Q. Tell us something about yourself?
Ans. Namaskar! I am Vanshika Parmar,
18 years of age from the Land of Gods, Himachal Pradesh. I am presently pursuing Majors from Miranda House, University of Delhi.
Q. You are Miss Earth India 'Beauty with Responsibility 2021.' What made you decide to be a model?
Ans. I have always believed that "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." I have always been fascinated by the glitz, glamour, and empowerment associated with the world of pageantry; so my journey into the world of beauty pageants started with me winning several baby shows right after my birth. At the age of 5, I was crowned Tiny Miss Hyderabad and it was at that very moment that I realized, while standing on the stage, that, this platform would give me wings to fly. Since then there has been no looking back. I went on to win numerous titles, the two most special being Miss Fresher's of Miranda House and of course the National title of Miss Earth India 'Beauty with Responsibility 2021.'
Coming from a defence background I have always believed in the principle of giving back to society and for me, Miss Earth India is not just a platform to voice my opinions and choices, to be heard, or to bring about a significant change in this world, but also to realize my childhood dream of contributing towards a greener and sustainable tomorrow. So with this dream in my eyes and this vision in my head, I initiated Project Go Green principled on planting a tree, growing a flower, and giving them back to mother nature to get them back to power. My Project was acknowledged by Divine Group of India, the official franchise holder of Miss Earth India and this is how I ended up participating in Miss Earth India and winning the National title of Beauty with Responsibility Miss Earth India.
Q. Everyone faces difficulties throughout their journeys. As there is nothing you can achieve without facing hurdles. What kind of problems did you face during your journey?
Ans. My journey was nothing less than a roller coaster ride with a fair share of ups and downs; so, when I entered Miss Earth India I was just 18 and I was the youngest contestant out there and throughout my life academics has always been my topmost priority, so juggling between studies, workout sessions and pre-pageant preparations was no cakewalk for me. I would get up at 4 in the morning so that I could prepare my pre-pageant activity videos after which I would attend my classes then I would go for the training sessions and then I would end up studying late at night. Despite all these, the passion I had for pageantry and my never-say-die spirit kept me going and that's how I could make a balance between the two worlds-never compromising on my academic record and at the same time following my dreams.
Q. What career do you want to pursue?
Ans. I come from a family of defence officers. I have always been charmed by the glamour associated with the uniform and of course, the disciplined life associated with it and I am very well intent on joining the Indian army at some point in my life. Pageants are definitely a platform for me to cement my voice and opinions and contribute towards the development of a brighter tomorrow, however, for me, the prime aim is to join the armed forces and serve my country with uttermost pride and glory, just like my family has been doing for years and at the same time, use the prestigious platform of pageantry to enlighten and empower generations to come.
Q. How did your parents' react and support you throughout your journey?
Ans. My parents have been the biggest source of inspiration and support for me. They have been there for me throughout my life. They have always supported every dream of mine, and every decision of mine. Their rock-solid support has given me wings to fly and I'm beyond blessed to have them as my guiding light! Whatever I am is because of them.
My dad is an Air Force Officer and my mom a former Model. She ended up winning the title of Miss Himachal Pradesh and Mrs. Uttar Pradesh while she was in college so it was her dream to see me in beauty pageants, which eventually became my dream as well; it has been my father's dream to see me wearing the uniform and even I have always been fascinated by the armed forces, they are our real-life superhero and I sincerely and earnestly wish to fulfill this dream.
So, I am basically an amalgamation of the two worlds - glamor and defence!
Q. There is a certain social stigma that revolves around being a model. Did you have to face those as well and if you did then how did you overcome that? Have you ever faced any kind of criticism from your family, friends regarding modeling?
Ans. By God's grace, my family and friends have been very supportive and they were the happiest when I broke the news that I had made it to the top 15 and when I ended up winning the title, they were the ones who were video calling me at 5 in the morning and were happier than me!
So I was lucky enough not to face any criticism. However, I feel that every individual should learn to take criticism constructively and use it as an opportunity to become the best possible version of themselves.
As far as the apprehensions related to the world of pageantry and modeling are concerned, the only thing that I can say from my experience is that this field is an opportunity to voice your opinions and choices. It will give you a platform to reach out to the world and to make a name for yourself in every sphere of life be it police, medicine, defence, aeronautics, I mean, the kind exposure that you get after being a part of this world is unmatched and I feel that every girl who dreams of getting into pageantry or getting into modeling should pursue her dreams because the primary agenda of pageants is to celebrate the beauty that God has placed in each one of us; they are a celebration of diversity, of cultures, traditions, languages and goodness.
This is something that will instill so much positivity and confidence in you that you'll be ready to conquer the world. It will give you wings to fly.
Q. If in the future you faced any kind of dilemma as your father is an Air Force officer and your mother was associated with pageantry, what would be that one choice would you go for an army officer or a model?
Ans. I feel that the primary goal of pageants and armed forces is the same- to give back to society, to celebrate our differences and to stand united for the development of a healthier and happier tomorrow.
Why can't I be both?
My passion and ambition define me as an individual. I'm very well intent on pursuing both and living the life of dreams.
Q. Anything you would like to share with our audience except for things related to pageantry.
Ans. You must never give up on your dreams, chase your dreams until and unless they turn into reality as dreams are what add sparkle to your life and define you as a person. You must work as you have never won and performed as you have never lost. Be yourself because the world needs what you carry. You are one of a kind!
Highlights of the Achiever's journey:
Vanshika Parmar is the winner of Miss Earth India 'Beauty with Responsibility' 2021.
She has been in the world of pageantry since childhood. She participated in and won several baby shows. She has also crowned Tiny Miss Hyderabad at the age of 5.
Coming from a defence background, It was her childhood dream to give back to society and contribute towards a greener and sustainable tomorrow, so, she initiated the Project Go Green principled on planting a tree, growing a flower, and giving them back to mother nature to get them back to power.
Her journey was nothing less than a roller coaster ride- full of new discoveries and adventures!
When she entered Miss Earth India she was just 18 and she was the youngest contestant out there.
Throughout her life academics have always been her topmost priority so juggling between studies, workout sessions and then pre-pageant preparations was no cakewalk for her.
She believes that "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
Her parents have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation.
As far as her future plans are concerned, she wishes to strike a balance between her ambition of joining the Indian armed forces and her passion for pageantry.
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