Exclusive Interview with Sagarika Chettri (Miss Kolkata 2013)

Sagarika Chettri grew up in Mumbai but her summer vacations were compulsorily spent in Darjeeling. After having worked as a flight attendant for 6 long years, she was sure about her love for flying until Miss India happened. Now, with the crown of Ponds Femina Miss India Kolkata 2013 on her head, she is prepared to achieve greater heights.

In an exclusive interview, she tells us about her journey from flying to modelling, her life in Darjeeling, and her preparations for the approaching pageant, Ponds Femina Miss India 2013.

You've recently won yourself the title of Ponds Femina Miss India Kolkata 2013. How do you feel and how has been the experience so far?

Wow! I feel like a princess and on top of the world! It's definitely a great feeling and I feel proud, honoured and very thrilled to be the title holder and being addressed as Ponds Femina Miss India Kolkata 2013, representing the east zone. The entire journey was a great learning experience. Since I am not from the modelling world, I learned so much about the walk, talk, posture, poise and grooming. I see a great change in myself and all thanks to Alecia Raut, our grooming team and Mr Marc Robinson for training us and making our journey so encouraging. This is just the beginning and I am passionate to win the crown!

You belong to Darjeeling, a place world famous for its teas. Tell us a little about your growing up years in Darjeeling?

Well my dad was a naval officer hence I grew up in Mumbai but we would visit Darjeeling during summer vacations. As a kid, my favourite game would be plucking tea leaves and going for a joy ride in the toy train that took us through the hills. We would go on treks and that is how I developed interest in adventure sports. We used to bring back a whole suitcase filled with Darjeeling tea and stock it in Mumbai because I loved the tea from our garden. I remember our days would remain incomplete without hogging on momos and thukpa. I have beautiful memories of Darjeeling.

You were working as a flight attendant before Miss India happened. What inspired you to change your field of work?
Sometimes, inspirational words are enough to start believing in you and that is exactly what happened to me. Femina Miss India was a great opportunity that came my way and I believe making a move at the right time is advisable. I always had a strong liking for modelling and when I got the golden opportunity to be a part of the most prestigious platform, Femina Miss India, I couldn't stop myself from showcasing my talent. After flying for almost 6 years, I thought I was in love with flying but looks like I found my new love! Besides, the two beautiful ladies in my life - my mother and my sister have a great role in inspiring me and making me believe that I am born to do this.

The next big step is Miss India 2013 to be held in Mumbai. How are you preparing for it?
Yes, the journey has begun and is very close. I am focussing on all the aspects needed to be a perfect Miss India. From maintaining a healthy diet to following an intense fitness regime, reading, staying updated with current affairs, working on styling, practising my walk, and following the tips and guidance given by Ritika Ramtri, the pageant coach.

Every state winner is different and will have a unique approach. What would be your strategy to crack the pageant? How confident are you of winning?
Being my self and giving my best shot throughout the journey will be my strategy to crack the pageant and I am very confident of winning it!

Along with the main title, you've also won Max Femina Miss Fashion Icon, PCJ Femina Miss Timeless Beauty and Pond's Femina Miss Glowing Skin. What all sub-titles are you aiming to win in the main pageant?
Given a chance, I would love to aim on all the subtitles but I don't want to restrict myself by aiming on any title in particular. I want to give my best shot and let's see what all subtitles I take home!

In the world of Miss Indias, who is your biggest inspiration and why?
Every Miss India has inspired me in their own way with their talent and beauty. But I have to admit Aishwarya Rai has been my all time favourite. Her beauty is breathtaking and the way she composes herself sets her apart from everyone else. The way she has represented India globally, I aspire to do the same. She is a great source of inspiration to me!

With reference to the recent Delhi gang rape case, how do you think one can bring about changes in the society? What is your take on the issue?
It saddens me immensely that such cruelty exists in our society even today and that we raise our voices only after innocent lives have been taken. These crimes take place because these men were never taught to respect women. One can bring a change in the society only through education. If the concept of right and wrong, equality of sexes, respect, kindness and forgiveness are instilled in children from the very beginning, only then society will gradually begin to change. But we cannot wait for an entire generation waiting to see a change; hence strict judicial laws should also be enforced to bring immediate fear in the minds of people. I really hope and pray that our country will be a better and a safer place for women to live in.

Do you really think that women are the weaker sex as popular belief would have it?
After thousands of years of male dominance, we now stand at the beginning of the feminine era when women will rise to their appropriate prominence and the entire world will recognise the harmony between man and woman.

Women were never weak and will never be. Women have proved themselves in every field and have made a mark for themselves in the society. Men are physically stronger and externally oriented by nature. In contrast, women usually embody the ideal of inner dignity. Women by nature are subtle and not weak while men are aggressive, not brutish. For man and woman to be complete they must possess both the energies in my opinion I feel men and women should celebrate their differences rather than proving who's superior.

Do you think India is ready to accept things like homosexuality, lesbianism, unwed/single parenthood and live-in relationships outside wedlock?
In my opinion, India should broaden their horizon in terms of thinking and accept sensitive topics like homosexuality and lesbianism. Every individual has the right to choose and live their life the way they want and we are nobody to dictate them. Acceptance in big cities has taken place but the real success will be when even the smaller cities start accepting their existence. Also, I don't understand how single parenting would affect in the growth of a child. As far as love and good values are inculcated in the child, single parenting is absolutely fine.

With the growing number of divorce cases and failed relationships, if live-in relationships help in knowing the person better and be sure he or she is the one you want to spend your whole life with then I guess live in relationships are okay and India has to an extent accepted it all.

Any final thoughts...
A person is like a treasure box and his/her jewel of talent is hidden in the treasure box of life and one has to find the right combination to open it. I am here to discover my talents, abilities and have the time of my life. I am all geared up to win the coveted title and make my country proud!!