World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to welcome amazing Queen Upaasana Kalia Mrs India International Queen 2020.
Full name: Upaasana Kalia
Title/Year: Mrs India International Queen 2020
Pageant System: www.mrsindiainternationalqueen.com
Age: 38 years
Zodiac sign: Scorpio
Hobbies: Dancing, travelling & Reading
Platform: Mrs India International Queen
Years competed: First Year
Countries visited: Malaysia, Thailand, China, Canada, USA, Dubai, Mauritius, Indonesia, Australia, Tasmania & New Zealand
Likes: Dancing, exploring new places, Trying different coffees
Dislikes: Dishonesty, Pessimists, self-centeredness
Status: Married
World Class Beauty Queens: Please tell us about yourself.
“You never cease to grow if your quest for learning is alive”, with this insatiable quest I am Upaasana Kalia, a supply chain professional, a health and fitness entrepreneur from Ludhiana, often referred to as India’s Manchester. I am a Master’s in Business Administration & Bachelor’s in Biotechnology. Currently, working as Strategic Projects Lead with Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices & Diagnostics. I don’t believe in miracles; I only believe in hard work. And my strength of hard work comes from seeing my mother. 3 best words to describe me would be ambitious, diligent, and ethical.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does women Empowerment means to you?
Women's empowerment is all about equipping and allowing women to make life-determining decisions through the different problems in society. It is basically the creation of an environment where women can make independent decisions for their personal, as well as professional development.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your pageant history.
Mrs India International Queen was my first journey to the pageant world. When I was younger, way before my foray into this endeavor, joining a beauty title has crossed my mind. I somehow thought that one day I would join a beauty contest, but I never imagined that it would be at the age 38. 4th December 2020, the dream came true when I competed with 25 candidates from all across the globe vying for the crown, and by God’s grace I was proclaimed Mrs India International Queen 2020.
World Class Beauty Queens: What inspired you to do your first pageant?
The belief that “Queens are strong, beautiful, talented women whose inner beauty shines brighter than just the skin”. My belief that the pageant will help me learn more about myself and help me justify my self-assertion that I can compete at the best level and still be productive. Also, to inspire others to achieve something they once thought was not possible. With this pageant, I could easily reach out to my goals and become a better person by participating in service opportunities, taking on a larger role in the community and therefore use my talent to raise awareness in the aid of humanity to make a real difference to the society.
World Class Beauty Queens: Why did you choose to compete for your current title?
The journey would help me realize my true potential as Mrs India International Queen gives married women a platform to voice their choices and opinions and also provides an opportunity to celebrate oneself and be strong and confident which are the true jewels of the crown. Competing for the title would help me grow my overall confidence as an individual who does not accept limits, to the things that she can do. Also, to discover my strengths and make me more focused. Further, encourage me to inspire people to step out of their comfort zone and try something that could ultimately help them grow because trying new things can teach one more about oneself and ultimately help one become the best version of themselves.
World Class Beauty Queens: To those unfamiliar with your pageant system please tell us what is it about?
Mrs India International Queen is a platform built to create role models for the world with a sole mission to create and contribute to the society. It is a platform having ample opportunities and international exposure for all the married ladies across the globe. A platform to showcase your talent, live your dreams, and a platform to inspire others. It believes that every woman is unique and beautiful in her own way. And the pageant has no limitations for an aspiring and deserving candidate. The platform encourages women empowerment and promotes cultural heritage. The Pageant is divided into two categories – Mrs. Category (Age 21- 39 years) & Classic Mrs. Category (Age 40 years & above). There are no limitations for age, weight, height and body type.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are you being judged on during the competition?
The Contestants are judged on their catwalk, poses, turns, poise, stage presence and personality. In a pageant everybody is good, and the focus is on standing out, and that’s where the attires come in. You might be beautiful but if that is not supplemented by brains it is going to be hard to win the pageant. That’s why the question and answer section is very important, judges want to see intelligence. They want someone who is respectful not just to the trainers but to the chaperones and contestants too, thus ones conduct during the journey of the pageant is very important. Communication skills are very important as judges are looking for an ambassador who can speak for an organization and spearhead a project. Confidence is synonymous to pageantry, it’s the essence of pageantry.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your experience during the competition.
I would like to start by saying that beauty queens globally certainly earned my respect when I joined Mrs India International Queen. I learned the hard way through my experience that, great performances on stage doesn’t happen overnight, it does take a lot of hard work and determination! As a working Mom, it was not easy to divide my time amongst my family, work and pageant preparation. The journey tested my will and determination and taught me a lot about self-discipline. But going through all these made me appreciate myself more and allowed me to discover new things, I never knew I could do.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about your platform or what cause do you volunteer for.
I consider basic education is very important. One specially for girl child. I have witnessed how education can transform lives and play a major role in an individual’s success story. Education not only opens the windows of ignorance but also makes one confident and helps in fighting injustice. Till now in our country, there are very few places where girl child education is given that importance. I believe, if I am given a chance, I would love to work or create a school where a girl child education is done for free. This is the same reason why I am passionate to join outreach programs providing school supplies and meals for children through the different organizations in which I belong. Lastly, and my personal favourite is the annual feast that we arrange for the orphanage at my hometown, which we have been doing for last 9 years.
World Class Beauty Queens: What appearances have you done with your title?
