Shruthi Ashwathappa @shruthi_oz
In the evolving world of international beauty pageants, where purpose meets elegance, Shruthi Ashwathappa, Ms Australia Galaxy 2025/2026 National Finalist, emerges as a powerful symbol of resilience, authenticity, and modern womanhood. From a traditional upbringing in India to building an independent life in Australia, Shruthi’s journey is a story of courage, transformation, and unwavering self-belief.
Raised with strong values of discipline, compassion, and dignity, she was encouraged by her family to pursue education and independence beyond societal expectations. This foundation empowered her to move across continents, earn a Master’s degree in Information Technology, and step confidently into a global stage where her voice now carries purpose.
More than a beauty queen, Shruthi represents a new generation of women who lead with empathy and strength. Her platform focuses on mental health awareness, women’s empowerment, and youth development—issues deeply rooted in her personal experiences and vision for meaningful impact.
With a calm yet powerful presence, often described as healing and sincere, Shruthi connects with people beyond appearances. Her journey proves that true beauty lies in authenticity, resilience, and the courage to speak one’s truth. Today, she stands not just as a finalist, but as a voice for change—gracefully redefining what it means to be a queen in the modern world.
1.- Shruthi, let’s start at the beginning. Where were you born and raised, and how has your upbringing shaped the woman you are today?
I was born and raised in a small town in India in a traditional environment where girls were often encouraged to be quiet, adjust, and place others before themselves. However, I was fortunate to have a very supportive family who believed in providing equal opportunities from education to allowing me to move abroad and make my own choices, despite societal expectations.
My upbringing was rooted in strong values, discipline, and belief. My father instilled in us the importance of education, a positive attitude, dignity, self-respect, and the courage to face challenges, while my mother taught me patience, compassion, and understanding. Observing these qualities within my family gave me a deep appreciation for empowering people and leading with kindness.
This upbringing shaped my strength, resilience, discipline, and determination. Moving to Australia to pursue my Master’s degree in Information Technology and build my career pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me become independent, confident, and fearless in chasing my dreams.
Today, I am a woman who speaks her truth, stands firm in her values, and uses her experiences to uplift others. My journey from comfort to challenge, and into becoming a strong, accomplished professional and Australia galaxy pageant finalist has fueled my passion for advocating for mental health, women, and youth empowerment.
2.- When people meet you for the first time, how would you like them to describe your energy and personality beyond the crown and the sash?
My friends and people who meet me often describe me as approachable, soft-spoken, and kind. I carry a calm and positive energy that makes others feel comfortable and at ease.
I’m also frequently complimented on my voice. Many people say it feels healing and reassuring when they first speak to me. I believe that comes from genuinely listening and speaking with compassion and sincerity.
Beyond the crown and sash, I strive to be someone who leads with humility, inner strength, and quiet confidence. I want people to remember me not just for my presence on stage, but for the peace, encouragement, and inspiration they feel when they’re around me.
3.- As a National Finalist of Ms Australia Galaxy 2025/2026, what does this title personally represent to you at this stage of your life?
This title represents growth, courage, and purpose. At this stage of my life, it reflects how far I’ve come from a small-town girl in a traditional environment to an independent professional and confident woman standing on a national platform. Being a National Finalist is not just about beauty; it symbolizes resilience, self-belief, and the responsibility to use my voice for meaningful change, especially in mental health and women empowerment.
My platform is mental health awareness and advocacy, particularly for women and youth. It is important to me because I have seen how mental health challenges are often ignored or stigmatized, preventing people from reaching their potential. I want to create awareness, provide support, and empower individuals to speak up, seek help, and prioritize their wellbeing.
4.- Can you take us back to the moment you decided to step into the Australia Galaxy Pageant system? What was the inner motivation behind that decision?
The decision came from a deep desire to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself in a new way. I had always dreamed of being on stage as a child, but more importantly, As a young girl, I would design and draw evening gowns and imagine standing on stage not for applause, but for expression. Even then, I knew I wanted a space where I could be seen, heard, and valued. I wanted a platform where I could grow personally and advocate for causes close to my heart. Australia Galaxy PAgeant stood out because of its strong values, sisterhood, and focus on purpose-driven women. My inner motivation was to transform my experiences into impact and become a confident voice for mental wellbeing and empowerment.
5.- The Galaxy Pageant is known for strong values and purpose-driven queens. Which of those values do you feel most deeply aligned with, and why?
I feel most deeply aligned with the Australia Galaxy Pageant values of authenticity, empowerment, and leadership through service. Australia Galaxy celebrates women who are real, compassionate, and purpose-driven qualities that strongly reflect who I strive to be every day.
