“I am living every girl’s dream”

Mysurean Swetha Singh crowned ‘Mrs. South India-2017’ first runner-up

City’s Swetha Singh, who resides at Manchester in United Kingdom, emerged as the first runner-up in the recently concluded ‘Mrs. South India’ pageant organised by Mrs. India Pageants and Productions Pvt. Limited at Chennai. Being one of the top executives of a software company, Swetha has been involved with People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and other organisations which work for animal welfare.

Swetha Singh is the daughter of Shamsunder Singh and Deepti Gomes, residents of Vijayanagar 2nd Stage in city. She did her schooling at St. Joseph’s Central School and BE (Electronics and Communication) at Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering.  Later, Swetha completed her MS from Lancaster University. She is married to Danda Nagarjun Reddy, who works as a Finance Advisor for Marks & Spencer at Manchester.

Star of Mysore had a telephonic chat with Swetha to know about her interests and goals. Excerpts…

By S.N. Venkatnag Sobers

SOM: What inspired you to contest for Mrs. South India crown?

Swetha: I chose this pageant because Mrs. India is our country’s only National Pageant for married women and only national gateway to World Premium Pageants Mrs. World, Mrs. Asia International and Mrs. Planet. The process of applying to Mrs. India involved submitting an online application. I was then asked to send my photographs for the audition round and later had telephone interviews with the National Director Deepali Phadnis. And based on this, I was selected to take part in the main contest.

During my growing up years I was concentrating more on my studies and career. It was my parents who encouraged me to participate in extra-curricular activities. That is how I got into modelling and participate in a few fashion shows in college.

Initially, I was not at all confident to take part in such activities. The Mrs. India contest has been a big learning curve and has provided a platform for women like me to express our views on various issues.

SOM: Share with us your experience of the beauty pageant. How many of them had participated in the contest?

Swetha: We were a total 20 semi-finalists for the Mrs. India South 2017 pageant who were put through various training sessions and workshops on SWOT analysis, skin & hair care, etiquette, choreography and Odissi dance. We had to go through a series of photo shoots and video shoots.

The four-day experience is something no words can describe and I only wish every woman experiences it at least once. The National and Regional Directors Deepali, Pratibha and Jazz were very supportive and friendly, it felt like being at home. The co-contestants are family now and each of them is a woman of substance who symbolises strength, care, compassion, confidence and beauty. Being crowned the First Runner Up was a dream come true and I feel very grateful to each of those who contributed in my victory and my happiness is incomparable. This is every girl’s dream that I am living today and am enjoying every minute of it.

SOM: Tell us something about you being a part of pro-animal organisations?

Swetha: I have been associated with PETA and have been visiting Pinjarapole in Mysuru since many years. I recently visited Pinjarapole after being crowned as the first runner-up in the Mrs. India Pageant. This apart, I have also adopted animals through World Wildlife Federation (WWF). There is also an organisation called the ‘Friendicoes’, a New Delhi-based organisation which works for stray dogs. We at home in Mysuru are also looking after stray dogs. I believe in being the change I want to see and there is no better social work than to be a part of the organisation which works for the welfare of the animals.

SOM: What are your plans for the future?

Swetha: Currently, I am back in Manchester continuing with my regular work. I would definitely want to continue in the fashion world. But, to be participating in the main Mrs. India competition I will have to wait for the wild card entry as only the winner from Mrs. South India pageant gets to take part in the main event. I am also in touch with the organisation and I am sure they would guide me the best way to be associated with the glamour world.

SOM: How difficult is it to manage oneself being a working woman?

Swetha: It is difficult to manage things. I do have a job that demands more than 12 hours of time every day. Since I have to maintain myself I cannot eat outside and that is why I cook my own food. I had to change my lifestyle to take part in the pageant during which I lost 7 kgs. I should be thankful to my husband for extending co-operation as he is also forced to change his lifestyle. Apart from all these, I still have to exercise to maintain my physique to look good and healthy. I would also like to say that both my parents and husband have been my backbone in extending their support and encouragement.

SOM: Atrocities against women is the biggest social problem. How do you view this?

Swetha: According to me the biggest supporter for a woman would be another woman who is able to understand the feelings. Women don’t speak up when they are the victims of harassment and other atrocities. Fortunately, now we are witnessing women coming out and expressing themselves and highlighting their problems. I would also say that it is not men who always cause trouble; there are also cases where women are being harassed by fellow women. I strongly believe that every woman must undergo training in self-defense to protect herself.

SOM: Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us.

Swetha: My pleasure. Thank You Star.