I am just 45, that’s how she replied with a big smile, when asked about her age. Neepa Singh from Ahmedabad is Mrs India Earth 2016 finalist. It seems she has stopped ageing after 21. A highly energetic ,fine blend of beauty and brain is Executive Director of a company working on tribal traditional herbal knowledge. Talking about her aim for the pageant, she said, “My primary aim is to earn the crown and promote Swadeshi Gyan campaign which is run by my husband and me to spread awareness about traditional knowledge for better health. I hope to win the crown.”
Attributing her success to her husband and son, she said, “It is them who supported and encouraged me to do what I was interested in and passionate about. Neepa Singh is the only missus from the state to make it to the finale of Mrs India Earth 2016. She is inspired by our PM Shri Narendra Modi as he work 16 to 18 hours in a day and firmly believe that “ where there is a will, there is a way”.
The third edition of Mrs India Earth 2016 chose married women from across the world on the basis of fitness, beauty, grace, enthusiasm, confidence, personality, career, family and zeal to excel. The grand finale of the pageant is slated to be held on September 30 in Delhi where all the finalists will take part in different talent activities such as photo shoots, ramp walks, dance & grooming, over a period of three days.
Q 1. Why you participated in Mrs India Earth 2016 contest ?
Ans. Because I cannot participate in Miss India contest.
Q 2. How you participated in the contest ?
Ans. My son and niece saw it on internet and applied without my knowledge and only told me after registration was completed.
• How you describe your own Personality and Persona.
I am full of positive energy and I take life as it comes. I am never frightened to face any obstacle in life. I believe in ‘Karma’ and strongly believe in what Lord Krishna said in The Bhagwat Gita, “ If you don’t fight for what you want, then don’t cry for what you lost.”
• Your Achievements that makes you feel high.
In 1989, at the age of 18, during college I was working as a primary teacher as well. I used to go on my bicycle and find it very difficult to ride it wearing a saree. So, I requested the Headmistress to allow me to wear salwar kurta. But she outrightly refused saying, “ Teachers should wear traditional attire.” I was upset but I didn’t give up and went to the school management trustee and made a point that if traditional attire is compulsory for female teachers then all the male teachers should wear Dhoti-Kurta instead of Pant-Shirt. I was candid enough to say that either treat everybody equal or I will resign. Later, the manegment allowed me to wear Salwar-Kurta. I still feel high about it as I fought for gender equality.
• Define the true beauty.
It is well said by Nida Fazliji, “ Ghar se bahut door hai masjid, Chalo yun kar le, Kisi rotey huye bachche ko hasaya jaye.” I sincerely feel that true beauty lies in spreading happiness.
• Do you consider yourself to be a giver or taker?
Nobody Can be 100% giver or 100% taker. I consider myself both. When it comes to responsibility and help, it goes without saying that I am a giver but when it comes to rights I am a taker.
• What is your favourite Idea of Holidaying?
My favourite idea of holidaying is spending time with family and friends on beach, harmonizing with nature, watching the sun rising from the horizon and listening to the sound of ocean.
• Why you are participating in Mrs India Earth?
Very simple, because I cannot participate in Miss India 😉 Jokes apart! I want to participate in Mrs. India Earth, so that I can be in a position to inspire all married women that it is never too late to pursue your dreams and get recognition.
• What do understand by Global warming and how can it be reduced to save earth?
The symbiotic effect among plants, animals, humans, the basic five elements Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky, constitute nature. Global Warming is the end product of all our misdeeds towards nature. Forget about the remedial action, if we just stop our wrong doings, then by virtue of it’s self corrective measures, nature will revive itself and the environment. Just Go Natural! Go Organic!
• The Quote or saying that encourages you?
The quote that encourages me is, “ If you only do what you can do, you will never be more than what you are.”
• 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 a Charity Ambassador, I would like to promote our age old indigenous herbal knowledge based, preventive health care system, so that people don’t fall ill and remain healthy.
• Why do you think giving back to society is important?
I think giving back to society is important because, one should not be so self-centered, as every bit of who we are is some way or the other because of the people around us. You learn, you teach; you take, you give and that’s the way life goes. Giving back to society shouldn’t be by choice but should be embedded in you like a moral responsibility.