Nostalgia for historic city of Gyeongju
By Rama Gaind
NOSTALGIC memories flood back of a short stay, some years ago, in the historic city of Gyeongju in South Korea.
In particular, the sojourn at the Gyeongju Bomun Lake Resort (Hotel Hyundai) which combined the best of both worlds: a modern world-class resort in the ancient city of Gyeongju which is steeped in 1,000 years of history along with the tradition of the Silla Kingdom.
The hotel is embellished with traditional Korean styles where the singing birds and mystic morning views are guaranteed for relaxation.
What’s more, a chance meeting with an Indian beauty queen added glamour.
Medha Raghunath, from Chennai, was in Gyeongju after participating in the World Miss University contest.
As it turned out, her group comprising 36 contestants was in the foyer of the Bomun Lake Resort getting ready to go to the capital Seoul. Medha had come third in the beauty pageant (after Miss Nepal and Miss Maldives) and couldn’t have been happier at her placement. The contest had been held in Daegu, one of the six metropolitan cities of Korea, a textiles hub which was one of the host cities of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Medha had turned 21 years of age and this win was a "great present … it was the best gift". She also won the title of ‘Miss Health’ where much emphasis is placed on "beauty for peace … we love peace not war". Medha was also successful in coming second in a ‘performance challenge’ where contestants had to dance or sing. She performed Indian dancing, of course, but it was a mix of yoga, Bharat Natyam and Kalari (a form of martial art).
"This art is almost extinct, but it has been revived now. It requires a lot of stamina," Medha said. "Being in a beauty pageant is a beautiful thing. It brings out the woman in me."
This was not the first time that she had been in a beauty competition. She entered the Miss Chennai 2000 contest and was first runner-up. This 5’6"-tall university student, weighing 48kg, also listed her achievements as Femina Ms India and Cyber Queen 2001.
Here was one woman who believed in gaining an edge by being "very well educated".
The effervescent Indian beauty was studying for a Master of Business Administration with plans to attain a PhD. She already had a BA in Business Administration.
A model, who has done television commercials, Medha relaxed by listening to music which “rejuvenates my mind” and “adores travelling” with fond memories of the US, London and Japan.
