India, Nov. 19 -- On November 19, as Sushmita Sen celebrates her 50th birthday, fans are revisiting one of the most iconic moments in her life - the day she made history at the Miss Universe 1994 pageant.

On May 21, 1994, the then 18-year-old Sushmita became the first Indian to win the Miss Universe title, outshining 76 contestants from across the globe at the Philippine International Convention Centre in Manila.

In the final round of the Miss Universe 1994 pageant, Sushmita was asked a question that would become one of the most iconic in beauty pageant history: "What for you is the essence of being a woman?"

Sushmita delivered a heartfelt and unforgettable answer: "Being a woman is a gift from God, which we should appreciate. A child ...