Sumeha

• Himachal Pradesh

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

Being a firm believer of the notion, that identity is fluid, I have evolved into a multi-faceted personality. An Engineer turned HR professional, I have had the opportunity to study at the country’s most prestigious institutes: NIT Kurukshetra and IIM Ranchi. Having worked across various domains of Civil Engineering and HR, I currently work in the CSR-ESG function with a leading PSU. An artist at heart, I am a trained classical dancer and vocalist and have performed at various national/international platforms including (AIR and Doordarshan). Creativity helps unleash expression, I also happen to be a poet.

• Your Achievements that make you feel high.

I have received several accolades for academic/professional excellence and artistic pursuits. Winner of the SJVN Star Award. A Lead Trainer /Nodal officer for various CSR and other initiatives of the Organisation/GoI. Devised the SOP and Audit Template for a leading Skill Development Institute. Played key role in generating the industry standard manpower planning formula for Power Plants. Recognised as Resource Person and Interview Panellist by HPU. Received the Emily Dickinson Award for my debut book – Antargatha. A Folk Vocalist with AIR Shimla, as a classical dancer, I have performed at National/International stage. Invited as guest speaker/ Judge, at various forums.

• Define the true beauty.

I consider beauty and value to be synonymous. Value for me beholds a dual meaning – that of the inside and that created on the outside. I strongly believe that one is truly beautiful when one lives by a core value system, a set of non -negotiables that govern every behaviour and action. In addition to the same, one must also create value in the ecosystem in which one lives: be it the home, the workplace, the community, the society and so on.

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

Love, compassion, trust, communication, commitment and equity are the ingredients for a complete, healthy and happy family. Being the smallest and the most fundamental unit of society, an ideal family is one that is underpinned with mutual love. Where all members are compassionate and respectful towards each other. There is uninhibited communication and one always strives to bring out the best in the other. I feel that if these kinds of values are upheld in families, the World at large could be a much better place to live in.

• What is your favourite Idea of Holidaying?

Watching the Sun rising and setting on the land-sea horizon or from behind snow-capped mountains with my favourite people, that is my extended family, close friends, is my idea of a ‘favourite holiday’. It does not depend on the luxury of the venue I am in, but is contingent upon, the people I surround myself with. In the lap of nature, amidst endless laughter of my loved ones, and with a few good books to read, the idea of my favourite holiday shall manifest.

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

Mrs India Queen of Substance, is perhaps the only platform that gives me an opportunity to integrate my multi-faceted personality and showcase myself as an entity encompassing the various identities that I have assumed in life (Engineer, HR Manager, artist etc) and the various roles that I have played (daughter, mother, wife, sister, friend, boss, subordinate, mentor etc). Most importantly, the pageant provides a platform for self-refining, self-branding, networking, immense learning and above all, an opportunity to make friends and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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

Other than the prevailing situation of war and geo-political unrest that has engulfed the whole World, I consider mental health issues and drug abuse the gravest concerns that are tearing through the social fabric. A nation’s youth is its greatest asset, I see drug addiction silently destroying lives, families and futures. Also, one of the most overlooked aspect of health is mental health. There still is, lot of ignorance in the society regarding mental ailments. People visit salons and gyms with enthusiasm and pride but consider visiting a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist a taboo.

• The Quote or saying that encourages you?

‘Be bold in what you stand for’ Is the quote I live by. As a child, I remember a poster on one of the walls in my house which had this line embossed along with a visual of racing horses frozen in motion. I would read it several times in the day without knowing then, what it truly means. Over the years I saw my parents emulate extraordinary courage, commitment and integrity to what they felt was righteous. Slowly, the meaning unfolded within me and instilled in me a way of existed through courage, integrity and commitment.

• What is true “Sportsmanship” for you?

True sportsmanship comes from the zeal to better one’s game or craft each passing day, to play with fairness and integrity, to embrace success and failure with dignity. It also embodies team spirit the ‘we swim and sink together’ attitude. I feel Sportsmanship as a concept should not only be restricted to sporting events. Its nuances should seep into the way of life. I feel we can embrace ‘Sportsmanship’ in relationships, at workplaces, in communities and so on.

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

Having considerable work experience in the social Sector, I will strive to create sustainable, long term impact rather than indulge in short-term charity. I strongly believe that real change stems from empowering communities not by providing temporary aid. I will be instrumental in identifying grassroots needs through direct community interaction, and thereby designing initiatives. However, the most notable way, I can contribute is by helping in resource mobilisation and creation of awareness. The Areas I look forward to working in are promoting drug free society, women empowerment and creating awareness on mental health issues