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Journey to the crown: An exclusive interview with Smrutipragnya Samantray, Miss Teen Diva 2023-24 finalist
Smrutipragnya Samantray from Odisha has been selected as one of the finalists for the nation’s biggest and most prestigious beauty pageant for teenagers and adolescents - Miss Teen Diva. Born in Cuttack, Smrutipragnya is a student of agricultural research and preparing to enter join the medical sector. She is currently based in Paradeep and is a trained swimmer. Her hobbies include swimming and playing badminton. Smrutipragnya is a polyglot and can speak four languages including English, Odiya, Hindi and Bengali. In addition to that she can also understand French and Korean. In this exclusive interview with the Beauty High Magazine, she talks about her preparations for the Miss Teen Diva finals and her journey till now.
Q. Many congratulations to you for getting selected for the national finals of Miss Teen Diva 2023-24 competition. How does it feel? What were the first thoughts that crossed your mind when you got the news that you have gotten selected to compete at the 2023-24 Miss Teen Diva contest?
Answer: The day was as special as the news as it was my birthday on August 15 when I got to know about being selected as a national finalist. I was filled with immense pleasure and unexplainable gratitude towards fate for allowing me to be a part of the Miss Teen Diva family. The very first reaction of mine was that I had to go in front of the mirror and congratulate myself as I had promised myself to make it to the national finals. I was so excited to share it with my near and loved ones. And in no time I promised myself to get the crown for Miss Teen Diva in the finals and have been manifesting the same till date. I was very grateful then and am now and will continue to be grateful towards this organisation every moment.
Q. Tell us more about the place you belong to.
Answer: I belong to Odisha, a tapestry of ancient traditions, spiritualism and natural beauty. From the beautiful illumintaed beaches of Puri and Paradeep where my home is to the intricate carvings of Konark's Sun Temple, this state whispers tales of rich cultural heritage . Odisha is also a lively state which is home to vibrant festivals like Ratha yatra , Raja parba and exquisite handloom textiles like Sambalpuri and Khandua . The state i reside in beckons with a unique blend of art, scenic landscapes and its glorifying dance form Odissi. My state always stands proud as a living testament to a rich and diverse cultural legacy
Q. Enlighten us in regards to your preparations for the upcoming Miss Teen Diva competition.
Answer: As the countdown to the Miss Teen Diva competition begins, the air is thick with anticipation and excitement. We very close to the the D-Day, yes surely it's nerve wrecking yet gives different sort of adrenaline rush to give my best for the crown, I have been working on since years. Past few months, I have immersed myself in a rigorous training regimen, dedicating countless hours to perfecting the walk, poise, public speaking skills, maintaining a healthy body, exercising and eating healthy. My preparation goes far beyond the physical and verbal aspects of the competition as I also committed to personal growth and intellectual development like voraciously reading books on various topics, from current events to global issues, expanding knowledge and broadening perspectives to be prepared for every moment like a true diva in my prestigious pageant. I have been actively volunteering my time and energy on my Advocacy project KIRAN, working with children, youth and supporting social causes and promoting social justice initiatives as this project is very close to my heart. With everything I have I will shred my blood sweat and tears to make an positive impact and willing to be called as most deserving candidate for the crown.
Q. In your opinion, what are the qualities / traits that you believe could help you move ahead in the competition?
Answer: Today I have reached here, not as a mere contestant, but as an embodiment of aspiration, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of youth. I am here to represent not just myself, but the dreams and aspirations of every young woman who dares to believe in their own power to make a difference.As I embark on this journey towards the coveted title of Miss Teen Diva, I carry with me a multitude of qualities and traits that I believe will propel me forward in this competition.First and foremost, I am a woman of unwavering confidence and self-belief.I understand that self-love and being confidence is not arrogance, but rather a quiet assurance in one's abilities and potential. It is the foundation upon which dreams are built and goals are achieved.Secondly, I am a compassionate and empathetic individual.I believe that true beauty lies not just in outward appearances, but in the kindness and understanding that resides within each of us. I strive to be a beacon of light for those in need, offering a listening ear and a helping hand whenever possible.Thirdly, I am a woman of unwavering determination and resilience.I have faced challenges in my life, but I have never allowed them to define me. Instead, I have used them as stepping stones, learning from my mistakes and growing stronger with each passing day.Finally, I am a woman of unwavering integrity and honesty.I believe that honesty is the stepping stone of success, whether it be with oneself or with others. I strive to live my life with authenticity and transparency, always adhering to my moral compass. These qualities and traits, I believe, are not just the ingredients for success in this competition, but for a life filled with purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. I am not here to merely compete; I am here to inspire, to motivate, and to make a lasting impact on the world around me.
