Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 17: Balancing home, family, her son, and a successful business, Vidya Sampath Karkera of Mangaluru has made her mark in the modelling world by being crowned Mrs Earth International at a prestigious beauty pageant held from December 2 to 10 in the Philippines. Competing against participants from 22 countries, Vidya emerged as the grand winner, bringing pride to India.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Vidya said, “It was an honour to represent India at the international level. There were participants from 22 countries, and it is impossible to describe the joy I felt when my name was announced as the grand winner.”
Vidya, who previously won the Mrs India Astral Karnataka runner-up title, runs a supermarket in Chitrapur, Mangaluru, and has successfully established herself as both an entrepreneur and a model. She credited her husband for encouraging her to participate and acknowledged the guidance she received from Deepak Ganguli, regional director of Austral Pageants, during her preparation.
Selected through multiple rounds of competition held in Bengaluru, Vidya was the only participant representing India at the international event. She impressed judges with her talent, confidence, and unique perspective, excelling in talent rounds and the national costume round.
In the national costume segment, Vidya showcased India’s national animal (tiger), national bird (peacock), and the lotus flower, crafting the outfit entirely from tin and plastic waste under the concept ‘Turning Waste into Art’, raising awareness about environmental conservation. She also presented figurines reflecting Tulu Nadu culture to participants from 22 countries, introducing the richness of her regional heritage to the world.
Born in Mumbai but now based in Mangaluru, Vidya trained at Deepak Ganguli’s Pathway Modelling Studio, as well as Mercy Beauty Academy and Ladies’ Salon. Her achievements demonstrate the ethos of ‘Beauty with Brains’, balancing entrepreneurship, family, and modelling with distinction.
Reflecting on her achievement, Vidya said, “The competition had many challenging rounds. Travelling to the Philippines and competing was not easy, but with the encouragement and support I received, it became possible. Being chosen as the grand winner brought immense happiness.”