Miss World 2024: India Represent Sini Shetty Says She's Armed With Purpose & Passion

India is all set to host the Miss World competition today, marking the prestigious international beauty pageant's return to the country after a hiatus of 28 years. The pageant is scheduled to take place at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India, today, March 9, 2024. Sini Shetty, crowned the winner of the Femina Miss India 2022 title, is set to represent India at the Miss World 2023 pageant. She eagerly looks forward to showcasing the essence of India to her fellow contestants from around the world.

Speaking with SheThePeople, Sini Shetty opened up about her upbringing, revealing that she was born and raised in Mumbai with ancestral roots tracing back to Bengaluru, Karnataka. Raised in a contemporary family setting, she credited her upbringing with shaping her values and aspirations. Transitioning from a background in accounting and finance, she explored the field of marketing, where she developed and refined her skills, emphasising the importance of professionalism in her journey.

A Journey In Art, Culture And Entertainment 

Sini Shetty's life has been deeply intertwined with dance, starting her journey at the tender age of four in the classical Indian art form of Bharatanatyam. Her dedication led her to complete her ‘Arangetram’, marking a significant milestone in her dance education at just 19 years old. For her, dance isn't just a hobby; it's a part of her identity and a source of immense joy.

In 2022, Shetty’s life took a remarkable turn when she clinched the title of Miss India. This victory was more than just a crown; it was a realisation of her vision to have a purpose beyond herself. Stepping into the world of pageantry, she found a newfound love and appreciation for the platform it provided.

As she reflects on her journey, she acknowledges the transformation she underwent. The Miss India experience brought clarity to her vision and a deeper understanding of herself. With each passing day, she grew not only as a beauty queen but as a person with a clear sense of purpose.

She said, "Back in the day, I had a vision, I had a goal and I had an ambition which was very restrained to me. But when Miss India happened when I entered the world of pageantry, I felt that I fell in love with pageantry because there's a vision there's a purpose to life, and there's something that you can give to others beyond yourself. So that has been my journey and after winning Miss India now, I will be going for the next step."

She continued, "The Miss World pageant, set for March 9th in India, is just around the corner, and the past weeks have been filled with intense preparation. Through this journey, I've not only grown personally but also gained a clearer vision of my goals. While inspiration comes from within, the unwavering support of my parents, mentors, and family has been instrumental. They've been my strength, guiding me in every decision, and instilling values, culture, and tradition. Their support has grounded me, reminding me of my roots as I strive for growth."

Striving for Equal Acceptance

In response to the question on the biggest barriers hindering gender equality and women's advancement, she emphasised the challenge of societal acceptance of women's roles, calibre, and strength, particularly in working hand in hand with men. She expressed, “I'm glad that we belong to a generation that is so pragmatic and so accepted. Today's generation understands the role not because of gender but because of their calibre, the strength that they bring to the table, and the rules that they bring to the table. I agree we have, but we still have a long way to go. But I think the one thing that we can all work on is acceptance."

She considers Priyanka Chopra her inspiration and drawing from her own experiences and inspired by Chopra, she asserted that ambition is a positive trait essential for personal growth and success. Rather than being viewed as a flaw, she emphasised that ambition should be celebrated as a driving force propelling individuals towards their goals and aspirations. 

She said, "I feel ambition is something that makes you feel alive. I am an ambitious girl. And this is a message to every young girl out there: never look down; be ambitious. Understand what your role is and what you want to do in life. Ambition can never pull you down. Ambition can help you grow; you know, the sky's the limit. And ambition is just hanging there. All you have to do is keep your head straight in the game, be content, be satisfied, and understand what your game is. And if that makes you happy, be ambitious. The world is just waiting for the wonders that you create."

Why Purpose Matters Most To Her

She also shared details about her project, Beauty with a Purpose. In her explanation of Beauty with a Purpose, she highlighted its significance within the Miss World pageant, emphasising its unique focus on addressing social issues. Each contestant is tasked with a project aimed at tackling a relevant issue in their country, coming together to discuss and find solutions on a global platform.

Her project focuses on personality development and public speaking for underprivileged youth, collaborating with organisations like Teach India and various NGOs to make a tangible impact. With 13 batches and 30 students each, her project has already made strides, reflecting her dedication over the past year and a half. She views this initiative as highly fulfilling, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to contribute to over 120 relevant issues discussed at Miss World, further exploring its beauty and purpose on a global scale. 

Wisdom for Young Women

As the interview drew to a close, she imparted three valuable pieces of advice for young women. Stressing the significance of patience, observation, and ongoing learning, she reflected on her growth journey during the rigorous preparation for Miss World. Encouraging individuals to be kind and authentic to themselves, she expressed her belief that these qualities are essential for achieving success and fulfilment in life, regardless of the obstacles encountered along the way.