Q. Tell us something about your hobbies and areas of interest.
Answer: My hobbies and areas of interest are as diverse as the colors of the rainbow.I am a multifaceted individual with a wide range of hobbies and interests. I am passionate about learning and exploring new things. One of my favourite hobby is reading. I love immersing myself in fictional worlds, immersing myself in worlds of imagination and possibility. I find solace in the company of books and exploring the depths of the human condition. I am also a keen writer, and I enjoy expressing myself through poetry and prose.Writing poems is my creative outlet. I find joy in putting my thoughts and feelings into words. In addition to my love of language, I am also interested in the visual arts. I enjoy painting and drawing, and I find it to be a cathartic way to express my emotions and creativity. I am also drawn to the performing arts, and I enjoy dancing and singing. Swimming is my go-to activity for physical and mental well-being. I love the feeling of gliding through the water, my body weightless and my mind clear. Swimming is a time for me to reflect, to recharge, and to connect with my inner strength.Playing badminton is another way for me to stay active and challenged. I enjoy the competitive spirit of the game, and I love the feeling of accomplishment when I hit a perfect shot or win a match. Pageantry is my passion. I am drawn to the challenge of competing on a stage, and I thrive for the opportunity to represent my country, community and inspire others. But my greatest passion is people. I love connecting with others and learning about their stories. I believe that everyone has something unique to offer the world, and I am always eager to learn from others.
Q. Any quote or saying that has a profound impact on you.
Answer: "If you don't fight for your dreams no one will do that for you. It’s you against the world"
In pursuit of our dreams, we stand alone, adventurers charting the course of our destiny. The world seems vast and daunting, but within us lies an indomitable spirit, a beacon of resilience that guides our path. If we falter, if we succumb to doubt, our dreams can fade, like stars lost in the expanse of night. Yet, when we accept the fight, when we rise with unwavering determination, the world surrenders to our will, illuminating our path with the bright light of our dreams. This quote serves as a clarion call, a summons to embrace our potential, to conquer the challenges before us, and to triumph not against the world, but as the victorious architects of our own. Believing in the limitless potential that lies within each of us. It reminds us that we have the strength and determination to overcome obstacles and make our dreams come true, no matter how ambitious they may seem. I always believe we have the strength within us to overcome any challenge and achieve anything we desire. When human's desire can go no bounds similarly striving hard to achieve it should be there.I believe that the true meaning of human potential lies in the ability to push past limits, overcome perceived limitations, and achieve the impossible. So embrace the power in you. Believe in your abilities. Don't let fear or doubt stop you from reaching your full potential. The world awaits your brilliance, ready to unleash.
Q. Who / what is your biggest support system?
Answer: When my family, and society discarded my dreams, took it as superficial and meaningless passion, my inner voice became my biggest support system. The voice of my strength, my courage, and my resilience and my unwavering belief in myself. It is the voice that guides me through challenges, inspires me to reach for my dreams, and reminds me that I am capable of anything I set my mind to and to leave a legacy behind so girls like me can step up and lead.On a personal note it's my pageant community who became my second family & my home. Embarking this journey I found my lighthouse and pole star respectively. My coach Ritika ma’am; my guide who understood and supported me throughout the journey, who planted the seeds of confidence empowering me to rise like a phoenix, who made sure I become the best version of myself, without you I might have not reached till here.Our director NIKHIL SIR, the man of a vision who taught me to believe in myself and to never give up on my dreams. He has also been a source of guidance and support, helping me to navigate the challenges at every moment. To my group leader, TRISHNA who has worked hard to make me better every day, believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself, doesn't miss a chance to improve me in all aspects, ensuring to perform the best.She is my inspiration whom I look upto with utmost respect and love in my heart. Without any doubts, I am grateful for my best companions who stood by me didn't let me fall down, who have never judged me and pushed me restlessly. Each time I have struggled, they have reminded me of my strengths and encouraged me to keep going. Last but not the least, with blessing showered by almighty, I move forward trusting his plans as God helps those who to help themselves and universe do align in your favour when you work hard to achieve your goal.
