitions with rounds for fitness, talent, a photo shoot, catwalk, health and nutrition, hair and make up, stage presence, voice modulation, leadership skills and much more.”
Part of Sonam’s journey to the finals involved working to tackle important issues in everyday life, a challenge she grabbed with both hands.
She added: “I am actively supporting various social causes including domestic violence and child education by fundraising for Child Help Foundation, supporting under privileged children in India.”
Sonam has encouraged more people to get involved in pageants, and has said they are for “anyone who has ever dreamt of wearing a crown”.
“It would be my privilege if I could set an example for many other married Indian women living in Scotland who ever dreamt of wearing a crown but never really know the entry process or have any guidance,” she said.
“I have learnt and gained a lot through this pageant, which helped me to rediscover my strengths and to overcome my weaknesses.
“I feel fortunate to get an opportunity to represent not just one but two countries – India and Scotland. That’s why I would love other married Indian women living in Scotland to share my experience. “
