Indian origin beauties rule the pageant world: Maria Thattil crowned Miss Universe Australia

Last year’s winner was of Indian origin too.

Melbourne: Indian origin beauties have significantly been ruling the pageant contests across the globe. Indian origin Australian resident Maria Thattil was crowned Miss Universe Australia 2020. In 2019, the same title was won by Priya Serrao, another person of Indian origin. The pageant event was held virtually owing to the COVID-19 pandemic situation.

"I'm a little bit chuffed to be honest, I'm a little bit lost for words," she stated after winning the prestigious title. "Winning this title to me is an example. There are a number of norms that have been challenged and broken in order for me to sit here in front of you as your Miss Universe Australia today", she added.

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How can you not beam with this exquisite piece of art in your hands? Privileged to represent my country wearing a Crown that does exactly that so beautifully. Being united with this Crown after a virtual Final was special. @stelios_jewellers partnered with renowned Indigenous artist @djurandi_dreaming to create a piece that serves as a tribute to our First Nations people. As a woman who prides herself on belonging to a multicultural society enriched by our powerful, rich First Nations history and culture - I cannot express the pride I feel wearing a Crown that honours the traditional owners of the land we live on. @missuniverseaustralia.official - thank you for the honour. Thank you @msfionabyrne for the wonderful chat (as always), @robleeson for the laugh and the great shots - and Mr Scott and the team at @sofitelmelbourneoncollins for their hospitality. Hair by @caterinadibiase at @headingouthair Dress @onsboutique (@lovenookie) Watch @christianpaulwatches #MissUniverse #Missuniverseaustralia

A post shared by MARIA THATTIL (She/Her) (@mariathattil) on Oct 31, 2020 at 3:46pm PDT

Maria Thattil is proud of her Indian roots. "I belong here and at the same time, I strongly resonate with my Indian roots. I have found a balance between the two. It is not either-or for me. This is who I am and it is very unique", she stated.

The 27-year-old Miss Universe Australia is a fashion influencer and posts makeup and lifestyle videos on her Youtube channel (by her name) for her followers. She studied psychology and management and works with the Victorian government. Her parents migrated from India in early 90s. Maria was born and brought up in Melbourne. "My dad is from Kerala. He still has family there and I have travelled to India to visit my dad's side of the family. My mom is from Kolkata. When she migrated, her entire family migrated too. So I grew up with a large family of uncles and aunts and lots of cousins in Melbourne," she stated.

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