SASHAYING TO THE TOP

Mrs. India Globe 2017, Veena Jain's protegee, Sharada Narayanan, a city-based fashion entrepreneur, is set to compete in Mrs. Globe Classique pageant this year

- VASUDHA SHARMA

In the sunny upscale suburb of Palm Springs, California, women from 50 countries around the world gather with the hope of winning the prestigious Mrs. Globe Classique pageant, for women over 45. For over seven years, former beauty queen, Mrs. India Globe 2017, Veena Jain, as the national director of the pageant, has mentored Indian women, preparing them to compete at this international stage. "Mrs. Globe is the top international beauty pageant in the 'Mrs.' category," says Jain, who trains participants through all three rounds — national costume, coronation gown, and the swimsuit round, adding that Indian women bring a blend of emotional intelligence, cultural representation, and confidence that is needed in the presentation. "Our representatives are confident, communicative, and emotionally intelligent. These aren't skills we need to teach; they are embedded in our culture," she explains, saying, "We look for someone