Shalini Rai

• Ghaziabad

• A brief about yourself and how you describe your own personality and persona.

I am an optimist, honest, determined and a soft hearted person. I look at things in a positive way. I stay morally upright despite the prevalence of immoral acts in society to respect and gain respect. As a mother, a professional, a wife and a daughter I believe that the only way to overcome an obstacle is to face it. I describe myself as a Warrior Queen. My this very spirit has made me come out as a winner at every point in life; be it when I faced complications in my first pregnancy to the extent of being asked by Doctor to abort it. Despite all the odds against the pregnancy, my belief in my good deeds and God made me decide to continue with pregnancy; I delivered my child giving him a life. Through sheer determination and dedication, I resurrected my career after a long period of marriage and children.

• Your achievements that make you feel high.

Achievement for me is a satisfaction and satisfaction is a state of mind. Me, my life, what I am & where I stand today, everything is an achievement for me. At every stage of my life I have had achievements to feel high of. Some of my achievements are: 1. Best Designer Award in ISF 2018. 2. Designer and owner of Signature Wardrobe. 3. Selected as Second lieutenant in army. 4. Gold Medal- Snap Shooting & Grouping-1996 & 1997. 5. Participated in Republic Day Parade - 1998. 6. C. M. Medal for Snap Shooting 7. 2nd Prize in All India Art Contest. 8. Best participants award in cultural programme -1997. 9. Senior Under Officer in NCC with “C” certificate holder. 10. Gold Medal in ALC. 11. Nominated for G.V. Mavlankar Shooting Championship. 12. Working for Pinkishe Foundation.

• Define the true beauty

True beauty comes from character, strength, dignity and confidence. Beauty is clothed with strength and dignity. Beauty can laugh at days to come. Beauty walks into tomorrow with confidence. Beauty speaks with wisdom. Beauty listens with empathy. “Beauty is not an eye candy, it’s a soul food”

• What makes a complete, healthy and happy family for you?

I believe a healthy and happy woman makes a complete, healthy and happy family by binding the family and bringing up children with family values. A woman ensures communication, respect, trust, love and support within family which are 5 keys of happy family like 5 fingers make a mighty fist when brought together. Every member of family can express themselves with no fear of judgement, criticism or shame for their thoughts.

• What is your favourite idea of holidaying?

My favourite idea of holidaying is visit to a peaceful luxurious place away from the noise of city, with my family and close friends, being close to nature, having good music, good food which can help me relax and get rejuvenated.

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

First of all, I want to make my country proud and Mrs India queen of Substance is the best platform for this. I believe Mrs India Queen of Substance is a celebration of beauty with purpose. It is an act and a venue to acknowledge and give honour to the beauty God has given us. It is also an effective means to campaigning for social awareness of different social issues and problems that need our attention.

• What bothers you most about what is happening in the country today?

What bothers me most about our country today is that even at this day and age, our daughters and women are not safe in their own home. According to reports, 35% of women have experienced some kind of physical r sexual abuse. Women are made target of attacks for pleasure, fun, comfort, revenge or money making. Our Vedas have glorified women as womb of universe, meaning one who is the creator and nurturer of life. Our constitution defines right to equality for women. We still continue to see social differentiation between the gender, and women being treated as the inferior one.

• The quote or saying that encourages you?

“If you want to shine like a Sun, first burn like a Sun” Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

• What is true “sportsmanship” for you?

I believe the sportsmanship is about never giving up. It’s about overcoming our fears and failures. It’s about keeping our dreams alive, understand to achieve anything’s requires faith and belief in self, have clear vision, hard work, determination and dedication. I believe with all these spirits, there’s nothing impossible in this world.

• If you were selected as a Charity Ambassador, what value addition would you like to make for our society and how?

One of the gripping problem in India that shakes the very core of our country’s value is-the safety of women. While almost every mother can be seen educating her daughter/s on how to stay safe we see a very little to know effort in educating the boys to respect the women. As a charity ambassador my biggest aim will be to work towards educating the boys to respect women and not see them as commodity. This education starts right from childhood. My aim will be to reach out to young mothers of boys and spread awareness of this grave problem. To educate “how to” talk to your boys to educate standby other women in need. The awareness can be achieved through interactive workshops, radio programmes, social media and by one on one interaction.