World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Maya Kuki Mrs IAWA Universe 2020.
Full name: Maya Kuki
Title/Year: Mrs IAWA Universe 2020 (Mrs Universe 2020 top 14)
Age: 32
Education Level: Master's degree in Literature
Zodiac sign: Libra
Hobbies: Listening to music, cooking, reading, painting, fashion designing etc.
Years competed: 2020
Countries visited: none
Likes: sincerity, spirituality and honesty
Dislikes: negativity
Status: married World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about yourself.
I am an Indian veteran from Kuki community, was born in Manipur- The Land of Jewel, wife of an Agricultural scientist Ch Jamkhokai Mate and a mother of 3 beautiful kids. A former banker and a teacher, presently a social activist. I grew up learning and valuing different cultures and traditions being blessed with the format of the country and my parents being from two different communities. I speak about 7 languages. As a person, I am emotional and thoughtful. I'm very systematic and don't do things in haste but careful before releasing them into practice. I believe in optimism and the positive energy that it draws. God is my strength and prayers my shield.
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about your education.
I was always good in studies. I managed to be in top 10 in academic state level exams securing highest marks in several subjects. I was felicitated for the achievements. I have a master's degree in Literature and shall pursue for PhD in near future.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does women Empowerment means to you?
When a woman realizes her potential and knows how to use them for her better future and also for the society giving equal contribution or more than men without being overpowering the later, she is empowered.
Here, I want to congratulate "World class beauty queens magazine" for successfully carrying out its noble work in empowering women from across the globe.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your pageant history.
My first pageant was a child pageant, I was only 9 and my mom was the most excited to see me on the stage. After that, I never tried or thought of joining beauty pageant until one day I realized the noble cause behind it and the wonderful works those Queens are doing with their crowns on their heads. I joint Mrs India Quarantine Queen 2020 organized by Innovative Artists Welfare Association and won it along with the title Mrs Gorgeous with the prayers and support of my people.
World Class Beauty Queens: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
The very fact that I would be provided a platform where I will have the opportunity to speak up and be listened to itself was enough a reason for me to join the pageant.
It was my late mom's dream too to participate in beauty pageant at least once in a life time, I am happy I just fulfilled her wish.
One more reason was, I felt women from my Kuki community should come up and do wonders in pageant world showcasing their potentials to the world and get everyone amazed. Somebody had to take initiative so I thought why not me ? (Chuckles)
World Class Beauty Queens: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
The pageant Mrs Universe organized by Mrs Universe limited is the most prestigious pageant for Mrs category in international level where influential women from across the globe participate and bring laurels to their respective countries. Getting selection itself is a big achievement. I believe, one must keep trying for the highest, you never know until you give a try. I successfully entered the top 25 securing 14th place with the title Mrs IAWA Universe 2020 representing India. This enriched my pageantry journey and my hard work really paved off.
World Class Beauty Queens: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about?
Almost all pageants have the same norms and conditions. Filling up forms, fulfilling the formalities, keeping in touch with right people with pageant history, interviews, submitting documents etc. Once you set up your mind to join, everything will be unfolded for you.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are you being judged on during the competition?
The competition was solely based on power of votes. But yes, if you are getting votes that obviously indicates that you are being loved by audiences. People vote for you when you are dedicated, genuine and true to your words. The beauty of the pageant held in 2020 was that people were the judges, they were given power to choose their winner for the first time in the history of Mrs Universe which was awesome in itself and may never repeat in future. I feel blessed to have joint particularly in this year.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
Awesome I must say !! I had the time of my life. Bunch of matured ladies when come together for something, you can expect only wonders. It never felt like a competition to me. We have group chats in WhatsApp. We exchanged our numbers, all very lovely, some of them are funny, some's personality so infectious, all beautiful and all carry golden heart. We are friends now, what else could be more beautiful than this.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for.
I have always found myself inclined towards helping underprivileged women and children.
Women empowerment and child abuse are the subjects I invest my time most on discussing and volunteering for. I distribute foods and clothes time to time to poor and needy, their smiles bring undescribable peace and happiness to my heart. After being honored with the prestigious titles, my social services also got media coverages which inspired others too to come forward, join and work for noble causes.
World Class Beauty Queens: What appearances have you done with your title?
I have made lot of public appearances, I was invited as a Chief Guest in programs and functions, also appeared as a judge in beauty pageants. I have done some product brandings, appeared in talk shows, many invitations still pending. There have been media coverages everywhere, the love and response are overwhelming.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are some of your achievements?
My children, the love of my people and recognition in both national and international level.
World Class Beauty Queens: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls?
We all were impressive in our own special way. There was nothing like good better best. The competition was among the respective audiences or supporters of the contestants, it was a test for their unity.
Since it was vote based, it's not me but my people's unity stood out that helped me shine among all others.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the winner.
