Beauty pageants across countries have always been focused to find that one woman whose beauty surpasses that of all others, and for the purpose, every year, esteemed people are appointed as the panel of judges at these pageants, with a pre-defined criteria to mark the contestants on. The perfect beauty that we are always in search for has been ever-changing and ever-enhancing, but so is the meaning of this simple yet powerful word- ‘beauty’.

Every girl wants to be known as beautiful. Isn’t that why the beauty pageants were started at first... to exploit this desire of women? Through the years, we have seen a drastic change in how beauty is being perceived, by women, by people across countries, and by judges at beauty pageants. The change is a result of revolution of mentality and gender awareness in women.

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A perfectly carved body, a gorgeous smile, and an adorable personality, today’s women have gone beyond all this, and the meaning of the word ‘beauty’ followed to an era where purpose matter more than looks.  While there was a time when appearance was given the sole important, today, the value has shifted to the qualities of a woman that make her beautiful. No doubt the cultural diversity was always respected and race or class hardly stood in the way of judgement at beauty pageants (well! at least we hope so), but individuality was scarcely explored, and uniqueness was not candidly appreciated.

Today, pageants have found a new meaning with the ‘beauty with purpose’ endeavours that the organisations have connected with. From reaching out to educate people on medical conditions, such as AIDS, to helping out disorder-affected children, raising voice against violence and animal abuse, campaigning with esteemed organisations for social causes, helping out with charity events, and even encouraging the general public to join hands in support of a greener Earth. Today, the world has realised the meaning of ‘woman’ as synonymous with that of ‘power’ and beauty pageants have discovered this potential through the small steps towards the betterment of society, explored during the pageant journey.

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Whereas earlier, it was only the way a woman looks, dresses, behaves, and talks, today, the meaning of beauty has gone beyond the conventions, and emotions, passions, ambitions, everything matters. Nowadays, the search is not for the perfect beauty that surpasses every imagination, but that of a perfect woman that showcases grace in kindness and elegance in strength.