Mental health is of prime importance and should not be ignored at any cost. Keeping away from negativity is a must. Do not listen to everyone and everything, every time about you. Spending quality time with near and dear ones gives lot of happiness.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
‘Dream is not what you see in sleep, it is something that does not let you sleep’
- Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
These words keep inspiring me. I am a discontented soul in a positive manner. I strive to achieve many things and still feel am a learner at each stage. Looking forward to do many more things in life.
Being an NCC cadet Army Wing (Senior Division, ‘C’ certified) and an athlete, joining defence was my obvious choice. Uniform was my dream and I am truly grateful to the Almighty that I got the opportunity to serve my country. I served in the Indian Air Force as an Aeronautical Engineering Officer for 6 years. I am an Electrical Engineer with and MBA in Information Technology and have done Business Management course from Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC).
Post my IAF service I worked in corporate for few years as IT Infrastructure Manager-Mumbai, Software Support and Service Manager-Vadodara etc. I also did a course in Radio Communication and Technology and worked as a Program Scheduler and RJ for 92.7 Big FM at Gwalior. I worked as a school teacher and handled IT cell at Air Force School-Hyderabad.
I am an explorer and like to venture in different fields. Under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) I became a certified Yoga instructor. Dance being my passion, I am pursuing Kathak dance professionally. I have also learnt basics of Salsa dance form.
I have performed Lavni (Maharashtrian Folk dance) on several occasions. Recently being at Ministry of HRD, Hyderabad in February 2021. I bagged the title of Mrs India Adventurous in year 2018.
I also love to do anchoring and have hosted several events. I write articles and poems in Hindi, Marathi and English languages and have authored a book on Hindi short stories, ‘Kuch Kahaniya Aisi Bhi’, published in June 2019. My article also got published in an anthology, ‘Women Vs We Men’ in the month of July 2021.
I conduct Soft Skills training sessions for undergraduate students and professionals. I also work as a creative content writer for NGO UPAY, which works towards education and betterment of footpath children.
I am a Change Catalyst South Chapter at Woman With Wings a non-profit organisation, that works towards upliftment of women.
2. Tell us about your story of becoming Mrs India Adventurous?
Modelling and Ramp Walk has always fascinated me. During school days I use to imitate the ramp walk style of models and gained popularity. I had won the title of Ms Spectrum at University level during my MBA too.
Subsequently as I came to know about various pageants, the restless me certainly wanted to participate. Lot of hard work goes when you really want to achieve something. I applied and got selected after my initial rounds. We also had to do several tasks before the finale.
The finale was a three-day hectic event at Delhi. We had several rounds like written exam, introduction, talent round, fitness/sports round, interview, traditional wear, floral dress, ramp walk etc.
Subsequently in grand finale amongst 50 contestants I won the title of Mrs India – Adventurous. It was a big moment in my life and a rich experience was added to my kitty.
3. What was the first thought that came to your mind after wearing the crown of Mrs India Adventurous?
‘I Did it’. That’s what I thought. I was happy, extremely happy. It was a long-cherished dream. So finally, I had taken a step forward. Nothing comes easy and when your hard work pays off you feel on top of the world.
Achieving your dream through hard work gives lot of satisfaction. I love stage and it was a wonder moment. Scope of improvement is always there but to start is necessary.
4. What is your opinion of body image & beauty standards created by the media and how hard is it to put up with it?
Why there should be any standards at all? I strongly disapprove of it. When none of us are same how can we follow one standard, that too, related to physical appearance or beauty?
Media – is a very vast word and world. However, yes general image of beauty is described or considered as one with a perfect fit body, tall, thin, fair skin. Even our matrimonial advertisement descriptions are similar. Do you expect to live in a PERFECT WORLD so each individual will be so called PERFECTLY BEAUTIFUL?
I personally feel bad and angry on such type of descriptions. It will be very hard for an individual to face the world if the so-called standards are not achieved. There is a difference between being actually fit and healthy and being fit as per so called media standards.
This reminds me of a quote –
‘There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me that is the true essence of beauty’.
- Dr Steve Maraboli
5. How can one take care of their mental health in this high-pressure glamorous field?
Being in constant lime light becomes more of a necessity in the glamour world. The constant pressure to perform and perform perfectly or effectively does exist. Apart from this, the social media plays a crucial role as any negative comments or fake story about you can cause havoc in your life.
A healthy mind works towards a healthy body. Mental health is of prime importance and should not be ignored at any cost. Keeping away from negativity is a must. Do not listen to everyone and everything, every time about you.
Spending quality time with near and dear ones gives lot of happiness. Talking about your fears or inhibitions or incidences to someone you trust is a must. It will relax your mind and body a lot.
Doing Yoga, meditation, exercises regularly and eating healthy diet should be part and parcel of every day routine. All this will prove effective for your reduced stress levels.
Drinking a cup of POSITIVI-TEA each day is a must.
6. What message would you like to give the world about beauty pageants and the girls who want to be a part of them?
Beauty pageants are a wonderful platform which enhances your overall personality for sure. Today it’s an ocean out there and ample opportunities are available for married as well as unmarried ladies to showcase their talent. However, it should be self-driven and by own choice to participate.
The girls who want to participate in beauty pageants must ensure that the pageant is genuine.
They must check the company’s details and ensure they are thoroughly aware of all the rules and regulations, financial implications if any, exact procedure of participation, hidden rules if any, payment details if required, policies, contracts, agreement etc in detail.
Technology has made the participation in beauty pageants easier and quicker and so for the crime to happen. The girls should believe in self and should be confident of what they are doing and what they want to do.
Leaning is continuous process Success comes through lot of HARD WORK.
Few lines I would like to pen down especially for all the aspiring girls out there:
Be what you are, be as you are
For no one has power to describe you, ever
You are your mirror
And that reflection is best known to you my dear
Wear, confidence and your beautiful smile
As accessories always
Trust your decisions and take that leap
You are always a star, born to be
7. Which is your favourite book and why?
My own book, ‘Kuch Kahaniya Aisi Bhi’, which is very close to my heart. It’s a big achievement for me along with the wonderful feedback I have received.
Also, ‘The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari’ - by Robin Sharma. It beautifully speaks about discovering your own self, about living happily, and that nothing is impossible in life.
- Interviewed By Anamika Ajith
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