Shylaja kottam

• Hyderabad

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

I am Shylaja, a homemaker, wife to a loving husband and a mother of two children. I have completed my education from my hometown Nizamabad,Telangana and after marriage got settled in hyderabad. I have passion for fashion designing since I was a teenager. I have gained skills in Pico Stitching, maggam work and Beads Embroidery work. I have designed few clothes for my family and friends. I want to start my own boutique and build a successful career. I like to travel and explore new places and learn about the history of the place. I also like to explore new cuisines. I have a built a home garden where I have planted few fruit bearing plants,flowering plants and also vegetable bearing plant. As a person, I would describe myself as creative, patient, hardworking women who is curious about learning new things. I believe in growing step by step and turning my passions into meaningful achievements.

• Your Achievements that make you feel high.

Some of the achievements that make me feel proud are participating in sports competetions like kabaddi kho-kho etc and wining first prize. These competetions made me understand the importance of teamwork,sportsmanship. I always had a keen interest to participate in fancy dress competition. Every year I secure the first prize in Bathukamma competition that is held everyear in my society. It is the festival of flowers that is celebrated every year during Navaratri in the telanagana culture. I have also started learning dance which is helping me to feel relaxed and stay fit. Most importantly, I feel proud of balancing my responsibilities as a homemaker, wife, and mother while still continuing to learn new skills and work toward my dreams

• Define the true beauty.

To me, true beauty doesn’t mean physical appearance. It is reflected in a person’s character, kindness, and the way they treat others. Qualities like compassion, honesty, confidence make a person truly beautiful. I believe inner beauty always leaves a lasting impression. A person who spreads positivity, shows empathy express the real meaning of beauty.

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

For me, a complete, healthy, and happy family is not about being perfect but it’s about how people treat each other.It’s a family where there is love and understanding, where people listen to each other and there is no judgement. A safe place where Everyone feels safe to share their thoughts and problems.A happy family always supports each other during tough times. I also believe that any family can be healthy and happy if they start taking small steps like spending time together, laughing, to have atleast one meal together everyday.

• What is your favourite Idea of Holidaying?

My favorite way to spend a holiday is by visiting peaceful and beautiful places where I can relax feel the fresh air and be amazed by the wonders of the nature.Another thing I enjoy while traveling is tasting local dishes.The perfect holiday is a combination of relaxation, exploration, good food, and spending quality time with my family.

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

I chose to participate in this pageant because I see it as an opportunity to grow and step out of my comfort zone. Being a homemaker, wife, and mother has been a beautiful and achieving part of my life, but I also believe every woman deserves to pursue her passions and discover her own potential.My love for fashion and creativity has always been close to my heart, and this pageant gives me the chance to showcase that passion.Most importantly, I hope my participation can inspire other women to believe in themselves and understand that it is never too late to follow their dreams and explore new opportunities.

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

Inflation is one of the biggest problem that has arised because the cost of almost everything is increasing . Basic and essential things like vegetables, cooking oil, petrol, and even transport has become more expensive. But most people’s salaries or incomes are not increasing at the same rate.Because of this, families have to think twice before spending and cut down on small comforts, and sometimes they are struggling to meet with the daily needs. It is not only affecting poor people, but also middle-class families who feel their savings are not enough anymore.In short inflation is making life more stressful because you’re paying more but not earning more, so managing money is becoming harder every day.

• The Quote or saying that encourages you?

The quote that encourages me is given by Steve Jobs. It says “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.” In short, it means You can’t understand your life while it’s happening you understand about it later,So just trust the process that what you’re going through now that will make sense in the future.

• What is true “Sportsmanship” for you?

True sportsmanship means alot of things like being honest and respecting your team members and opponents,It means to accept both winning and losing with a good attitude,It is also about encouraging others, not putting them down, and staying calm even in tough moments.

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

If I am selected as charity ambassador, I would like to focus on providing education to under 18 children, promote the importance of personal hygiene to create long term effect.I will work on my aim by organising awareness drives on nutrition, menstrual hygiene,mental health and also to set up free health checkup camps at rural areas or villages. I would also like to help women to become financially independent by improving their skills and also support small business which are started by women.