How to follow your dreams while still not cutting corners in nurturing your family?
Good planning and clear communication is key. Example: planning meals ahead of time, planning activities in advance. Assigning duties and setting clear expectations of what you will do and what you expect the other to do. Constantly re-assessing priorities. What's also helpful is SETTING Reminders on your phone for yourself and others. Teach women to be better negotiators of their role.
What unique qualities do you bring to this platform that make you a role model for others?
We have a lot of fine ladies competing today and since I don't know them well, it is hard for me to say in what way I am unique. To begin with, I am a well-rounded and a very balanced person. My priorities are cooking healthy meals from scratch looking beautiful through natural means. I do not seek instant gratification nor indulge in sense pleasures. I speak with purpose and Before I speak I pass my words through 3 filters, Is it true, is it kind, is it necessary?. I believe that I am not born to fit in but to stand out!! Although grounded in spirituality I believe that doing good to people is the same as serving God.
What is the most important lesson you've learned in your personal journey to this pageant?
We are all capable of achieving our greatness no matter who you are and where you are starting from. If you are not willing to learn or put in the effort, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you. "Ordinary people can do extraordinary things if they can just believe in themselves."― Zig Ziglar
If you could write a letter to your younger self, what advice would you give?
The Revelation/aha moment/epiphany —You don't have to be perfect. Life changes for the better when you realize that you don't have to know everything and you don't have to pretend you do.
By Simon Sinek.
What advice do you have for young girls?
I will be an embodiment of this saying: I will inspire young girls to uplift each other up rather than bring each other down. The sky would be awfully dark with just one star.
We often blame men but the truth is that we women have a crab mentality. When one crab tries to escape a bowl of water the other crabs pull it down preventing it from escaping.Let's put an end to that. Be that MIL loves her DIL and not think of her as a threat.Be the mother who supports her daughter through DomesticViolence. Be that boss that looks out for her female report rather than being threatened by her. Success is not a zero sum game in which if one wins the other loses.There is enough space for everyone to shine. Each one of us will shine when its our time.Sisterhood rocks!!!
Zero sum mentality
The crab mentality can also be described as a "zero sum mentality" or "if I can't have it, neither can you"
What has been your biggest obstacle in life, and how did you overcome it?
(CORPORATE MOM)
I took a 14 yr break to care for my children. When I decided to come back it was not easy. A lot of people told me not to stay away from work for that long because they thought I would never be able to have a career after that. I came back as a re launcher and I work as a corporate professional in the IT Industry. I came back with a bang. The best thing I ever did is to believe in myself.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind as Mrs. Universe USA?
Woman of substance. Embodiment of character. You will have a kind, compassionate, outspoken, genuine, spunky(courageous and determined), Mrs. Universe who always looks out for others before self. One Who believes that we should make the world a better place than when we got here. Be a role model of Philanthropy & Social activism, and a force to reckon with as she tirelessly works towards empowering other women and the betterment of society.
What inspired you to participate or try competing in pageants?
I knew about my unrealized potential and I didn't want to wait too long and have regrets. After taking time to marry, move to the US, raise kids and make a career, I knew it was my time to come back with a bang and showcase those talents.
What global issue are you most passionate about, and how do you plan to use your platform to contribute to it?
The cause that is really close to my heart is advocating for the fair treatment of animals in factory farms. Creating awareness around their living conditions and educating people that animals are sentient beings and are capable of experiencing pain and joy.
We as individuals can help by making informed choices like choosing cruelty-free products and
supporting companies that prioritize animal welfare in their supply chains
In a nutshell, I want to create a more humane world. People have come forward and told me that they have benefitted from my Toastmasters speeches regarding this topic but there is more work to be done.
Competing for Mrs. Universe USA 2025 is a prestigious achievement. What message would you like to share with women who aspire to follow their dreams?
I want to quote Kalpana Chawla here. “The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.”
But while on this journey we must make sure to uplift each other and not bring down each other.
Women often blame men, the truth is that we women have a crab mentality. (When one crab tries to escape a bowl of water the other crabs pull it down preventing it from escaping).If I can't have it neither can you. Success is not a zero sum game in which if one wins the other loses. There is enough space for everyone to shine. Each one of us will shine when it's our time. To all the female viewers- Let's make Sisterhood rock!!!
Do you have a favorite quote or motto that keeps you motivated, and why does it resonate with you?
I have spent many hours gaining knowledge about spirituality and my learning was transformational. This is my favorite quote because it's a microcosm of the entire wisdom put together. "Watch your thoughts, they become your words, watch your words they become your actions, watch your actions they define your character and watch your character it defines your karma”
Life as a titleholder and working professional can be hectic. What’s your go-to stress-relief activity or hobby?
Although I alternate between singing, Yoga, Pranayama, dancing, watercolor painting and Taekwondo, one thing I consistently do is cook healthy meals for my family. It's odd I call it stress relieving when most people think it's stress enduring. I am passionate about food because I believe - We are what we eat. And Hypocrites said let food be thy medicine. Also, I think there is an urgent need for us to eat our way out of extinction. We have eaten ourselves into many problems and we need to eat ourselves out of them. I do wake up each morning and get excited about what I will be cooking that day. My plant based diet recipes can be found here.
Finally, do you have a message for the audience and all the aspiring titleholders watching?
Keep your words soft and kind, you never know when you have to swallow them. Speak with purpose and before you speak pass your words through these 3 filters, Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary to say it?
What has been your biggest obstacle in life, and how did you overcome it?
I took a 14 year career break to care for my children. When I was ready to come back I realized how hard it was to be a re-launcher but the best thing I ever did is believe in myself!
My children saw me as being an embodiment of this: If you are not willing to learn(or be successful) no one can help you. If you are determined to (succeed)learn, no one can stop you.”
Discuss a book, movie, or piece of art from South Asian culture that has had a profound impact on your life.
I learned that your mind can either be your best friend or your worst enemy depending on what thoughts you entertain and pursue. Our enemy is on our inside, our own doubt, insecurities, irrational loves and hates. You see a bit of yourself in everything around you and a bit of everything inside of you. Which means you are looking beyond the differences on the outside and the sameness on the inside.
How do you plan to use your title to inspire others and make a difference in your community?
I would like to make a difference in the life of other women in particular because I know that gender inequality still exists in the most advanced counties and educated families. My life has never been a bed of roses but I am self driven and can handle situations without much support but I know that everyone is not that strong. After I won the 1st runner up title , I received feedback that it was inspirational to a lot of women. Spread message that after having children you don't have keep your post partum fat, you can take out time from your family and focus on a hobby that only you benefit from, that you enjoy doing. It doesn't always have to be about your family. We go to a guilt trip when we are doing something for ourselves.