The very moment I got the selection I considered myself a winner. It was an honor to compete with 88 influential women from across the globe. I secured 14th place entering the top 25 which was so accomplishing in every sense of the word. It was a dream come true. I thanked God and enjoyed the moment to the fullest.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
To me a Beauty Queen is someone who possesses a beautiful heart, mind and soul, she is every ready to serve her people while she also knows to carry herself and her work with dignity. People look up to her with hope and she accomplishes their wishes with all her capacity.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did competing in pageants helped your life?
I feel a sense of accomplishment after being able to flaunt "Kuki" representing India in the international platform. God was kind enough to use me for the purpose. More than me, Kuki gets recognition, what else could be more pleasing than that ! Competing in pageants helped me realizing my true potential and that one can achieve anything in life once she is fully determined. I am the first woman from my community to ever joint a pageant in Mrs category and succeeded both in national and international platforms. Well, the experiences boosted up my confidence and helped me in many ways.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did pageants helped your self-esteem and body image?
Beauty pageants enhanced my personality and the way I carry myself. I believe that when you are happy you glow. Every woman is a queen in her own world and so am I too. When you are fit you are confident. As a beauty queen it's my moral duty to keep myself well maintained and healthy both physically and mentally. The sense of responsibility pushed me for perfection and eventually helped my self confidence and appearance to shine more.
World Class Beauty Queens: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel?
I feel blessed and thankful. Even if one soul gets empowered after being inspired by me I would consider my life most accomplished. Thank you.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is your on stage strategy to win the judges over?
In all the pageants I joint I always tried to be myself, genuine and confident. Well, that is certainly not a strategy but works in every field.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did you prepare for your competition?
As it was during covid-19 and I was in containment zone, I couldn't go out and look for professionals or artists. Moreover, I am a busy mother with 3 little kids. I behaved like a responsible Queen. While I was telling people to follow all the covid rules and take up precautionary measures I myself was keeping my own advices too. I stitched my own dresses, from makeup and photography to making videos everything was done by me. Though it was not up to the mark like those of professionals, obviously, but I am glad that I was succeeded to make to top 25 !! And I am proud of it.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for learning better pageant walk?
Walk before mirror, make videos of your walk, you will eventually see all your mistakes, practice more and more until you get perfection. You do not need to copy or walk exactly like other beauty queens, create your own style. Your only target should be walking gracefully.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for choosing right pageant dress?
Choose dresses you are comfortable on and feel confident about. There's no need of going with trends every time, if it doesn't suit you it ultimately spoils all your look.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for winning interview?
Be genuine with your answers, always wear a beautiful smile. Well, history is evident that these win hearts.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it?
I am a kind of person who is always satisfied with whatever is served after being given 100%. I believe everything happens for a purpose so why I am a happy person. There's nothing I want to redo and fix back. I have achieved more than I deserve.
World Class Beauty Queens: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest?
I don't know during the contest as they all looked fabulous and did wonderful. But after the contest, many of them seemed unhappy with their position or the votes they got. You need to know there are certain things which are not in your control.
I feel bad for them because after coming this far, all they choose finally to be is unhappy. Getting chance to compete in international platform is such an honor you know, it's so grand!
They lost their charm while chasing too badly for the crown and complaining about everything.
World Class Beauty Queens: Any modeling or acting experience?
Yes, I remember doing a film where I played the lead some 10 years ago, had done couple of video albums too. I did some product branding as well.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your plans for 2021 as a Queen?
I am planning to do something in international level regarding social causes. All I am waiting for is a good opportunity that would suit my style of work and satisfies my zeal.
World Class Beauty Queens: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
I will open a school for underprivileged children where education would be given free, an orphanage home where children would be raised with all the love and care they deserve.
These children will one day contribute to make the world a better place to live in.
Pageant website: mrsuniverseltd.com
I am thankful to my kuki community for their continue love and support.
Also my supporters from all over the world, especially India, Israel, Phillipines, U.S.A, Netherlands, U.K and Myanmar. I feel blessed.
I want to thank my husband Dr. Mate for being my pillar of strength, for helping me out with everything.
My mentor Dr. Konica Khuraijam who introduced me to the pageant world, my heartfelt gratitude for all the love and time she invested on me. World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this wonderful interview. Interview by Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief of World Class Beauty Queens Magazine
Maya Kuki Mrs IAWA Universe 2020, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine,
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief Mr United Nations 2018 Platform: Women Empowerment Ambassador to International Foundation for Orphans iffocares.org
World Class Pageants, Fashion Modeling, Film and Music magazines.
Miss WorldClass and WorldClass Ambassadors.
World Class Beauty Queens Magazine Facebook link.
Titles are for one year but Covers are for Ever! Dreams do come true with World Class Pageant Magazines. 96 print pageant magazines and our amazing Cover Girls.
