The early morning chill turned into warmth as Miss World Manushi Chhillar gracefully walked into a five star hotel near the airport for her first press conference in the city after winning the crown. With the tiara in place, the level-headed Manushi, dressed in ethnic wear, reminded the gathering that with great power comes great responsibility. The medical student at Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women in Sonipat asserted that it would be her goal to influence other girls to pursue higher studies and study smart. “Success is not just about being a hard worker, it is about becoming a smart worker. I was a physics topper in my school and used to encourage my juniors. It is education which can liberate you and I believe girls should get the best education.”
Calling her win a big moment for Haryana, Manushi said, “It is a very big achievement for girls in Haryana. People presume that girls are looked down upon in the state but now things are changing. You should know that most of the achievers from the state in the last few years are girls. I am happy that people in Haryana are looking differently towards their women. Earlier there was not much participation in beauty pageants and the focus was on sports but I believe now more girls will take it forward.”
She said that if a girl from a community becomes someone, the bias against the girl child will disappear. “When you set an example, it helps other girls to dream. I think change has begun and it started from my own community. There was a tradition of firing guns at the wedding functions to show male dominance but there was no such firing when I became Miss India,” related Manushi, adding that only education could change the mindset of people.
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She underlined her stance that she was not rushing for a role in Bollywood and asserted that there was much more work after becoming the Miss World. “There were five Indian women before me who became Miss World but only two of them are actors. If I get a chance, I would like to work with Aamir Khan as he makes intelligent films which are socially relevant as well. I believe in work which gives back something to the society.”
The role model
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Talking about her preparation for the pageant, Manushi said, “For those who know me from my childhood, they would vouch that I didn’t undergo any grooming at home. I was completely into books but these three and a half months changed my outlook,” revealed Manushi. She added that her first inspiration was her mother from whom she learnt how to balance things in life. But she considers Reita Faria as her role model. “ She is not only a great gynaecologist but she was the first Asian to win the Miss World crown.”
A trained Kuchipudi dancer, Manushi said she had a passion for adventure sports which she wanted to pursue as soon as she found time. “I want some time out to read novels as well,” she chuckled. The journey from Miss India to Miss World pageant, she said was not about learning how to walk or carry yourself but it was about self discovery and presenting the best version of yourself to the world.
She promised to continue working in menstrual hygiene space through her initiative Project Shakti, with which she started after becoming Miss India. “Now I have the support of the Miss World organisation, I would want to help women by providing cheaper sanitary pads across the country.”
She also touched upon the issue of lack of basic medical facilities in the country. “I would like to see a change in the field of medicine in the country. “As a medical student and the Miss World, my goals in life are the same. I just want to make the lives of others more comfortable. Once women start feeling that there is no problem with their bodies, they will feel more confident about themselves. The health of a mother determines the health of a society.” Stubborn as they are, flashbulbs are refusing to leave her face, but her voice demands equal attention.