Rina Jain- First Runner-up, Mrs. Cosmos International 2022.

It was a proud moment for Goa-based Rina Jain who emerged as the First Runner-up at the Mrs. Cosmos International 2022 Pageant held in Orlando, Florida, USA recently.

For Jain, the stupendous achievement comes on the heels of winning Mrs. India 2021 – Season 1, Mrs. Cosmos India 2021, and Glamorous Eco Warrior by the International Glamour Project titles.

“I couldn’t be more proud of my journey as I represented my country on an international platform. I spoke from my heart and was genuine and true to who I am. God has a plan for everyone, and I am super excited to see the path he is leading me on,” she said ecstatically.

For Jain, the journey to the USA and rubbing shoulders with participants the world over on an international level was an enchanting experience.

“Pageantry is a beautiful journey. We meet participants from across the world. We make memories, a lifetime of friendships, and develop a sense of ‘care and share’ for each other. This experience is phenomenal. I returned with a full heart, new friends, unforgettable memories, and new learnings,” said Jain.

The pageant was held from 4 to 9 July and consisted of several rounds that included personal interviews, swimming costume, national costume, and a grand finale round.

The highlight of her campaign was two of her elegantly designed costumes that drew widespread appreciation. For her national costume round, Jain put on a dazzling show in her specially designed ‘Yantra Jal Rani’ costume.

“Yantra Jal Rani is India’s Meditating Aqua Queen that represents feminine strength. My costume focussed on the central colours of India’s national flag – White and Navy Blue. The white stands for peace, while the navy blue represents universal truth. The silhouette of the costume is that of a ‘Lehenga’, a traditional Indian skirt and blouse deeply embellished with Indian folk embroidery. Yantra is a geometrical form that is seen in the interiors of the Indian temple and can be seen in my skirt”, she says.

“These costumes are the ones that originated from the attire of royals, eventually moving into bridal wear of the common people”, Jain added.

The Four heads represent the faces of four Goddess viz. Goddess Laxmi - wealth, Saraswati - knowledge, Kali - time, and Bhubneshwari - Cosmos. Shree Yantra forms the core of Shree Vidya - knowledge. It is the geometrical representation of Shakti - Power, thus reminding women that it is their power that the world procreates and grows, and it is by their strength they can balance the world,” she elucidated.

“Overall, this Indian Cosmos costume is the representation of the power of a modern woman who can carry with grace her humble beginnings and enjoy her presence like a royal, making waves wherever she goes”, Jain explained.

The top 6 participants were chosen for the Final Round. For the grand finale outfit, Jain was draped in a scintillating ‘The Snow Angel’ costume that made heads turn.

“Just like an Angel in the beautiful glistening snow, ever fresh, the costume was imprinted in the minds of onlookers and a gentle reminder of the fun in life!”, Jain said. “

The playful scoop sweetheart neckline of this piece was adorned with hand work of crystals, cut pipes and sequins with an asymmetrical drape from the shoulder that trickles down the sequin skirt for a look that feels both on-trend and timeless. The fabric waves and falls in an unexpected way, like these loosely placed, romantic ripples,” Jain pointed out.

Jain sealed her moment of glory in the Question and Answer round, where she was asked the most important quality for success. “Walt Disney once said, ‘If you can dream it, you can do it’. Success is the answer of hard work, dedication, determination, and what you give in till you achieve your goal,” was Jain’s reply to the judges.

In the run-up to the pageant, Jain recalls the herculean efforts as part of the preparations, while simultaneously managing other responsibilities as a homemaker and entrepreneur.

"Although married life is full of responsibilities,balancing my home and work life, I never lost sight ofmy preparations - following a strict time table, dietregime and workout plans ... reading, improving mycommunication skills, practicing on 6 inch high heels,etc. My focus was only to bring 'The Best' out of me.Representing my state and country at theInternational platform, and to fulfill the expectationsof everyone was a task.that I took on as a challenge. Ibelieved in myself,.and worked throughout for mytransformation with my mind, body and soul," shesaidFor the moment, Jain is basking in the limelight of hersuccess. "I feel more confident and recognised, it's adream come true. I would like to pay my gratitude tothe Almighty, the whole force of the universe, mymentors, parents, family, friends and well wishers,sponsors, who had helped me to make this happen. Ihave become a role model to billions of girls andwomen woridwide,' sho proudly stated.Jain, a passionate environmentalist, always believes instaying a step ahead and bettering herself, inanticipation of surprises in life. "I always aim to beatmy own progress. I believe in giving back to mankindand nature. If you light a lamp for someone, it isgoing to brighten your path as well. To quote AlbertEinstein, 'Look deep into nature, and you will findeverything better," she said.Jain is the Managing Director at Stockholm Distillersand Vintners Pvt Ltd. For more than a decade, shehas been actively curating art shows, and has alsoco-authored and published several books on wildlife.