Six months ago, Sudhalakshmi, a 29-year-old from the Muthuvan tribal settlement in Kulachivayal, Idukki, was on the brink of ending her life. Shunned by her community for refusing to marry young, branded ugly and a bad omen, she felt utterly broken. Her eyes kept drifting to a rope hanging nearby, ready to give up. Then a phone call changed everything.
It was Arun, a former colleague, who told her about the Miss Kerala Forest Goddess pageant — a platform for tribal women to shine. “It felt like a rebirth,” she recalls. Without hesitation, she removed the rope and decided to compete.
Sudha grew up in Kanthalloor, a village bound by rigid customs—girls were not allowed education beyond 10th grade, had to wear sarees after 18, and marry early. But Sudha broke all these rules. She pursued nursing and medical lab technology courses, worked in healthcare, and tried running an agri-business despite setbacks. Throughout, she faced relentless hostility and blame for remaining unmarried, even accused of bringing bad luck after a community wedding.
Publicly humiliated and forced to take a fire oath to prove her innocence, Sudha’s spirit nearly shattered. But the pageant gave her a new path. Trained in walking heels, posing, and makeup, she found confidence and acceptance for the first time.
Now, preparing for the grand finale on June 15, Sudha is a beacon of hope. “Whether I win or not, I’ve won my self-worth.” Her courage is inspiring change — other village girls are now daring to dream beyond early marriage.
Once wanting to die, Sudha now wants to live and be seen.