Strength of married women

Shilpa Rao is a finalist of Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide — a platform that recognises the exemplary strength and personality of married women. She is a lady with a vision and preps to unleash her potential at the International pageant in Greece.

She narrates her story, "I am a mother of two adorable canine daughters, and I live with my father, husband and in-laws, who are my support system. They encourage me to explore my creative side by painting and writing stories.

I have written six personalised story books so far, which have brought smiles to people's faces. Professionally, I am an inventor and founder of an artificial intelligence startup for fashion and grocery within a large IT firm.

Growing this product from mere concept to Rs.500Cr business and 30+ patents has helped me believe that with belief, focus and action great things can be achieved.

I want to apply this experience to my vision for India to make the country a water deficit country to a water surplus country."

Regarding the beauty pageant she shares, "I am a finalist of Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide 2019. Over 15 thousand contestants from over 15 countries participated in the auditions that happened in over 30+ cities and I'm the finalist representing Chennai.

In all, 170 married women from India and all around the world will be competing for the crown in Oct'19 in Greece.

Mentioning about how she enrolled herself in the beauty pageant she said, "When I was researching online, I came across Haut Monde Mrs.

India Worldwide, and seeing the mindboggling transformation that the previous year contestants had gone through, I truly believed that it could help in saving lakes, so I auditioned and now I am a finalist and representing Chennai in the finale in Greece.

The transformation I am seeing in myself from the auditions to now, is phenomenal. Apart from loosing 17kgs, learning makeup, dancing, ramp walk, increasing my social media reach, I have found a new gained confidence. It's a life changing experience."

Every achievement is reached after a long struggle with challenges and so did this beauty diva. "Managing hectic work schedules, frequent global business travels, home, following a healthier routine, completing daily tasks and preparing for the pageant was not easy.

However, I believe in "Where there is a will, there is a way". In addition, I have personally been very lucky, my entire family, friends, colleagues have been super supportive and have helped me in many ways in my transformation. When you want something from your heart, help comes in unexpected forms and ways."

About her training in the competition she said, "After the auditions, we had our orientation in Agra where we underwent rigorous training on ramp walk, posing for the camera, make up and beauty tips, verbal and non-verbal communication, nutrition, health and fitness, meditation, inner beauty, social media presence and more.

Our mentors have given us small assignments which we need to complete and upload. They monitor our progress and provide us continuous feedback, which has helped me greatly."

Describing the competition, she said, "After the auditions, we were given daily tasks, which we need to perform and upload on Social media. I am doing so many new exciting things, which I have never done before, despite a busy schedule and travel.

Now I am eagerly looking forward to the finale, which will be held in Thessaloniki, Halkidiki Greece. We have themed photo shoots in exotic locations, and various sub contests such as regional round, swimwear round, talent round and the grand finale."

Aiming to contribute her best to the society she says, "I would want to leverage my experience and now, my newfound voice to enable the vision of transforming India, a water deficit country to a water surplus country.

As a first step, I'm looking forward to reviving the lake in my village Thaiyur." "I would dedicate this award to Thaiyur lake, the lake that has brought this transformation in me and I'm looking forward to the transformation of the lake," She adds.

She further shares, "The journey of million miles starts with a first step. This is one of my steps to help revive the lake. Lots needs to be done to really see the impact. I will continue my journey towards it. I cordially invite all the readers to visit our village Thaiyur, it is very near to Chennai.

It has a 7th century Shiva temple where according to the scriptures Lord Murugan had performed puja before he killed the evil. According to the ancient scriptures, this village was part of a palm forest and you can see many palm trees here.

The village is situated at the edge of reserved forest, which has over 300 species of flora and fauna, including the endangered black buck. It has one of the largest populations of black bucks in TamilNadu.

Migratory birds such as flamingoes also visit the village. Village has over 1000 cows and goats who are very friendly and you can pet them. Village mornings are filled with sounds of exotic birds and peacocks. I ensure it will be a great experience for you."