Erin Liz John, a student at Kozhikode Government Medical College has won the Miss Kerala beauty pageant, making it a historic victory as she is the first medico to win the prestigious sash. The 20-year-old, who hails from Ernakulum and is in the third year of her MBBS degree, was declared the winner in a virtual ceremony on January 31. This was also the first time that the pageant was conducted virtually owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Erin celebrated her victory by going back to college the next day and sharing the news with her friends and faculty. The college also participated in the celebration as congratulatory posters were put up across campus walls, and the administration distributed sweets.
Erin was selected as the winner from a pool of 200 Malayali participants from across the world. While she is currently studying in Kerala, Erin grew up in different parts of the country as both her parents were doctors and had various postings. She returned to her home state Kerala to complete her 10th grade from Kochi Navy School, after which she passed her 12th grade from Kanjirapally St Anthony’s School. She then joined Kozhikode MCH for her MBBS.
“Fifty contestants were selected for the final round from a two-stage audition. There were four rounds in the Finals - Indian ethnic round, Atmana (that evaluates the power and beauty of the mind), Basque (emphasizes the cocktail evening look), and Keraliyam (based on Kerala tradition)”
“Fashion, modeling, and acting have always been my favorite things since childhood. Despite being a doctor, my mother always supported me to pursue my dreams, and the decision to join MBBS was completely my own. I always wanted to be a responsible doctor first, and then strive to achieve my dreams in modeling and acting,” Erin told media representatives.
Also read: 25 Year Old Ayesha Aziz Becomes India’s Youngest Pilot
“Fifty contestants were selected for the final round from a two-stage audition. There were four rounds in the Finals - Indian ethnic round, Atmana (that evaluates the power and beauty of the mind), Basque (emphasizes the cocktail evening look), and Keraliyam (based on Kerala tradition),” she said.
Erin’s primary focus is to complete her MBBS degree, “Since the competition was online, most people did not know about my participation. Friends were amazed when they saw the results in the news,” she said.
Erin is not the only Indian medical student to charm with her looks, personality and quick wit at a beauty pageant. In 2017, medico Manushi Chhillar regaled the judges at the Miss World beauty pageant organized in China. Chhillar, an MBBS student at the Bhagat Phool Singh Medical College in Sonipat, is also the first woman to win both - ‘Miss World’ and ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ titles.
(Edited by Anju Narayanan)
