In the glitzy world of pageantry, where glamour often takes centre stage, the story of Mrs. India – Pride of Nation, 2024’s 2nd Runner-Up, Kavita Kharayat, is a refreshing reminder of resilience, balance, and ambition. Juggling a thriving business, family responsibilities, and pursuing personal interests such as becoming a beauty pageant, Kavita Kharayat has proven that women can indeed have it all. Her story from a scholar student to winning a crown shatters stereotypes and offers inspiration to countless others.
The Genesis of a Dream
For Kavita, the journey to entrepreneurship was anything but straightforward. Growing up in an army family that placed service to the country above all else, she embraced the spirit of servitude and a strong, value-based living. She was encouraged to prioritize education and self-reliance. “My parents always emphasized the importance of education and independence,” she shares. After completing her MCA and MBA from prestigious institutions, Kavita ventured into the corporate world before eventually starting her own firm, Contify, a SaaS-based Market & Competitive Intelligence platform.
But beneath the surface of spreadsheets and business strategies, she never let her creativity and passion for self-expression die. “I’ve always loved performing, be it dancing, public speaking, or simply connecting with people. The pageant was an opportunity and the platform to merge these interests with a higher purpose,” Kavita explains.
The Pageant Experience
Competing in Mrs. India – Pride of Nation is no small feat. The pageant evaluates contestants not only on their looks but also on their intelligence, talent, and ability to inspire.
Stepping onto the Mrs. India stage was a surreal experience for Kavita. “The energy, the lights, the audience – it was exhilarating,” she shares. But it wasn’t just the glamour that left a mark.
The most meaningful aspect was the platform’s focus on social impact. Kavita discovered the perfect venue to champion a cause close to her heart: financial independence for women. “I believe that women form the core of a family, and family is the building block of our society. A financially independent woman is not just confident; she’s also a fulfilled individual who can raise confident, self-reliant children and support her family. I wanted to use this platform to spread this message and highlight the importance of financial independence to empower women,” she explains.
Kavita credits the support of the Pride of Nation team and Barkha Ma’am and Abhishek sir for helping her understand the new concepts and excel in the competition.
Balancing Act: Entrepreneurship and Family
How does one balance building a business, family, and pageant preparation without losing their sanity? According to Kavita , the secret lies in prioritization and delegation.
“There’s really no such thing as perfect balance,” she admits. “Some days, my business needed more attention. Other days, it was my kids, family, or personal interests like the pageant that required my undivided focus. The key was to being fully present in the moment and giving my best to whatever I was doing at that time.”
“Maintaining high energy levels is essential to accomplish anything in life. That’s why looking after my body and mind is non-negotiable. I practice yoga and focus on healthy eating to stay at my best.”
Technology also played a vital role. “I leveraged tools to streamline my work processes. Scheduling apps and virtual meetings became my best friends,” she laughs.
The Power of Support
Behind every successful woman is a support system, and for Kavita , her family and friends were her pillars. “My husband, stepped in as a hands-on dad during my busiest days. My kids, were my biggest cheerleaders, always excited to see mommy trying new things in life,” she says with a smile,” Kavita shares.
Lessons from the Pageant Experience
Kavita ’s journey to becoming Mrs. India 2024’s Pride of Nation – 2nd Runner-Up has been transformative. “I’ve learned so much about myself,” she reflects. “From improving my time management skills to embracing vulnerability and courage, this experience has been a growth journey.”
One of the most profound lessons she’s learned is the importance of self-care. “As women, we often put ourselves last. This journey taught me to invest in my physical and mental well-being without guilt,” she emphasizes.
Looking Ahead
What’s next for Kavita ? “The crown is an important milestone in the journey, but the journey is just getting started,” she asserts. She plans to expand her financial independence initiative and hopes to launch a mentorship program for women balancing multiple roles.
A Role Model for Modern Women
Kavita Kharayat embodies the modern Indian woman—ambitious, resilient, and compassionate. Her ability to balance business, family, and personal aspirations is a testament to what’s possible with determination and support.
“It’s not about doing it all but doing few things that matters most to you with utmost sincerity and dedication,” she says. And for Kavita , what matters is creating a life that’s fulfilling, impactful, and inspiring.
Her journey reminds us that while crowns may shine brightly, it’s the inner strength, passion, and purpose that truly light up the stage.
