Representing PMB women

PIETERMARITZBURG’S only finalist for the Mrs India South Africa Pageant, Shallaine Naidoo, is hoping that she can inspire change among the youth through her work in the pageant.

The final of this year’s pageant is set to take place on August 25 at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban.

Speaking on the pageant, the down-to-earth and positive spirited mother of two said that, through the pageant, she has had the opportunity to meet individuals from all walks of life.

“This pageant has given me a platform, allowing me to reach out to many individuals who have gone through the same experiences as me,” said Naidoo.

Naidoo said that she had embarked on various charitable campaigns since signing up for the pageant.

Her charity work included helping a company called the Professional Caregivers where she assisted in placing home-based caregivers in the homes of needy individuals.

Currently in her final year of studying towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Management at Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology, Naidoo said that she was chosen from 800 contestants who had to submit a curriculum vitae as well go through an interview in order to be selected.

“I was chosen from 800 contestants to promote the pageants message of empowering women through empowered women,” said Naidoo.

Naidoo said that her son had inspired her to enter and now, after coming this far, she would love to win the pageant and make her city proud.

“I want to motivate those around me and build a platform for the younger generation,” said Naidoo.

To achieve this, Naidoo stated that she planned to one day bring back the sari queen and eastern wear contests which she believes will build confidence in the youth of today, moulding them to be better members of society.