For me, authenticity means staying true to my journey and embracing growth, even through challenges. Empowerment is about uplifting women and youth to find their voice, confidence, and inner strength. Leadership through service inspires me to use my platform to create positive change, particularly in raising awareness around mental health and personal development.
Being part of the Australia Galaxy Pageant motivates me to continuously become the best version of myself not just in appearance, but in character, impact, and the way I serve my community.
6.- What has been the most transformative lesson you’ve learned so far during your journey as a Galaxy National Finalist?
The most transformative lesson I’ve learned during my journey as Australia Galaxy National Finalist is that true confidence comes from within, not from perfection. This experience has taught me to embrace my strengths, accept my imperfections, and trust my unique story.
I’ve also discovered the power of simply showing up even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain. By taking action, believing in myself, and saying “yes” to opportunities, I’ve learned that we often create our own paths to growth and success.
This journey has shown me that real transformation happens when you step out of your comfort zone with courage, resilience, and faith in who you are becoming.
7.- How has competing at a national level challenged you—not only physically or aesthetically, but emotionally and mentally?
Competing at a national level has challenged me far beyond the physical and aesthetic aspects it has truly tested me emotionally and mentally. I’ve had to learn how to manage pressure, high expectations, and moments of self-doubt while prioritising balance and self-care.
This journey has taught me the importance of maintaining a healthy mind, building resilience, and staying grounded, especially through personal challenges and grief. Instead of allowing difficulties to hold me back, I’ve learned to grow through them with strength and purpose.
Mentally and emotionally, it has encouraged me to explore my horizons to step outside what feels familiar, discover new strengths, and realise how much more I can offer not just in pageantry, but in life. I now focus on progress over comparison and growth over perfection.
8.- Every queen brings her own unique stamp. What do you believe is the distinctive essence that Shruthi brings to the Galaxy stage?
My distinctive essence lies in my commitment to transforming personal experiences into a platform for positive change. I proudly embrace my dusky skin and inner beauty, celebrating diversity and encouraging others to love themselves exactly as they are.
I am deeply passionate about advocating for mental health awareness and women’s empowerment, using my voice to break stigma and inspire confidence.
The combination of my authenticity, resilience, and a clear vision for meaningful impact is what makes me a unique and dedicated presence on the Australia Galaxy pageant stage.
9.- What does “true beauty” mean to you today, now that you are living this experience from the inside?
Today, experiencing this journey from the inside, true beauty means far more than outward appearance. It represents confidence, kindness, resilience, and being comfortable in your own skin.
True beauty is reflected in how you treat others, how you rise after challenges, and how you remain grounded in your values. Being part of this experience has shown me that beauty is not about perfection. it’s about authenticity, inner strength, and the positive impact you make in the lives of others.
10.- How do you balance the expectations of excellence, elegance, and performance while staying authentic to who you truly are?
I balance the expectations of excellence, elegance, and performance by preparing with discipline while staying deeply connected to my values. I remind myself that excellence doesn’t mean changing who I am. it means becoming the best version of myself.
I bring my natural personality, calm confidence, and sincerity into everything I do, so what people see on stage is a true reflection of who I am off stage. Authenticity is what allows elegance and performance to feel genuine rather than forced.
11.- Many women see you as an inspiration. How does it feel knowing that your journey may empower others to step into their own confidence?
It feels incredibly humbling and deeply fulfilling. Knowing that my journey can inspire other women to believe in themselves and embrace their own strength makes every challenge worthwhile.
If my story encourages even one woman to step beyond fear, find her confidence, and pursue her dreams, then I feel I am already creating meaningful impact. That, to me, is the true purpose of this journey.
Beyond women, I hope to inspire everyone to choose positivity and explore their full potential instead of being trapped in cycles of self-doubt and mental chaos. I want people to see light even in the darkest moments and believe that challenges can be transformed into growth.
I encourage everyone to shed fear and limiting beliefs, step into their strength, and become the best version of themselves contributing positively to society. Together, we can create a community that uplifts, heals, and empowers one another.
12.- Behind the scenes of pageantry, discipline is key. What daily habits or routines help you stay focused, grounded, and prepared?
Behind the scenes of pageantry, discipline is everything. I focus on consistency by maintaining a healthy routine that includes fitness, mindful eating, and self-care. I also prioritise mental wellbeing through practices like meditation and journaling.
Running and martial arts are my favorite ways to stay active. it helps me stay physically strong, clear my mind, and maintain focus. Daily, I reflect on my goals, practice gratitude, and commit to continuous learning. These habits keep me grounded, focused, and prepared not just for the stage, but for life.
13.- As a Mental Health Advocate, how important is it for you to speak openly about mental wellbeing within the pageant world?
