Journey of Ishmeet Kaur
Ishmeet Kaur - Mrs. India World 2024, For me it was not only a journey of determination, passion and self-belief but also a heart full of gratitude. From a childhood rooted in love and support to challenging societal norms, my journey to becoming Mrs. India Inc goes beyond the crown. It’s a celebration of inner strength, resilience, and the belief that true beauty comes from within.
“I’m not just taking away cherished memories with my sister queens, but also the title that has shaped my journey”. “These 7 days have been more than just an experience, they have been a journey of growth, friendship and empowerment, rather than a competition”.
"The lessons learned, the bonds formed, and the unforgettable moments will forever remain with me, serving as a constant reminder of the strength and beauty we all hold within."
Source of Inspiration
When asked about my biggest source of support, “I credit my mother as my guiding light from being my constant support through thick and thin whenever I felt like giving up, she became my strength and reminded me to keep chasing my dreams until I achieve them”. With her unwavering support, I am who I am today. Her guidance helped me overcome every hurdle that came my way. The crown I wear is not merely a symbol of victory—it embodies my hard work, passion, and self-belief. I didn’t just chase my dreams, I lived them.
On the other hand, I often see parents not supporting their child's career choices. To them, my advice is simple: “Never give up on your dreams”. Stay true to your passion and trust your journey. If you remain authentic to yourself and your aspirations, then sky’s the limit. "If you follow your heart with determination, success will undoubtedly find its way to you."
The best part of my journey has been the unwavering support of not just my mother, but my entire family and my partner, who stood as my pillars of strength in achieving my dreams. Their only advice to me was simple yet profound: stay true to who you are, and always remain humble and grounded with your fellow contestants. “They mentioned that true beauty comes within and that should reflect through my actions”.
The Changing Phase of Pageantry
I believe that the world has been undergoing a shift, moving away from the traditional beliefs and stereotypical norms, the days are gone when beauty pageants were just about perfect figures and dazzling smiles but in today’s scenario women with different body shapes and sizes are respected and are being welcomed “Today, the pageants celebrate authenticity and individuality” and the focus has also expanded to inner beauty, confidence, intelligence & social awareness rather than just physical appearance.
These days “pageants are embracing diversity in terms of ethnicities, backgrounds, age, sexuality and gender identity”. Pageants now place more emphasis on contestants' intelligence, social awareness and community involvement. Winners are often expected to be role models and advocates for social causes”. This shift reflects a broader, more inclusive vision of beauty. However, the path to success is never easy. “Indian women face many societal restrictions, making it hard to build a career, they must navigate countless obstacles and negotiate at every step to overcome the challenges in their path”. But by participating in Mrs. India World, I feel I have broken stereotypes and shown that no dream is impossible, regardless of marital status.
Life Lessons
Among the many rounds in the pageant, “My favourite was the personal interview round”. It was a truly special moment that I will cherish for a lifetime, as it gave me the opportunity to connect with each judge one-on-one. “Their humility and inspiring guidance left a lasting impression on me”.
Power of confidence & Self-belief
What sets me apart from others is not beauty with brains, it was my bolstering confidence, determination and self-belief that got me here and stood me out from everyone else. “I would suggest everyone to follow their heart and not give heat to negative perspectives”.
I can't deny that there were moments when I wanted to take a break, do nothing, and just relax. But then I had a self-realisation “I was fortunate enough to be selected among so many talented and brilliant women”. It was a golden opportunity that I couldn’t afford to miss, especially with my dreams so close to being realised. This deep realisation pushed me to stay focused and true to my passion. “It reignited the fire in me to work hard and pursue my dreams with full dedication and honesty”.
Favourite Cuisine
Even the strict dieters have cravings and for me, it’s Chinese food. "If I had to choose a cheat meal, it would definitely be my favourite Chinese dishes - I just can’t resist them!"
Celebrating Talent & Creativity
I would be incredibly proud to judge the pageant, and if given the opportunity to create my own round, “I would choose a talent round where all participants could showcase their unique abilities”. Whether it’s singing, dancing, poetry, drama, or any other talent, this round would offer each contestant the chance to express their creativity and passion. “I believe it would provide them with an opportunity to truly shine in something they love, creating a beautiful, personal, and inspiring experience."
Redefining Success
Ishmeet’s journey is a powerful reminder that success is not just about achievements, but about breaking barriers and staying true to oneself. "Dreams take effort, and sometimes they need a push," but the beauty of the journey lies in overcoming challenges and letting your inner light shine.
Her story teaches us that beauty is not just about appearances; it’s about strength, resilience, and the courage to dream big. Ishmeet is living proof that with determination and belief, no dream is ever too far out of reach.
