Vandana Mohadeb Crowned Ms Heritage International Universe 2025 in Thailand

Vandana Mohadeb, hailing from Floréal, has won the title of Ms Heritage International Universe during the final held in Thailand on November 8. A model, dancer, and student in human resource management, she becomes the first Mauritian to earn this crown, highlighting the local cultural heritage on an international stage.

The Heritage Pageants distinguish themselves from traditional beauty competitions by their mission. They serve as an international platform dedicated to celebrating cultural diversity and traditions. The pageant also aims to raise awareness about significant global issues such as peace, tourism, and environmental sustainability.

Facing 12 other competitors from India, Nepal, Australia, and Singapore, Vandana Mohadeb's victory came as a surprise. "I absolutely did not expect this, as there were 12 other contestants, but I believe that the arguments I presented to showcase Mauritius worked in my favor," said the winner.

During the national costume presentation, the winner donned a dress adorned with flowers in the colors of the Mauritian flag (red, blue, yellow, and green).

Her performance was particularly noted during the preliminary rounds focused on heritage. Vandana Mohadeb not only introduced Mauritian culture to a global audience but also snagged two special awards: Best Introduction Video and Most Educational.

She attributes her success to emphasizing Mauritius's intercultural harmony: "I had to present a video promoting the country and another contest required showcasing the traditions and culture. I won both awards because the jury and other participants were impressed by how we celebrate the festivals of different religions. They noted the harmony prevailing and the absence of barriers in our country," she shared.

For this competition, Vandana Mohadeb brought several symbolic items representing the various religious faiths present in Mauritius.

A Memorable Experience

At 38 years old, Vandana Mohadeb describes this adventure as a rich experience. "There were many exchanges among the contestants. Some didn’t even know about Mauritius, and I also learned so much about the cultures of other countries. It was a very enriching experience," she stated.

Her candidacy for the Heritage Pageant stemmed from a chance encounter with an online call for participation, followed by a digital casting. "As I am active in the modeling world, I was immediately drawn to this competition. It highlights not only the beauty of women but also that of their home countries. This immediately resonated with me, as the Heritage Pageant goes beyond outer beauty; it also values history, culture, and heritage," she explained.

According to Vandana, preparing for the competition was a true immersion into Mauritian history. "This contest allowed me to learn a great deal about my country, its heritage, and its traditions. I had to conduct extensive research to prepare my candidacy and presentations, and I discovered many things I was not previously aware of. It is an experience that goes well beyond just a competition," she said.

Multitalented, Vandana Mohadeb is also a passionate dancer, practicing Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Bollywood, Flamenco, and Salsa. She views dance as a discipline that allows her to "flourish, forget everything, and convey emotions to others." As for fashion, which she discovered at 17, it remains a means for her to express her personality and creativity.