Midhila Jose, a native of Palakkad, was just 19 when she tied the knot. The next year she embraced motherhood. However, Midhila was not ready to give up on her dreams just because she chose to get married and have a baby at a young age. At 33, Midhila became the first Asian woman to win the Mrs. Universe Successful title. Midhila, who is a research scholar at the University of Calicut, deserves credit for scripting her own path to success and her journey is nothing short of an inspiration for the young women who dare to dream.
Midhila’s father Jose Komban is the owner of Shanta Bookstall in Palakkad. “My father was a heart patient and I am his only daughter. So, my family wanted to see me get married and settle down soon. I became Antonio’s mother when I was studying in final year degree. But, I wasn’t ready to bid goodbye to my dreams. After completing degree, I did my masters in Literature. Then I studied BEd and then took MPhil too. Meanwhile, I worked as a teacher in a private school. I had always dreamed to do research. So, I didn’t hesitate to join for the research program at the University of Calicut,” says Midhila.
After getting married and becoming a mother, most women wouldn’t pursue a career in beauty pageants. However, for Midhila, opportunities opened up only after she became a mother. She studied degree at the St. Theresa’s College in Ernakulam. It was there that Midhila attended her first beauty pageant. She had no idea about ramp walk or pageants when she took part in the event. But, the competition gave her the confidence to attend the Mrs Malabar contest that year. Midhila could feel a rush of energy and joy when she was crowned the first runner up in that event.
It was towards the end of 2019 that Midhila came to know about Mrs India International contest. The first challenge was to reduce her body weight that had gone up to 84 kilos after her delivery. She grabbed a clear idea about the various rounds before applying for the international pageant. There were rounds that evaluated the contestant’s talent and personality. Midhila became the first South Indian to win the Mrs East Asia Universe title.
The big stage
In the Mrs Universe beauty pageant held at Seoul, contestants from around 110 countries had taken part. She took up campaigns against domestic violence and child abuse in the Power Campaign round. Meanwhile, she impressed the fashion world in the national costume round. She wore a traditional pattu pavada stitched in authentic handloom fabric that featured theyyam designs and pictures of eminent personalities. All these factors helped her attract the attention of the judges.
Midhila says she cannot explain the happiness she felt when she was crowned Mrs Universe Successful. Now, she wishes to turn mentor for young women who wishes to take part in international beauty pageants.
