Indian-origin Ruchika Rawat recently represented and won for her state Victoria the National finals of the Miss Royalty International Pageant 2022.
The 38-year-old mother of two young children is a physiotherapist by background and a specialist in public health policy and service delivery.
Ruchika told The Australia today: “I wear a lot of hats- mum, daughter, wife, sister, friend, physiotherapist, public policy & healthcare service delivery specialist, advocate, community leader, author, founder and board member. I believe in sanctity of all life and believe that each of us is unique in our own ways, that beauty is skin deep… It’s the heart, passion and inner beauty… This year I was named amongst the Australia’s Top 20 Stellar South Asian Women 2022… When I came across this amazing platform of MRI Australia – Beauty and Compassion to change the world, how diverse and inclusive it is, I felt like giving it a go. My maiden pageant at 38 years with two children, such an incredible journey with my sash sisters and the MRI team.”
Ruchika is a well-known digital health mentor and also has a passion for multicultural communities where she strives to volunteer her time to advocate for the empowerment of migrant women and young families in Australia.
The MRI pageant system has the motto of ‘Beauty and Compassion to Influence the World’.
“At Miss Royalty International Australia, We are fighting to Empower everyday Australians by Competing in our Beauty Pageants to Advocate for those who do not have a Voice. We are Committed to advocating Self Love, Body Acceptance & Promoting Tourism and Cultural Activities by reaching a Diverse Group of People from across Australia & the World.”
Melbourne was the Official Host City for all events of Miss Royalty International Australia and the Nationals were held over three days in September 2022 at The Village Green, Mulgrave.
Ruchika is co-author of the book ‘More than a Mum’ and is planning to release another book entitled ‘Undefeated’.
Ruchika observes: “‘Undefeated’ is a compilation by migrant women who call Australia their home now. It also includes a haiku composed by myself ‘In the arena’ on women empowerment and women changing the world.”
She is a proud member of various public sector steering committees and alliances, a co-founder of the non-profit organization Community Aid Australia and a member of the United Nations Women National Committee.
Ruchika is one of the core advocates who signed and launched the Multicultural Women’s Alliance against Family Violence at the Parliament of Victoria earlier this year.
She adds: “It’s been such a remarkable day that same day, the Australian, state and territory governments also released the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032.”
Earlier, Ruchika also started a sustainable nappy and clothing business which led her to being a finalist in the AusMumprenuer Awards.
She observes: “I always believe in being the change I want to see in the world! No wonder, I was called ‘The Nappy Lady of the West’ by Hobsons Bay Councillor due to my passion for sustainable nappies. I pitched for the Sustainable nappies cash-back grants for young families in 2018 at Hobsons Bay Council. And finally in 2021, can see my mission achieved with Hobsons Bay Council starting a trial ‘REUSEABLE NAPPIES REBATE TRIAL’ by offering households a one-off rebate (up to $75) on the purchase price of reusable nappies as part of this trial.”
Ruchika will now represent Australia on the international stage and compete with contestants from across the globe at the World Royalty International Pageant to be held in the US in 2024.
She says: “World Royalty International is a very unique pageant with the motto of ‘Beauty and Compassion to change the world.’ I have always believed in being the change I want to see in the world and that’s why I’m continuing my advocacy for the empowerment of migrant women and young families and diversity and inclusion.”
