Aayushi Meena from Jaipur 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. Currently based in New Delhi, Aayushi is a student at the St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. Her journey in the pageant industry began earlier in the year 2023 and she considers her selection in the Miss Teen Diva competition as one of the most significant achievements in her life. She is a trained dancer and has also taken part in a series of debate events. She believes that her oratory skills and confidence have played a prominent role in the life and has helped her in her growth. 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: I feel so overwhelmed being a part of Miss Teen Diva 2023; it is truly a dream come true. I will forever cherish the moment I received the confirmation email, which arrived just 13 minutes before my birthday. This unexpected news was the most remarkable birthday gift I could have ever hoped for. Shortly after, at midnight my friends surprised me with a birthday cake. The cake cutting, however, felt more like a celebration of my selection in the pageant, making it a double delight and the most memorable birthday I’ve ever had.
Q. Tell us something about the place you belong to.
Answer: I belong to Jaipur, the pink city of India, which is called pink because of the terracotta- pink color that adorns many of its buildings in the old part of the city. Jaipur is famous for its magnificent palaces and forts, including the City Palace, Ajmer Fort, Jaigarh Fort and Nahargarh Fort. The Hawa Mahal is one of city’s most iconic landmarks. The other most famous thing about Jaipur is of course the Rajasthani cuisine which includes items like Dal-Baati-Churma, Gatte ki Sabzi, and various sweets like Ghevar and Mawa Kachori. Overall, Jaipur is a place where one can find a blend of urban and traditional Rajasthani culture together.
Q. Enlighten us in regards to your preparations for the upcoming Miss Teen Diva competition.
Answer: Becoming a finalist in the Miss Team Diva is a significant opportunity for me, and I am committed to making the most of it as I work towards achieving my dreams. Balancing my studies with the pageant preparation can be challenging, but I am dedicated to finding the correct balance. I have incorporated morning gym sessions to achieve a healthy and fit physique for the pageant. After attending my lectures, I diligently do my dance practice and focus on perfecting my ramp walk and introduction.
Q. In your opinion, what are the qualities / traits that you believe could help you move ahead in the competition?
Answer: My personality possesses a combination of confidence; strong communication skills to effectively convey my thoughts and values; a healthy mind and body combination; a well-groomed appearance, intelligence; noteworthy dancing talent, strong oratory skills and a genuine commitment to social causes, demonstrating my dedication towards making a positive impact on the world, all of which might prove out to be my winning formula in the pageant.
Q. Tell us something about your hobbies and areas of interest.
Answer: Additionally, I have a strong affinity for dancing and singing. As a student of political science, I also find great pleasure in reading and listening to audio books related to politics, such as those focusing on notable personalities, as well as topics like women empowerment. Furthermore, I possess a deep-seated passion for traveling, with a prominent desire to explore the world, not merely as a tourist but to actively engage with local communities, learn about their cultures, traditions, and ways of life.
Q. Any quote or saying that has a profound impact on you.
Answer: It is a verse from Bhagvat Gita – “Karmanyevadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachan.”
This verse encapsulates the essence of selfless action. It emphasizes to be process oriented rather then result oriented. This Gita verse reminds us to focus on performing our duties sincerely and wholeheartedly without getting attached to the outcomes, which can also help us discover inner peace.
Q. Who / what is your biggest support system?
Answer: For me, my biggest support system are my parents. They have always encouraged me to follow my dreams and make my life choices myself whether it was choosing my stream in high school or which city I wanted to go for my college education or which college I want to enroll into. And if I have the support of my parents, I believe I have the support of the entire world. Their belief in me is my biggest strength. And the aim to make them proud is my biggest motivation.
Q. When you look back in time, what is the biggest life lesson that you have learnt?
Answer: I firmly believe that failures are our biggest life lesson. When we fall, we summon our inner strength, learn to rise, and persist in moving forward. Failures serve as mirrors reflecting our past mistakes, offering opportunities for growth and improvement. Even I’ve encountered setbacks that I prefer to view as valuable lessons rather than outright failures. For instance, I recently participated in an event where I secured a place in the top 7 but fell short of winning it. Instead of dwelling on disappointment, I embraced the opportunity for self-improvement. I diligently analyzed my mistakes and worked on them. This ultimately propelled me to secure a coveted spot in the prestigious Miss Teen Diva pageant.
Q. In your opinion, what is the best way to handle criticism?
Answer: I believe that in any endeavor one undertakes, it is inevitable that there will be individuals who may express disapproval of one’s actions and even offer criticism. However, the most effective approach towards managing such criticism is to disregard the surrounding negativity and keep going on with one’s pursuits. It is essential to recognize that if one is confident in the righteousness of their actions, external opinions hold no significance.
Q. One piece of advice that you would like to share with the individuals who want to join the beauty pageant industry.
Answer: I would like to disregard the misconception that beauty pageants exclusively cater to individuals possessing attractive physical features, height, or matching certain beauty standards. Rather they encompass a broader spectrum of qualities like one’s overall personality, self-confidence, grace, and the art of self-presentation. While physical attributes do play a role, they do not stand as the sole determinants of success in this domain. So one just needs to focus on their over personality, to gain success and be the title holders.
Q. Lastly, any message for the readers.
Answer: A message I wish to convey to the readers is the importance of heeding the inner voice of one’s heart. It is crucial not to allow external opinions to obstruct the pursuit of one’s dreams. We are granted only one life, and it is important to ensure that we lead it to the utmost fulfillment, free from regrets.
Soon, Aayushi Meena 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.