“I want to build a platform to bring together women through their strong stories”: Urmimala Boruah

Belonging to Dibrugarh, Assam, Urmimala Boruah grew up in an atmosphere where patriarchy or matriarchy did not exist. She always saw men and women being treated equally. She believes, in the North East, this practice is still prevalent and that made a huge impact in her life. The founder of Get Fit with Urmi and national director of Queen of the World India, Urmimala says, "I have my upbringing and experiences to thank for all that I have achieved today. I always saw my mother being independent and she taught me the same. She instilled in me the importance to be emotionally, physically and financially independent."

Winner of many beauty pageants including Mrs Galaxy, Urmimala adds that her mother influenced her to always be hopeful about life. So, despite being married at 18 and embracing motherhood at 19, Urmimala decided to focus on the journey and not the destination. She adds, "This has been a journey of learning and growing up together with my child. All of this time has actually helped to explore myself as an individual and discover new horizons with my daughter. I have been opening up to the world and growing up hand-in-hand together with my child."

Being a working mom, it must be difficult to balance family and work. But, Urmimala is not complaining as she has a few tricks and mantras to balance it well. "I have been into fitness and sports for two decades. My inclination towards sports has helped me balance all important aspects of life, as a woman, wife and mother. I believe in binding my family with love and compassion. I am of the belief that one should

be independent along with contributing to the growth of the family. Lastly, my spirituality and love is what I would like to pass down to my kids."

Talking about her professional life and achievements, she agrees that pageants and contests can be gruelling and taxing physically as well as mentally. "Honestly, I have always enjoyed the journey and not worried about the destination. So, while participating as well, I enjoyed every bit of the process and transformation. I came with the intention of learning, making new friends and great memories."

Urmimala shares that pageants provide you a platform where it doesn't matter where you come from or what your background is or where you you started. "It provides a real opportunity for millions of women like me to express ourselves.

It is an opportunity for us to portray our strength, beauty and brilliance. It is a platform to voice our choices and for what we believe in. I look at it as a culmination of bravery and courage of so many women. It moulds us not only to be models but also roles models that thousands of people can look up to."

So, what would be her advice to young girls aspiring to participate in pageants and contests?

"Experiencing turbulent times at an early stage I have relaised the importance of self belief.

I want to pass on to all that there is a hero inside each one of us. There is a warrior spirit waiting for you to set it free. When everything else fails when the world let's you or fear surrounds you, t a moment and look within yourself. You will find the greatest hero. Be the hero of your own life as it will get you through everything."

She personally is not looking forward to participating in any pageants but she says, "Since I am addicted to represent India, I am working to get more licences to give women opportunities to represent India internationally."

On what's next, she points that currently, she is the national direction queen of the world and CEO of UMB elegant monarch private company. She is also the founder and director of stay fit with Urmi. "I have been in so many diverse roles and now I am looking forward to build a tribe for women from all walks of life. A platform where they come together to portray the essence of being beautiful through their strong stories."