Mitu Walia, Mrs. Bharat USA, Is An Advocate For Health And Homelessness
India-West Staff Reporter
FREMONT, CA – Mitu Walia was crowned as the winner of Mrs. Bharat USA, Classic 2024, and Mrs. Bharat California 2024 at the prestigious Miss Bharat USA pageant, held in New Jersey on December 8, 2024. The event was organized by MyDreamTvUSA. Walia was crowned by Bollywood star Neelam Kothari.
The pageant featured four rounds of competition, where Mitu’s diverse talents and poise shone through. In the Talent Round, she earned 1st Runner-Up after performing a dynamic Punjabi folk dance. In the Indian Heritage Round, she captured the essence of a traditional Punjabi bride, radiating grace. During the Bollywood Retro/Vintage Round, Mitu Walia embraced the timeless appeal of the retro era, showcasing her dance and styling skills.
In the final round, Walia’s response to a key question highlighted her advocacy for women and inclusivity. When asked, “What role do you think social media plays in shaping the identity of women today?” she responded powerfully: “Social media is a powerful tool for self-expression and helps amplify our voice and push for change. As a brown woman in construction, making up less than 1% of the workforce, I challenge gender stereotypes and show that women are not just homemakers—we can be homebuilders too. As a mother managing my family’s restrictive autoimmune diet, I fight for inclusivity, to keep my loved ones safe. Today, I empower women to use social media to push for change. Wear your confidence like a crown, ladies!”
Beyond the pageant, Mitu Walia, a resident of Fremont, CA, is a passionate advocate for Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder. She has launched an allergy-free bakery to provide safe dessert options for children with severe food restrictions due to the condition. As a mother to two boys, one in college and the other in high school, Walia’s personal and professional life is dedicated to promoting health, safety, and equality.
As an architect with Landsea Homes, Walia specializes in multifamily housing projects and is dedicated to addressing homelessness through her work. Her work has brought attention to the importance of inclusivity in industries typically dominated by men.
