DEEPSHIKHA UPPAL

• karnataka

• How you describe your own Personality and Persona.

My personality and persona People who know me often call me ‘cute’ and it is one word I have grown up listening to. I like to think of myself more as a confident and lively person who gets along with everybody. I am adventurous by nature and love to push boundaries and try new things. Give me an ice-cream in cold chilly winters and watch it bring a smile to my face. I feel I am the modern Indian woman who strives to be independent and ambitious without giving up her core values of being family oriented.

• Your achievements that make you feel high?

My achievements that make me feel high I do feel proud of what I have managed to achieve till now. I studied hard and got through the entrance exam of one of the top private universities in the country to become a dentist. I was happy to fulfil my parents’ dream to see their daughter become a dentist. However, one year working as a dentist I realized that it wasn’t something that I can do with passion and put my heart into. I realized I was more skilled in public speaking and communication and had excellent people’s skill that helped me handle different types of people throughout my life. I discovered my passion lied in the field of psychology where u study people’s mind and behavior and apply it to influence them. It is not easy to change your profession in India but I decided to do it and applied to an American online University for M.S. in Applied Psychology in a course that allowed students from other fields to join in. I also feel proud that being a woman I have managed to keep a balance between caring for my family as well as working towards personal independence.

• Define the true beauty.

True Beauty As cliché as it may sound, true beauty is definitely more than skin deep. You can have the best features in the world and yet it will fail to touch the heart of others if you don’t have a good and honest heart to go with it. It is the small things like a smile that lights up your face or a twinkle in your eyes that make you look beautiful. I also believe that beauty is not about being perfect. Dolling up with layers of make-up cannot make anyone beautiful. Real beauty lies in simplicity. Whatever is god-gifted is never perfect but beautiful in a way that makes u marvel at his creation. like the moon…

• Do you consider yourself to be a giver or taker?

Am I a giver or a taker? I think it is very important to be a balance between the two. A woman since she is born, is primed to be a giver and devote herself to other by being a daughter, sister, wife or a mother. I am proud to be a woman who is capable of giving herself without expecting much in return while I fulfil my role of being a daughter, wife and mother everyday. Only a woman is capable of such selfless love. However, I do feel it is important for every woman to take respect from others around you and not be taken for granted always. Especially in a traditionally conservative society like India it is important for the woman to stand up for her rights and demand respect and independence when needed.

• What is your favourite Idea of Holidaying?

My favorite idea of Holidaying My favorite idea of holidaying would be to go to a quiet place, full of natural beauty with my family. A beach or top of the mountains where one can be close to nature and away from the noise of the city. I am also a very adventurous person. So would love to try adventure sports like parasailing, sea diving etc.

• Why you are participating in Mrs India Queen of Substance.

Why am I participating in Mrs. India Queen of Substance? I am participating in Mrs. India because it is the single platform in India that recognizes the true value and potential of a woman over and above than just being married and rear children. I think An Indian woman is capable of showing immense beauty, talent, compassion and intelligence. They can take care of their family as well as go out and work with equal commitment and skill. It is important that a woman is recognized for everything she is capable of. This platform for me holds a prospect of being recognized and respected for being a woman of beauty, intelligence and above all substance to the whole world.

• If you were given the chance to live again, what would it be?

If given a chance to live again, what would it be? If given a chance to live again, I would like to be born as a woman but in a society that a little more respectful of women and does not take away her voice and independence in name of sacrifice. I would like to be born in a world where a woman will be free to think for herself, decide what to wear and walk on the road without being scared of being molested, where parents feel their daughters have as much right to education as their sons, where the birth of a girl is not considered a reason for mourning, a society where being a woman I can walk with my head held high.

• The quote or saying that encourages you .

Quote or saying that encourages me “Hold fast to dreams, For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird, That cannot fly.”

• Many teenagers and youngsters are bullied worldwide for having .

My message for people who are bullied for having “imperfect looks” Beauty is not about being perfect. Its more about accepting your imperfections and wearing them with a confidence that the whole world looks upto you. If you want the world to see your true beauty you will have to first believe in it yourself. Look in the mirror everyday and tell yourself that you are beautiful and no matter what you are going to prove it to the world. Ask any mother and she will tell you her child is the most beautiful in the whole world. She is not lying. Beauty is all about how you see yourself. Have a good heart, smile, be confident and be good to others and the whole world will see your beauty that lies within.

• If you were selected as a Charity Ambassador what Value addition would you like to do for our Society and how? Why do you think giving back to society is important?

I firmly believe that the only way to liberate woman and end their oppression in our country is by educating them. Unfortunately a large percentage of girls in India, especially in a low socio-economic background are not sent to school and refused any right to education. I want to send the message to people that a girl child is more than just a burden to the family and can do much more if educated in our society. If made the charity ambassador, I would dedicate funds towards this cause, starting an ‘educate your daughter’ campaign. As they rightfully say if you educate a boy you educate one person, but if you educate a girl you educate the whole family.