Preeti Koli

• Delhi

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

Hi there! My name is Preeti and I’m a coach who actively leverages the sport of football for the mental, physical and social development of girls and youth in the slums of Seemapuri. If I were to describe my Persona in a few words then I would describe myself as: Motivated, Empathetic and Go-Getter. I have always believed in taking challenges that life throws at me in a head-on manner. I ardently believe that “when the going gets tough, the tough get going”. According to me the greatest teacher of all is life and its experiences and that kindness is the strongest tool which can help you win anyone over!

• Your Achievements that make you feel high.

An achievement that consistently makes me feel happy is the regard and trust I have built in my community through my role as a coach. Be it the young girls of the community or the parents, my community holds a firm trust in my ability to create a safe space and provide genuine and informed guidance no matter what the circumstances. It is this depth of their belief in me that makes me feel “High”.

• Define the true beauty.

I believe that in its essence, true beauty is a person’s ability to have a positive outlook, act sincerely and pursue their goals with dedication. A smile that radiates genuine warmth and cheer and an outlook filled with empathy are the markers of true beauty.

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

According to me, a complete, happy and healthy family is one where bonds aren’t built on convention or traditions but rather genuine love respect and trust. A family where people adapt and learn the best and most healthy practices to cultivate their mental and physical health as a collective is a complete, happy and healthy family.

• What is your favourite Idea of Holidaying?

My ideal idea of a holiday isn’t necessarily a place but rather a state of mind. I believe that any destination where you are able to fully relax and enjoy the present moment with your family is an ideal destination for a vacation.

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

I have observed that a lot of women and girls around me tend to be shy and uncomfortable showcasing their inner beauty and talent on a larger scale because they feel that there is no space for them to showcase these qualities. Mrs. India Queen of Substance is a platform that doesn’t just highlight beauty but also substance, skill and social impact. Winning Mrs. India Queen of Substance can lend me the perfect opportunity not just to represent myself and my work but also be a role model to my community’s women to gain confidence and find their voice.

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

What concerns me deeply is the lack of awareness and seriousness regarding environmental issues that are becoming more and more apparent every day. As a person who works on ground and who has to remain up-to-date on the best health and nutrition practices, I have observed that the climate is becoming steadily hotter and unpredictable each year. More than that, the levels of pollution and environmental degradation is affecting the food and water being consumed by us with the amount of chemical additives in our food steadily rising. These can cause severe chronic diseases in the long run yet awareness regarding these issues is scarce.

• The Quote or saying that encourages you?

The saying that motivates me to keep going is “Every effort is a potential opportunity.” Indeed, when there are days when my spirit seems low, I remember that every effort I make has the potential to become not just an opportunity for me but rather for the girls and youth from my community. It is this thought that keeps me going no matter what.

• What is true “Sportsmanship” for you?

For me there are three basic tenets to true “Sportsmanship”: First, maintaining dignity of both your fellow players and the rules of the game. Second, maintaining a healthy spirit of competition which is defined by patience and good cheer. Third, remaining helpful and empathetic to all players, no matter even if they are members of the opposite team.

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

The areas in which I feel I will be able to contribute most significantly as the charity ambassador are: Raising awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle especially amongst our children and youth given the steep rise in Pediatric heart diseases. Raising awareness on the importance and methods of adopting a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle and engaging in replantation given how environmental degradation is significantly contributing to decrease of women and children’s participation in sports. Raising awareness about the education and empowerment amongst women.