Sonia Goenka

• Kolkata

• A Brief about yourself and how you describe your own Personality and Persona.

Being a businesswoman I love working with a lot of employees, vendors and customers. This has helped me to evolve my strengths like empathy, self-discipline, good listening skills, team work and decision-making. I have learnt horse-riding, participated in dressage events. My hobbies are cooking and reading. I cook Chinese and Mongolian, Mexican, Italian, Thai, Indian food along with Italian starters and desserts. Currently I am reading Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene which has helped me improve my interpersonal skills. I have travelled to more than 30 countries England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Russia, Belgium, Greece, Thailand, US, France, Spain, Australia, Turkey, Netherlands, Austria, Hungary and many more. This has helped me understand different cultures.

• Your Achievements that makes you feel high.

Working with Spreading smiles, an NGO for underprivileged by donating immensely.

Horse riding, trot, canter and jump. Participated in dressage events. Saved horses during pandemic by fund raising for them.

Certified Graphologist. Graphology involves scientific analysis of handwriting and signatures. Helped many to improve their handwriting and in turn, improved their lives.

Various cuisines like Italian, Mexican, Thai, Chinese and Mongolian, starters and desserts.

Lost 8 kilos in 5 months.

Outstanding performance award for achieving maximum sales target in insurance .

Always among the top five students in academics. Pursued MBA from Mumbai University.

Learnt basics of Spanish .

• Define the true beauty.

The True beauty encompasses qualities beyond physical appearance. She/he possesses attributes like kindness, authenticity, resilience, compassion and a caring attitude for others, integrity and inner strength. It goes beyond superficial traits, it reflects one’s character, values, the choices they make and how they treat others. It means embracing imperfections since no one is flawless. Be it a scar, a birthmark or a quirky smile, a true beauty takes them all to her stride and that is what makes her unique! Beauty is also in nature - the mountains, rivers, blooming flowers. It is in simplicity.

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

A complete, healthy and happy family is one that is built on open communication, respect and support. It thrives when each member is heard without judgement, valued and encouraged in their endeavours while contributing to the collective well-being of the family. It is also feeling safe and secure, trusting each other, providing unconditional love and caring, sense of belonging, keeping promises. It includes parents leading by example, resolving conflicts, setting clear expectations and limits. A happy family acknowledges other’s flaws, siblings help each other, celebrate each other’s successes, provides comfort in times of need.

• What is your favourite Idea of Holidaying?

My favourite idea of holidaying is a balance between relaxation, exploration and personal enjoyment. I cherish tranquil moments in serene settings whether it is lounging by the beach, surrounded by nature or unwinding in a spa. Exploring new destinations, local cuisines, cultures, outfits, historical landmarks, caves, activities like wildlife safari, mountain climbing, river-rafting, amusement parks or simply wandering through vibrant markets. It is spending more time with family and friends and making lasting memories with them. It involves escaping the ordinary, stimulating personal growth and a deeper connection with the world around me. All of these align with my interests and provide a sense of fulfilment.

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

I want to reset myself to challenge myself do something for myself that would make me happy - to walk the ramp, conquer my stage fear, wear designer clothes, learn hair and makeup, be a part of photoshoot. I will learn public speaking, interview and communication skills. I will be able to network with new people. MIQS pageant will offer lifetime experience and memories. Job opportunities will open up since pageant experiences and titles will make my portfolio more attractive to employers. The amount of experience, team work,having gone through rigorous training schedules and routines will add to my personality and make me a very good candidate. It will make me disciplined and improve my ability to take instructions. Being a pageant candidate will make me competitive, confident and a go-getter. Challenges will make me aware of my hidden potential and abilities.

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

What bothers me most is empowerment of women in India. At 17% of GDP, the economic contribution of Indian women is less than half the global average, which is 40% in China. India could boost its growth by 1.5 percentage points to 9 percent per year if around 50% of women could join the work force. India’s rapid urbanization has not yet encouraged more women to join the labour force. Rural jobs have been decreasing and not enough rural women have been able to make the transition to working in urban areas. Even educated women tend to drop out in response to family pressures. Changing social norms around marriage, work and household duties will be part of my agenda as Mrs. India.

• The Quote or saying that encourages you?

The Quote that encourages me is “The one that shines is a heart of gold,” because people who have hearts of gold are truly a blessing unto anyone's life. Their kindness, compassion and genuine love are always there despite the dark times they may be going through. They exist to show love to those who fail to realize it. Each one of us must have noticed that they show up in our lives like magic. Givers like them are gifts from God. They are protected by the universe even when they go through trials in life. This is the kind of person I am striving to be.

• What is true “Sportsmanship” for you?

True Sportsmanship for me is characterized by fair play, respect, and integrity in sports. It goes beyond winning and losing, emphasizing ethical behaviour, honesty, and consideration for opponents. It involves upholding the spirit of the game, adhering to rules, and valuing the essence of healthy competition over personal gain. A true sportsman or sportswoman exhibits grace and humility in victory and resilience in defeat, treating competitors, officials, and teammates with courtesy. They acknowledge the efforts of their opponents and understanding that success is not solely measured by the final score. They learn from their losses and with a constructive mindset use it as an opportunity for growth.

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

As a Charity Ambassador I can make a significant impact by :

Providing quality education to underprivileged communities by distributing books, organizing reading clubs, partnering with local libraries and schools and providing free mid-day meals for attending school.

Starting small scale industries to break the cycle of poverty. For example making baskets, bags from straws, mattresses from PPE kits, sanitary napkins and designer clothes from used clothes, chappals from used shoes, starting cowsheds, setting up kitchens for tiffin services.

Pursuade government to provide loans at cheaper rates.

Small solar panels for providing electricity.

Food storage facilities to curb spoilage, wastage thereby keeping prices under check.

Fund raising for the above initiatives through direct contacts, social media.