Must Visit Destinations in Kerala Before You Die!

• 19 Nov 2015
• Sebin
• Features

Kochi’s Iris Maju soars to be in the running for the Mrs.World title.

Text : Maria John     Photos : Arun Menon assisted by Anand Krishna     Place : David Hall     Stylist : Lakshmi Babu     Makeups : Shibin Antony

She is from Thevara and she is heading to China for something big. Iris Maju will be representing her country at the prestigious Mrs. World Pageant. Joining the likes of Aditi Gowitrikar and Aman Grewal, Iris has proven that you can realize your dreams wherever and whenever.

 A stream of light fell on her upturned face as Iris sat gracefully, getting her makeup done in the attic. An open cupboard of colored bottles, much thumbed books and other knick knacks in the room with whitewashed walls and wooden rafters on the ceiling made the moment feel like something out of a Jhumpa Lahiri short story. But Iris wasn’t an NRI with tales of maladies. Born and brought up in a typical family in Kochi, her life has been an adventure fueled by her desire to see and do more. Grace and poise accompanied Iris throughout the entire shoot, unlike the kitschy elements in the room. Even when she was sitting or walking or showing us the  glamorous crown or eating her extremely cheesy pizza at David Hall, she was graceful. With a Masters in Education Administration, Iris is a mother, a teacher and an environment activist. She has been working constantly to educate communities on the need to preserve the environment and lead a healthy lifestyle with the motto, “burn fat not oil”.

How were you inspired to join Mrs.India?

My life opened up after marriage. My husband is in the army and therefore we have been to many places. He has been extremely supportive. Behind every successful woman….. (she smiles). In the Miss World series your family supports you, but in the Mrs. World you have a family to support as well. It is a big platform with many opportunities. I have been able to bring the cause I work for to the front and people have been approaching me to work together.
You are a mother, a teacher and an environment activist apart from being Mrs. India World. How do you manage these roles?
The army background has really helped me to be a balanced person. I am a stickler for routine. I went in for the pageant wanting to win. I gave it a 100% and I was truly happy with the outcome.
So do you train like Sandra Bullock did in Miss. Congeniality?
I didn’t have any specific training before the pageant. I think my army background was training enough (she laughs).

What are the tallest pair of heels you have worn?

I match up to my husband’s height in my four inch heels from Steve Madden.
Did you always have a flair for style and glamor?

I always used to carry myself well and people have remarked on the same. I enjoy style and am always the one who knows where to get all the good stuff. I don’t wear a lot of jewelry and make up unless it is for a function. I do take care of myself and work out. Having said that, Mrs.World is not just about glamor and style.
What do you enjoy to do as a family?
My family cycles almost eight kilometers every day. I enjoy Yoga as well. Since we get transfers almost every two years, we make a big road trip out of the move. I am always looking forward to a move and exploring a new place. We are always up for adventure. We are stationed in Shillong now and we are enjoying ourselves there.