I'm ready to make a difference and bring out a change in society, and my new series, #WomenOnAMission, is exactly initiated for this. For the second episode, I had the exciting opportunity to speak with Femina Miss India World 2009 and the stunning Bollywood actress, Pooja Chopra.
In a delightful conversation, we recounted our journeys of Miss India, the experiences, challenges, and our Beauty With A Purpose project.
Pooja has come a long way since her crowning; she won every heart by winning the Femina Miss India World 2009 and represented India at Miss World 2009. In addition, she was the first Indian to win the Beauty With A Purpose project Award. Her BWAP project, 'Nanhi Kali,' was about empowering young girls.
Talking about her experience with me, she shared, "I was India's first Beauty With A Purpose winner. Obviously, it gives you a sense of pride, and your heart swells with a lot of joy. I think more than anything, your BWAP would be something that your heart really connects with, and it leads to some passion."
My Beauty With A Purpose project 10-9-8 is about the safety and equity of children. It all started with Miss India; I used to volunteer with 'Make a Difference' and teach kids. It gave me immense joy and a sense of responsibility, because child education is a purpose that my heart truly believes in. Volunteering really changed my life and helped me make a difference. It changed my perspective on life because I started realising that life isn't only about the little shell you grow up in, it's much more. It taught me gratitude for everything.
My project has been classified into three pillars — the first step is to create awareness of the child helpline hotline 1098, which is also my project's name.
The second pillar focusses on the challenges faced to respond in time to a rescue mission due to the lack of resources.
The third pillar is closest to my heart and revolves around the rescued children.
For my BWAP project, I raised funds for Ketto vehicles, dedicated to the rescue of the children.
Pooja's fond memories of her victory are still fresh in our minds! Sharing her Miss World experience and giving a piece of advice to me, she said, "I fractured my leg as I was standing there on the stage. I think I'm the only contestant who has ever stood on an international pageant stage with a cast on her foot. So that was a huge downer for me. But other than that, the experience was different. There were so many times when I used to shut my eyes, and I was worried about the pageant. And that's what advice I would like to give to you: don't worry about the pageant, don't compete with the girls until the final day, be friendly with everyone, tell them about our beautiful country. Our country is the only one with a diverse culture, make friends for life. Be yourself and enjoy yourself."
From winning Miss India to representing India at Miss World, it's been an exhilarating roller coaster ride for me. I feel what makes everything unique is the memories and the stories that we create. I want to thank all those who have been a part of my BWAP project.