Q. When you look back in time, what is the biggest life lesson that you have learnt?
Answer: The greatest life lesson I have learned is that, “We are all capable of greatness."
We all have the ability to change the world. We all have the power to make our dreams come true. We all have the capacity for love, compassion and courage. But sometimes, we forget our power. We doubt ourselves and our abilities. We let our fear hold us back. But when we believe in ourselves, anything is possible. When we tap into our inner strength and resilience, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our wildest dreams. I have seen this myself in my own life. I have overcome many challenges and setbacks, but I have always believed in myself and my ability to succeed. And as a result, I have achieved more than I ever thought possible. I stood up for my dreams and didn't let anyone define me anymore. I fought alone till I made it. It was a roller coaster ride for me and it was not easy but become a national level finalist of Miss Teen Diva today makes me so happy and proud of myself. Now I can say success hits different when you are all alone preparing to win against the ones who are trying to pull you down.It's worth the sleepless nights, the tears, the sweat, and the sacrifices because when you achieve something on your own, it's a testament to your strength, your resilience, and your determination. It's a victory that no one can take away from you.
Q. In your opinion, what is the best way to handle criticism?
Answer: Criticism is something that comes with a lot of demotivation and i personally have experienced it from time to time. Handling criticism effectively is a valuable skill and it really helps in maintaining a constructive mind. From what i have learned till date the best way to handle any kind of criticism is staying calm , listening carefully and responding positively to it. I've also realized that if taken positively criticism can be an insight to personal development and building of courage to defend oneself where you are right. We should always take a moment to absorb the criticism without reacting emotionally and work on it making sure that no one else would critize us based on the specific thing again. Remember that criticism is often a reflection of the other person's own insecurities or biases, not a reflection of your worth. It's important to learn from criticism and move on. Don't let it consume you or ruin your day.
Q. One piece of advice that you would like to share with the individuals who want to join the beauty pageant industry.
Answer: Your essence is your true self. The beauty pageant industry is often criticized for being superficial and for promoting unrealistic standards of beauty. But the truth is, beauty pageants are not just about being pretty. They are also about being intelligent, kind, confident, compassionate and service to humanity. This comes with a purpose, a purpose to serve your community where you belong, a purpose of finding your unique traits. It exceeds beyond the glitz and glamour offered by the crown.The best beauty queens are the ones who are authentic and genuine. They are the ones who are not afraid to be themselves, even if it means being different. They are the ones who are passionate about making a difference in the world. So if you are thinking about joining the beauty pageant industry, my advice is to be yourself and to be authentic. Don't try to be someone you're not, because they already exists now it's your turn to lead. Being in this industry comes with a huge set of responsibility and only the real ones leave a legacy behind. Just be your best self, and let your true beauty shine through. Let your voice represent the voiceless, let your light be the hope in darkness let you ideas shape the world and let your true self be the inspiration for everyone who want to break barrier and fly high
Q. Lastly, any message for the readers.
Answer: Live your life to the fullest. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's easy to get caught up in the mundane and forget to appreciate the beauty of the present moment. But it's important to remember that life is short and precious, and each day is a gift.So what does it mean to live life to the fullest? It means different things to different people, but at its core, it's about living a life that's true to you and your values. It's about following your dreams and passions, and never giving up on what you believe in. Don't waste your time on things that don't matter. Don't let fear stop you from chasing your dreams. Don't let anyone else define you.Be true to yourself. Follow your heart. And don't be afraid to take risks and love yourself.Cherish the relationships with your loved ones and making every moment count.
Soon, she will be seen walking down the runway at the upcoming edition of Miss Teen Diva beauty pageant. As she prepares for this prestigious event, we wish her all the very best for her journey.