It is extremely important to me. Pageantry comes with high expectations, pressure, and scrutiny, making it essential to normalize conversations around mental health. By speaking openly, I aim to create a safe and supportive space where women feel understood, valued, and encouraged to prioritize their wellbeing without shame.
I want to show that seeking help, practicing self-care, and being honest about our mental health are signs of strength and that mental wellbeing is just as important as any achievement on stage.
Through this platform, I plan to make a meaningful difference by raising awareness about mental health, advocating for women’s empowerment, and supporting youth development. I would organise workshops, mentorship programs, and community initiatives to provide guidance, resources, and inspiration.
Ultimately, I aim to create a lasting impact by empowering individuals to embrace their strengths, speak their truth, and take action to improve their own lives and their communities.
14.- In an industry often associated with perfection, how do you encourage conversations around vulnerability, self-worth, and emotional resilience?
You know, in an industry that’s often focused on perfection, I try to lead by being honest about my own challenges and growth. I remind people that it’s okay not to be perfect that being vulnerable is actually a sign of strength, not weakness.
At the same time, I plan to advocate for causes I’m passionate about mental health, women’s empowerment, and youth development by using my voice and platform to raise awareness, break stigmas, and provide practical support. I would organise workshops, campaigns, and mentorship programs, collaborate with like-minded organizations, and share personal stories to inspire others to take action and create positive change.
Through all of this, I hope to show that confidence, resilience, and impact come from being authentic and using your experiences to help others.
15.- Have you personally experienced moments where prioritizing your mental health became essential during your pageant journey?
Yes, absolutely. There have definitely been moments during my pageant journey where the pressure and self-doubt became overwhelming, and I realized how essential it is to prioritize my mental health.
Slowing down, reflecting, and practicing self-care whether through meditation, journaling, or simply taking time for myself has helped me regain clarity and confidence. Focusing on gratitude and balance reminds me that taking care of my mind is just as important as preparing for the stage.
16.- Outside of pageantry, what passions or hobbies allow you to disconnect, recharge, and reconnect with yourself?
Outside of pageantry, I have a variety of passions and hobbies that help me disconnect, recharge, and reconnect with myself. I practice yoga, stay active through fitness and martial arts, and play kho-kho at both local and national levels. I also enjoy spending time in nature, reading for personal development, and connecting with family and friends.
Beyond that, I’m actively involved with Aswath International Academy, where I teach music and contribute ideas to help the academy grow. These activities keep me grounded, energized, and inspired, both on and off the stage.
17.- What message would you like to send to women who admire pageantry but hesitate to step forward due to fear, self-doubt, or societal pressure?
I would tell them that it’s natural to feel self-doubt, but the moment you step beyond that fear is when growth truly begins. You don’t have to be perfect you just have to believe in yourself and take that first step. Your story, your voice, and your uniqueness matter. Trust yourself, embrace your journey, and give yourself permission to shine.
Pageantry isn’t just about beauty it’s so much more than that. It’s about purpose, growth, and bringing out the best version of yourself. It gives you a platform to share your voice, make an impact, and inspire others while discovering your own strengths along the way.
18.- Looking ahead, how do you envision your reign as a Galaxy woman influencing your future goals, both personally and professionally?
Looking ahead, I envision my reign as an Australia Galaxy woman strengthening my leadership, confidence, and advocacy work. This incredible platform allows me to expand my impact in mental health awareness, women’s empowerment, and youth development, while inspiring communities and creating meaningful collaborations.
I’m proud to be a Galaxy girl forever, and I plan to use my journey of resilience, self-acceptance, and empowerment to inspire others. Through workshops, mentorship, and community engagement, I aim to encourage women and youth to embrace their unique strengths, speak their truth, and pursue their goals with confidence showing that challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and positive impact.
Interview conducted by Jaime Mybs with Shruthi Ashwathappa – India Australia
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About Me
Jaime Mybs
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Perumira Global Talent Magazine is an international publication celebrating beauty, art, and empowerment through exclusive interviews with top models, beauty queens, and creative professionals from around the world. For over 11 years, Perumira has been a stage where talent meets inspiration — sharing authentic stories, achievements, and experiences that redefine success and elegance.
Founded with a passion for storytelling and cultural diversity, Perumira connects readers across continents, showcasing rising stars and established icons who lead with creativity, intelligence, and heart. From the glamour of global pageants and fashion runways to the voices of empowered women transforming industries, the magazine highlights authenticity, resilience, and purpose.
More than a magazine, Perumira is a global movement that promotes visibility, confidence, and innovation in every form of talent. With a growing English and Spanish audience, Perumira continues to inspire new generations to believe in their dreams, embrace their identity, and shine on their own stage — because every story deserves to be seen and celebrated.