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Journey to the crown: An exclusive interview with Shourya Shrivastava, Miss Teen Diva 2023-24 finalist
Shourya Shrivastava from New Delhi 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 Bhopal, Shourya is currently pursuing her higher education from the University of Delhi. She likes to write poems and theatrical poetry. In the past, she has been nominated for the Times of India Youth Reporter of the Year award. She was also selected Miss Fresher during the annual fest of Kamla Nehru College. 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: Firstly, thank you so much for your kind words. I am truly elated and deeply honoured to have secured my place in the national finals of the Miss Teen Diva contest. When I received the news, it felt as if I had reached the seventh heaven of my dream world, bringing with it a whirlwind of emotions. It was an initial moment of disbelief until I shook myself to reality. It was further followed by thought of representing myself, inspiring others, and showcasing the best version of me on the national stage. Honestly, this opportunity means the world to me, not just as a personal achievement but as a testament to the support and love of my family and friends who have stood by me throughout this journey. I believe that when you have the privilege of pursuing your dreams, it's not just for yourself, but for everyone who has supported you along the way and has placed their unwavering faith in you. Now, it's my time to make them proud.
Q. Tell us something about the place you belong to.
Answer: I was born in Bhopal and was raised in Delhi, two remarkable cities that have immeasurably influenced my journey. Bhopal, often referred to as "The City of Lakes" is a city rich in heritage and natural beauty with its tranquillity has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the serene and the majestic. Meanwhile, Delhi, a city of tremendous dynamism and culture, has exposed me to the blending of ancient history with the modern world. Delhi's magnificent historical landmarks are juxtaposed against the city's modern skyline. It's a city where tradition meets innovation, a place where I've learned the art of fearlessly embracing change. Delhi's rich cultural heritage is evident in its art, music, food and the annual cultural festivals that showcase the city's creativity. Growing up in Delhi has given me a deep appreciation for its diversity, historical significance, and the fast-paced, cosmopolitan lifestyle. I believe that I stand at the intersection of these two diverse yet profoundly influential cities, a testament to the power of embracing one's roots while boldly forging ahead.
Q. Enlighten us in regards to your preparations for the upcoming Miss Teen Diva competition.
Answer: My journey in preparation for the upcoming Miss Teen Diva competition has been an extraordinary and transformative experience. It's worth noting that I didn't follow the traditional path of receiving formal training from pageant institutions. Instead, I was incredibly fortunate to have the guidance and mentorship of our national director, Mr. Nikhil Anand, and the previous queens, who consistently emphasized the significance of authenticity and embracing my uniqueness. When I reflect on my journey, I remember that I wasn't always the confident and poised individual you see today. In fact, I used to struggle being overweight and lacked self-assurance. To address this, I decided to embark on a journey of personal transformation by embracing a healthier lifestyle. Regular exercise and a balanced diet became integral parts of my daily routine. Shedding those extra pounds wasn't just about physical appearance but also about reclaiming my health and self-esteem. The path was undeniably challenging, but each drop of sweat, every hour of meditation, and every healthy meal contributed to making me stronger, both inside and out. Additionally, perfecting my ramp walk was another crucial aspect of my preparation. It wasn't just about walking; it was about owning the stage with grace and confidence. I immersed myself in learning the art of walking with grace and poise by watching numerous YouTube videos of pageant queens and tirelessly practicing my poses in front of the mirror. In a competition like Miss Teen Diva, effective communication plays a pivotal role. I dedicated extensive effort to enhance my ability to express my thoughts clearly and eloquently. Whether it involved answering questions or delivering speeches, I invested time in reading and rigorous practice of public speaking to convey my ideas with poise and confidence. Throughout this journey, spirituality emerged as a cornerstone. It provided me with guidance and solace, fostering a sense of balance and serenity. This spiritual journey helped me stay grounded when confronted with the intense pressure of the competition. In fact, it became more than just a part of my journey; it served as the very foundation of my preparation. In conclusion, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to those who have been instrumental in this incredible journey. I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Amit Karkhanis, Dr. Varun Katyal, Ritika Ramtri Ma'am, Dr. Nida Khateeb and Miss Teen Grand India, Kashish Goswami (my team leader) for their unwavering support and guidance. This unique and multifaceted path has moulded me into the confident, poised, and well-prepared contestant I am ready to face the Miss Teen Diva competition with unwavering determination and authenticity.
Q. In your opinion, what are the qualities / traits that you believe could help you move ahead in the competition?
Answer: In my opinion, the qualities and traits that I believe will propel me forward in this competition are rooted in the meaning of my name, "Shourya," which signifies being brave, confident and powerful. First and foremost, I consider courage a vital attribute. The courage to step out of my comfort zone, to face challenges head-on, and to remain resilient as it is imperative to bounce back from setbacks, learn from experiences, and keep moving forward with determination. Confidence is another important trait. Believing in myself and my abilities, both on and off the stage, will be a hallmark of my journey. Adaptability is also crucial as pageantry can often be unpredictable. The ability to learn and grow from experiences, to be open to new ideas and perspectives, and to be flexible in my approach will be my key assets in this competition.
