Indian Orgin Maria Thattil crowned as Miss Universe Australia Pageant

Indian origin Maria Thattil will represent Australia in the Miss Universe Pageant event as she won the Miss universe Australia which was held on October 28 at Sofitel Mebourne on Colins, Melbourne,Victoria. The event was conducted virtually due to the Covid pandemic.Miss Universe Australia 2019 Priya Serra who is also an Indian-origin presented the crown at the end of the event.

Maria is the eldest daughter of Malayalee-Bengali couple who immigrated to Australia in the ’90’s. Maria’s father Tony Thattil is from Kerala who first migrated to Australia in 1990.

Maria is born and brought up in Australia and is a Creator & Speaker, Inclusion advocate and she also hosts ‘MINDWITHME’ Series to motivate people around her.

“I’m a little bit chuffed to be honest, I’m a little bit lost for words,” Maria told the Herald Sun after winning the crown. “Winning this title to me is an example. There are a number of norms that have been challenged and broken in order for me to sit here in front of you as your Miss Universe Australia today,” she added.

Taking to Instagram earlier, Thattil wrote she is very grateful for “this privileged opportunity”.

“As a woman who prides herself on belonging to a multicultural society enriched by our powerful, rich First Nations history and culture – I cannot express the pride I feel wearing a Crown that honours the traditional owners of the land we live on,” Thattil wrote.

Maria is also wrote about her Indian roots as ” I belong here and at the same time, I strongly resonate with my Indian roots. I have found a balance between the two. It is not either-or for me. This is who I am and it is very unique,” she claimed.