Meet Paravur lass Pratibha Sai, the new Miss Kerala

Pratibha Sai, the Miss Kerala 2018, is no ordinary beauty queen as she states that she is aware about the responsibilities that come with the coveted title. The young woman hails from Paravur, one of the places in Kerala which were ravaged by the recent floods. Pratibha's house too was lashed by the deluge and she still remembers the days when her home town was submerged and people called out for help. As the reigning beauty queen of Kerala, Pratibha promises to use her privilege to help her fellow human beings. She also aims to do something for the Chendamangalam handloom which was devastated in the floods.

A native of Paravur

Pratibha was born and brought up in Paravur and shares a special connection with her home town. After completing her higher secondary education from the government higher secondary school in Pravur, she got enrolled at the Kunnukara MES Engineering College. The youngster who is a second year engineering student hopes to continue her studies while fulfilling her responsibilities as the reigning Miss Kerala.

Ramp experience

The youngster confesses that she had worn high heeled footwear for the first time when she competed for the pageant. It was her first ramp walk too. “I had taken part in many youth festivals, and that was my only stage experience. I mostly competed in the dance items and had even participated in state level competitions. However, that experience don’t work here. When we are performing a dance routine, we have to transform ourselves into a different character. But here we have to be our truest self. The grooming sessions which lasted for almost a week really helped to improve my performance,” notes Pratibha.

Youngest contestant

She was one of the youngest among the 22 contestants who competed in the Miss Kerala 2018. “Most of the contestants were professionals. There were doctors, engineers, designers and bank officials, and many of them had previous experiences in participating in other beauty pageants as well. However, I was able to confidently take on the ramp. Besides the Miss Kerala title I was adjudged the Miss Beautiful Hair too,” says the young beauty queen with pride.

Beauty with brains

Pratibha vouches that the beauty pageant was not a competition where only the physical beauty mattered. The contestants were judged for their confidence and knowledge as well. She admits that the questions asked by the judges were all difficult, and included a variety of topics like politics and current affairs. Pratibha says, “I had to face the question whether I stand with equality or tradition in the ongoing Sabarimala issue. I answered that I stand for equality while upholding the traditional values.”

Responsibilities

Pratibha notes that the attitude of the people in her hometown towards her has changed significantly ever since she became the Miss Kerala title winner. She, in return, vows that she would extent her wholehearted support to her people and home town. Currently, the beauty queen is busy working towards regaining the lost glory of the Chendamangalam handloom.

“I would be in the forefront to promote the handloom. This year, handloom was given prime importance on ramp as well. Expensive designerwear or shimmery gowns weren’t featured in any rounds of the competition,” says Pratibha.

Future

“I like to concentrate on my studies, and wish to pursue a career in the Indian navy. Of course, I would consider doing movies if good roles come my way,” Pratibha says about her future plans.

Family

Pratibha’s father Prakashan Nair works in the private sector and mother Shobha is a homemaker. She has an elder brother Prashob, who is also an engineering graduate.