Q. Tell us something about your hobbies and areas of interest.
Answer: Well, I have a profound love for theatrical poetry, where the stage becomes my second home, and I thrive on performing and basking in the spotlight. It's in those moments that I feel most alive. In my quieter times, when emotions overwhelm me, I turn to writing poetry as a form of expression and release. In addition to my love for theatrical arts and poetry; essay writing and contributing to newspapers have always held my interest. The written word is a powerful tool, and I cherish the ability to share my thoughts and ideas with a wider audience through my writing. Now, here's a fun fact that not many people know about me—I'm also passionate about dancing. I have two years of training in classical dance, and have also been trained in jazz. Other than that, I'm also an avid traveller and have a deep desire to explore every intricate part of our country because every corner of India holds a story, and I want to be a part of unearthing most of them. Nonetheless, all these hobbies have significantly shaped my personality and have ultimately led me to the pageant industry. I believe that the stage, the written word, the rhythm of dance, and the exploration of our incredible nation have moulded me into a multifaceted individual.
Q. Any quote or saying that has a profound impact on you.
Answer: One quote that has a profound impact on me is from the writings of Maya Angelou: "You get in life what you have the courage to ask for." This quote encapsulates the essence of taking initiative and being bold in pursuing one's dreams and desires. It reminds me that courage is the key to achieving our aspirations and that we must be fearless in seeking what we want in life. This quote has been a guiding light in my journey; encouraging me to strive for my goals with unwavering determination.
Q. Who / what is your biggest support system?
Answer: My biggest supporter is undoubtedly God for he has blessed me with family and friends who have been with me through thick and thin, lifting me up during my lowest moments and inspiring me to become the best version of myself. They have stood by me through the most challenging moments in my life when I struggled with my health, mental peace, and self-esteem. It is through the power that God, along with my friends and family, that provided me, the ability to overcome those difficulties and made me the person I am today. Their unwavering love and encouragement have been the pillars of strength. With faith, I've found the inner fortitude to face challenges and the inspiration to keep moving forward. God's presence has always my source of comfort and motivation.
Q. When you look back in time, what is the biggest life lesson that you have learnt?
Answer: When I reflect on my journey, the most significant life lesson I've learned is that tough times never last, but tough people do. The sufferings my family and I have endured seemed insurmountable at times. In these moments, I turned to spirituality and found solace in reading scriptures and chanting mantras. It's during the most trying times that we find the strength within us to overcome any obstacles that come our way. I've realized that the scars we often hide are the stories that define us. They are a testament to our resilience and the valuable lessons we've learned along the way. It's through these challenges that we discover our true strength and the power of unwavering faith in God.
Q. In your opinion, what is the best way to handle criticism?
Answer: I believe in the principle: "Don't take criticism from someone you wouldn't take advice from." It's important to consider the credibility and motives of the person offering criticism. Constructive criticism, when given with the intention of helping you improve, is invaluable. It's an opportunity to learn and grow. I believe in being open to constructive feedback, as it can lead to personal and professional development. However, not all criticism is constructive. It's essential to filter out baseless or malicious criticism and focus on the feedback that can genuinely benefit you.
Q. One piece of advice that you would like to share with the individuals who want to join the beauty pageant industry.
Answer: If you're looking to step into the beauty pageant world like me, here's the golden nugget of advice: Be unapologetically yourself. I never followed the conventional path, didn't get professionally trained, but let me tell you, that's the strength of the underdog. Embrace your uniqueness, don't be afraid to break the mold. Work on your fitness, refine your skills, and sharpen your communication, but always remember, your power comes from authenticity. Confidence, bravery, and inner strength are your secret weapons. So, walk with your head held high, speak your truth, and let the world see the real you. That's what sets you apart and makes you a force to be reckoned within this industry. Go out there, fearlessly, and leave your mark.
Q. Lastly, any message for the readers.
Answer: Certainly, I'd like to share a message with all the readers out there. Remember that life, like a pageant, is full of challenges and opportunities. Embrace those challenges, face them with grace and courage, and seize the opportunities with confidence. Embrace every aspect of yourself, your flaws, your strengths, and your dreams. Be brave, be confident, and never be afraid to pursue your passions and goals, even if it means taking an unconventional path. Know that you are unique, and your uniqueness is your strength. Believe in yourself, work hard, and never stop striving for your dreams. You are capable of achieving greatness and I hope my journey inspires you to pursue your dreams with unwavering determination.
Soon, Shourya Shrivastava 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.
