Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen wins Champions of Change Awards 2020
Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen has won a national award on Friday, April 16 for her contribution to social welfare and women empowerment.
Founded in 2011, the Champions of Change is an Indian award for promoting Gandhian values (Swachata), community service, and social development.
The beauty queen-turned-actress dedicated the award to Indian women whom she called the "nation's strongest backbone."
"Let’s continue to take small steps & big changes will follow," she wrote on social media.
The Miss Universe Organization (MUO) has also acknowledged her achievement in a post on its official page to which she replied: "Life comes a full circle! Thank you [Miss Universe]. I cherish the journey that began with you at 18."
Sushmita won the Femina Miss India 1994 pageant and went on to represent India at Miss Universe 1994 in Manila, Philippines. She bested 76 other beauties to become her country's first Miss Universe winner at the age of 18.
Photo: Sushmita Sen / Instagram