Miss India Worldwide Mauritius: Mageswari Sreepaul's New Mission from the Catwalk to Awareness

Miss India Worldwide Mauritius has taken an unexpected turn for Mageswari Sreepaul, who was crowned on November 8. At 25 years old, this communication professional has embraced a profound commitment to Mauritian society beyond just winning a title.

“I didn’t expect to win this title. There were other candidates just as skilled who also deserved the crown,” Mageswari, a resident of Chemin Grenier, shared.

While the fashion world has always fascinated her, Mageswari emphasizes the uniqueness of this competition. It is not solely focused on physical beauty; it is closely tied to a significant cause—cancer awareness. The contest is associated with the Cancer Association of Mauritius (CANMA), making the crowned Miss a true public health ambassador.

Throughout the competition, candidates actively participated in awareness campaigns, visiting schools, shopping centers, retirement homes, and social centers for nearly two months, reaching a broad audience from children to the elderly.

The experience was enlightening and revealed a significant educational deficit. “We were shocked to see how unaware children were about cancer,” recalls Mageswari. She recounts a striking moment: “I remember a 10-year-old telling me that cancer was just a sore throat.”

Faced with this reality, the candidates eagerly committed to educating the youth about the basics of the disease. “It’s essential to educate them from a young age,” she stresses, highlighting the importance of early prevention.

Several NGOs partnered with the campaign, bringing their expertise. While the contestants didn't always have all the answers to the public's questions, they consistently directed individuals to healthcare professionals, including doctors collaborating with the association, ensuring specialized follow-up.

A Meaningful Experience Filled with Gratitude

For Mageswari Sreepaul, this journey has been deeply rewarding. “I was in a routine, and then I met the public and felt important. I was doing something for society,” she explains. This adventure has also helped her enhance her empathy. “Direct contact with communities has allowed me to better understand the social challenges of the island and strengthen my civic duty,” she shares.

Now that she wears the crown, her commitment continues. “We will now work on other projects, such as combating drug abuse, and continue cancer awareness campaigns.” She won’t be alone; the other four finalists from the Top 5 will also participate in future initiatives, forming a united front against social issues.

This path to the spotlight was no coincidence. The world of fashion and the catwalk has always captivated Mageswari Sreepaul. “When I was young, I loved watching fashion shows, especially those by major designers like Dior, Victoria’s Secret, or Balenciaga. The aura of supermodels has always fascinated me. They exude so much self-confidence,” she admits.

Her love for fashion, the catwalk, and makeup developed early on. As a child, she attended SKAS Academy, where she learned to sing, slam, and master the art of walking the runway: “I spent my entire childhood at SKAS Academy, where I learned many things. This developed my creative side.”

Professionally, Mageswari Sreepaul works in communication and has just completed her Master’s in Marketing. It was her desire for novelty and the wish to try something new that led her to enter the competition: she wanted to experience something unique.

Balancing Art and Family Support

Beyond her busy schedule and charitable commitments, Mageswari Sreepaul, the younger sibling in a two-child family, finds balance in more personal passions. She loves cooking local dishes, a skill passed down from her mother. Painting is also a form of refuge and meditation for her. She paints when she feels overwhelmed, favoring portraits and landscapes to express her emotions.

In all her endeavors, she receives unwavering support from her parents and colleagues. The competition, beyond its competitive aspect, has also created a strong bond with the other participants. “This competition, beyond being a contest, creates a bond with the other contestants. Like a family, we supported each other during tough times. Everyone motivated one another,” she concludes, emphasizing the human richness of this adventure that transformed a challenging moment into a celebration of solidarity.