Winning Miss India means the world to me: Nandini Gupta

Who would have thought that a dedicated management student would represent India at the Miss World competition? Nineteen-year-old Nandini Gupta had dreamt of being Miss India since she was 10. And on Saturday, her dream of winning the coveted title turned into a reality at Imphal, Manipur. Hailing from Kota, Rajasthan, Nandini is doing her undergraduation in business management at the Lala Lajpat Rai College, in Mumbai.

Excerpts from a chat-a-thon:

What did you feel when your name was announced as the winner?

Oh, I still get chills when I think of that moment! My heart skipped a beat. All my hard work and perseverance paid off. It was the most precious moment of my life and I’ll relive every bit of it every day. It was incredible!

What does this win mean to you?

The Miss India title is a milestone that I always wanted to achieve. It means the world to me;  it’s a step closer to my dreams. I always dreamt of competing in the Miss India pageant and winning the crown. But with time, I realised it is much more than the crown. This powerful platform will help me further all the important causes that I believe in. I hope I continue to receive love and support from people.

How did you discover yourself in this journey?

The journey brought to light different aspects of myself — as a woman and as an individual. Every day was a journey of introspection. I learnt from the best. Whether it was reporting at call times, or going for shoots, I learnt that I can hustle within myself while maintaining an aura of peace. I realised that everyone is unique. I realised that every woman must have confidence in herself and follow her dreams.

Did your extracurricular activities (hosting and hospitality) come in handy?

They have helped me a lot! I have learnt so much! And the management course gave me leverage. The journey brought about a change in me. From a shy girl to speaking in front of thousands, I have come a long way; and I will continue to polish myself.

The grooming journey must have been challenging!

Yes! But when you want something passionately, everything is worth it. And yes, the journey is a once-in-a-lifetime ride, so I lived it to the fullest, met lovely ladies, made the best memories to cherish for the rest of my life. The journey has been very enriching and gratifying.

What are the areas where you want to create an impact?

Mental health is the issue that I feel deserves immediate attention. Because it gets acknowledged by more people  becoming aware of it. Everyone faces anxiety, depression and lack of self-worth at some point in their lives, so it’s very important to make them feel that they are worth it and not alone. Also, Rajasthan has a rich culture and traditions. There’s this ‘Kota Doriya’, a fabric famous for its comfort and quality. I am keen on giving those artisans (women in particular) a platform that helps them build their careers and legacies. I want to promote Indian handloom on a wider scale.

Nandini will represent India at the 71st edition of the Miss World pageant at the UAE.