I have mostly appeared on social media promotions representing a health & fitness brand and posting my videos on my feedback with regards to a start-up which is into making of natural, ecofriendly, sustainable and biodegradable products. Due to the lockdown, I have set aside most of my activities for early 2021 and focused on alternate means to connect to people. Amidst this pandemic, I continue to be active in social media, doing my part to raise awareness about mental health and how to maintain a healthy body and mind.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are some of your achievements?
Well, I would say the journey of life that I have been through and how I have evolved as a person, is one of my significant achievement because the doing is often more important than the outcome. In addition to this, I am certified Supply Chain Professional from American Production and Inventory Control Society. I completed my Master’s in Business Administration. As a traveler, I have visited over 32 cities in 11 different countries in the world.
World Class Beauty Queens: What makes you stand out from all those other beautiful girls?
I was humbled by my competition and each one of them was an amazing individual and qualified to wear the crown but what really sets me apart from them is that I recognize my responsibility as a spokesmodel to this pageant. I think titles come with responsibilities and I will make sure that I fulfill the motto of the pageant. I will use my voice to influence the youth and raise awareness to certain causes, like girl child education, that is timely and relevant to my country, which is India.
World Class Beauty Queens: Tell us about the moment your name was called out as the winner.
The days before the coronation night were the most strenuous times of my pageant journey-preparations for the pageant while doing my duty at work and at home. Teary-eyed, I often asked myself as to why am I doing this, is it worth or should I stop. And in that very moment when my name was called as a winner, all those questions were answered. I was elated, my happiness was overwhelming, and all my hard work had paid off. But what touched me most was seeing my family with smiles on their face when they saw me over a video call with the crown beautifully seated on my head. They have been very supportive of me all the time.
World Class Beauty Queens: What does it mean to you to be a Beauty Queen?
Well, for me a real beauty queen is one who wears an eternal crown and has a queendom mindset. A queen is a leader and role model. To be a beauty queen is to carry a torch to illuminate the lives of many. To dedicate one’s voice to uplift, empower and educate the youth and to raise awareness towards certain causes, and to show the universe that one is confidently beautiful with a heart. She is a beauty with a purpose.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did competing in pageants helped your life?
Competing in the pageant transformed me to be the best version of myself and I intend to stay that way.
World Class Beauty Queens: How did pageants helped your self-esteem and body image?
The pageant has been instrumental in polishing and transforming me from a stone that was a little rough around the edges to a gem that is now shining brilliantly for the world to see.
World Class Beauty Queens: You are an inspiration to all the girls out there. How does it feel?
To be a titleholder, is both an honour and a responsibility. Knowing that some people look at me as a role model, I am driven to do my best in every way I can to fulfil my duty and continue to be dedicated in my advocacy.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is your on-stage strategy to win the judges over?
Once you step on stage, own it and give it your best shot. Be confident, wear your best smile and enjoy the journey, all the while by being true to who you are. World Class Beauty Queens: How did you prepare for your competition?
It was one month before the pageant night that I was accepted as one of the candidates and from there on I started my preparations. I devoted more time in reading, specially the current events and practiced answering pageant questions. I followed a regular workout routine to make my body pageant ready. I prepared myself physically, mentally and spiritually for the competition.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for learning better pageant walks?
Start off by taking small steps. Always make use of your core. Walk with your shoulders back and relaxed while elongating your legs. One should practice walking in taller heels right from the start, as it creates that momentum to walk more confidently in the heel of one’s choice. At the end of the day, everyone agrees that it all comes down to practice — and confidence.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for choosing right pageant dress?
Choose a dress, colour and fabric that would reflect your personality and complement your body. It should not only make you stand out but become one with your body.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your tips for winning interview?
Interviews can reveal more than your personality; they reveal your character. You got to be informed because Pageants today hold their representatives to a higher standard of self-awareness and intellect. Have an Opinion Because judges are not looking for a robot reciting a script. They want someone with her own perspective and beliefs.
World Class Beauty Queens: What is one mistake that you've done during competing you wish you could redo and fix it?
I believe there is nothing to redo or fix. Everything that happened and I did was part of the ride leading to my winning.
World Class Beauty Queens: What other mistakes are made by girls during the contest?
I believe a common mistake made by girls in a pageant is comparing themselves with fellow candidates and trying to be someone else. A contestant should be authentic, must be herself and compete only against her own standards.
World Class Beauty Queens: Any modeling or acting experience?
My first exposure to walking the ramp was during the Mrs India International Queen pageant.
World Class Beauty Queens: What are your plans for 2020 as a Queen?
I shall work hard to fulfil my duty as an ambassador of Mrs India International Queen and continue my advocacy through alternative ways amidst this pandemic.
World Class Beauty Queens: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?
I want to be remembered as an embodiment of elegance and sheer grace, who stands for body positivity, authenticity and inspiration, through my achievements, charitable works and life story.
Director: Mrs Ankita Saroha
Pageant website: www.mrsindiainternationalqueen.com World Class Beauty Queens Magazine would like to say thank you for this amazing interview. Interview by Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief of World Class Beauty Queens Magazine
Upaasana Kalia Mrs India International Queen 2020, World Class Beauty Queens Magazine,
Interview by Derek Tokarzewski Owner/Editor in Chief Mr United Nations 2018 Platform: Women Empowerment Ambassador to International Foundation for Orphans iffocares.org
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