MRS INDIA 2026 IN INDIA TODAY

Ankita Saroha Founder and Director of Mrs India International Queen (MIIQ), hit the headlines again after the successful completion of one of the top beauty pageants for married women in India. She has redefined the married women beauty pageant experience by moving beyond glamour to champion confidence, inclusivity and women’s empowerment, earning appreciation for her progressive approach to pageantry.

The recently concluded sixth edition of Mrs India International Queen 2026, held at The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi, reflected her philosophy. Along with Bollywood actor Neelam Kothari Soni, Ankita Saroha, crowned Dhanashri Joshi Deshmukh from Delhi as the Winner of Mrs India International Queen 2026, and Mira Gadhia from Dubai as the Winner of Classic Mrs India International Queen 2026. Both the winners received Rs 1 Lakh cash prize each. Yet, according to Saroha, the true success of the platform goes far beyond the winners’ podium.

As a former titleholder of Mrs. India 2017 and Mrs International Global 2018 3rd Runner-Up, Ankita Saroha has become a popular face in India’s beauty pageant world. Since launching the platform in 2020, her vision is to reclaim their aspirations and inspire others through their journeys, has won her accolades from all corners of the industry.

Speaking from the grand finale podium Ankita said, “A lot of women unknowingly give up their dreams after marriage while juggling their roles at home and office. I wanted to give them a platform which tells every woman, it’s never too late to dream.”

The trailblazer entrepreneur in the beauty and fashion world elaborated, “My above vision became the inspiration behind Mrs India International Queen. Competitors come from diverse fields, backgrounds and age groups showcasing that the zest to achieve something isn’t restricted by marriage or kids. Age has never been a barrier for MIIQ. The contestants this year ranged from 21-74 years old! Competitors from small towns have been pitting it against those from larger cities and even international participants over the years. Every year contestants hail from different parts of the world!

Empowering Beauty with a Purpose
So far so good, but Mrs India International Queen is not any regular pageant. Beauty with purpose has been the focus. Competitors are not only judged on their looks but their confidence and intent. Mrs India International Queen is a platform to empower women to be the role models of the society and not just about modelling.
From answering rounds on stage to their communication skills, leadership abilities and achievements; MIIQ pushes contestants to bring their A-game.

Mrs. Monisha Sreekanth (Singapore) won Mrs India International Queen 2026 1^st Runner Up and a cash prize of 50,000. Mrs. Elanor Rajendran (Singapore) won Classic Mrs India International Queen 2026 1^st Runner Up and a cash prize of 50,000.

Mrs. Ayushi Sharma (Madhya Pradesh) was crowned Mrs India International Queen 2026 2^nd Runner Up and received an award of 25,000. Dr. Alice Mathew (Kerala) was crowned Classic Mrs India International Queen 2026 2^nd Runner Up and received an award of 25,000

Learning Beyond the Crown

Preparation for MIIQ extends well beyond rehearsals.

Contestants receive expert training in a variety of areas, including runway presentation, self-defense, skin care, makeup and more life skills. Mentoring experts with the likes of Rickyy Wong and Pradeep Negi, along with Dr. Sonal Bansal, Radha Rai, Mahak Dhingra and Lavleen Kaur, give the contestants confidence that reflects in their personal and professional life both.

As stated by Saroha, these sessions rank most valuable parts of the competition, as they ensure every participant walks away with these life skills, irrespective of how far they go in this particular competition.

Backed by Official Makeup Sponsor Orane International Janakpuri, mentors, former winners and industry experts, MIIQ is growing to be a culminating title that recognizes women at every stage of life.

Developing a community of confident women.

What began in 2020 with just 30 contestants has steadily expanded, attracting 91 participants in the latest edition. For Saroha, however, growth is measured by more than numbers.

“Our biggest achievement is not just how many crowns we give but it is watching these women leave believing in themselves. Some start businesses, some become public speakers, some take up social initiatives, many discover confidence they did not think they had.”

As the curtains came down on the 2026 edition, Saroha summed up her vision in a single thought: “If every participant goes home feeling stronger and more confident and proud of who she is, then every one of them has already won.”

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For original source of this post, visit here: https://www.indiatoday.in/impact-feature/story/mrs-india-international-queen-is-more-than-a-beauty-pageant-its-a-platform-that-creates-role-models-ankita-saroha-2969268-2026-08-12