December 22
Rafiq Bin Hameed
A small city Kashmiri migrant girl, Anisha Safaya won the Mrs title at Mrs Universe 2018 and secured place for India in Top 25 bringing pride to Jammu Kashmir.
The glamorous event took place in the city of Cebu, Philippines on Dec 10, 2018. From the 88 countries being represented, Anisha secured a place for India in the top 25. The top 10 are yet to be announced and Anisha holds high hopes to be part of that list.
Anisha Safaya is Mrs India 2018 and one of the youngest women Vice-presidents in an investment bank in London, United Kingdom. She was also recently conferred with ‘Times of India Women Achievers Award 2018’ for her achievements in the social sector. In addition to her day job, Anisha is also the founder of ‘Disha – The Multifaceted She’. It is an organisation that works towards capacity building and economic empowerment of women in strife torn areas and conflict zones around the world.
On the Mrs Universe 2018 platform, Anisha was representing the delicate yet fierce, classy yet alluring Indian women. Her aim was to showcase the rich art and cultural heritage of India to the world.
At her orientation, Anisha chose to represent Jammu Kashmir, the state she was born and raised in. She shined in a black pure crape silk gown with Kashmiri hand embroidery (aari work), accompanied by hand made pure pearl jewelry.
Her costume was a fusion of the lotus and the sun rays peaking across the snow flakes of the Himalayan mountains ranges; background showcased a blend of India’s royal elegance in subtlety. The design of the snowflake feature patterns from Kashmir’s handwoven carpets. The costume showed that from simplicity comes serenity, from education comes empowerment and from spirituality comes splendor.
Anisha’s finale look was a true representation of grace and determination of women who can rise from ashes; who is delicate yet fearless. The gown was masterfully designed and created by Mamta Motwani.
Anisha says, “It was a honour to represent India at Mrs Universe 2018 and I am happy that I could introduce the rich heritage of my country to the whole world. I thank everyone who has been part of my journey – my mentors, designers, trainers, my family, my friends and my husband Mitesh Solanki, who has been supporting me hand in hand through my journey. Special thanks to Nikhar Jivani (@Amouryourface) for being my official make-up partner and skincare trainer, Juliana for fitness goals, Cocoaberry team for pageant training and Melvyn Noronha for bringing the best out of me.”
The biggest inspiration in her life is her mother, Usha Safaya, who raised her as a single parent. “Life was extremely difficult after dad died but mum taught me the lessons of resilience and determination. I can rise from ashes because she has encouraged me to do that and create my own future with honesty and hard work”, Anisha told The Kashmiriyat.
Anisha who was born in Srinagar while speaking to The Kashmiriyat said that her achievement should encourage women to be independent via mentoring sessions and events. In Mrs Universe 2018 domestic violence forum, she shared a real life story of her close friend Sunny, a survivor of domestic violence. Her presentation was selected as one of the best presentations.
On asking what is next, Anisha says, ”This is just the beginning. There is a long way to go because I wish to see a world full of independent and empowered women, who are able to make their own choices and where young people get educated. I am excited that thanks to Mrs Universe platform, I can join efforts with other participants and collectively make an even bigger difference.”