Follow Us
Mona
Life is a journey and not a destination…is the dictum Anmol Sandhu Rai lives life by. A software professional, she became a wife, a mother but she continued exploring her hobbies — writing and dancing. She was recently adjudged runners-up in Mrs India Queen of Substance 2015 and she truly deserves the title. Gearing up for Mrs Asia-Pacific contest in Singapore, this Chandigarh achiever opens up on her journey…
Lessons from Youtube
Beauty pageants weren’t really my cup of tea. I did participate and win fresher and farewell parties, but it’s only recently that I took it up seriously. I tried this before but it’s only now that it clicked. I was in competition with women who were trained for months. In my case, I picked up from Youtube. I saw videos of beauty contests across the globe before I entered the competition.
Family profile
I am a software engineer, working with SML Isuzu Limited (earlier called Swaraj Mazda). My hometown is Ferozepur, I did my schooling from there and pursued engineering from Fatehgarh Sahib. I did my MBA along with my job. Marriage brought me to Chandigarh. My son Mehraan Singh Rai is now eight.
Support system
While my son and husband were super supportive of me participating in the contest, other members of the family were neutral. My son stayed with me throughout my preparation. He would often spread his hand asking for Mrs India’s autograph. The final round of the show was a scene from a film. My husband and son were to join me but Mehraan had such high fever that he couldn’t step out of his bed. They cancelled tickets, I thought of leaving midway and coming but my husband made sure I stayed put and give my best shot.
Social responsibilities
Yes, I am a thinking, working woman. And, I don’t see beauty pageants in bad light. This year’s tagline was ‘woman of substance’. They do judge you on your looks and you have got to be intelligent. The question-answer round holds the most weightage. I wished to win the title so that I could contribute for the betterment of society at large. I am always willing to lend my hand to those who need help. Child labour and human trafficking are the issues which distress me the most. I am already working in this direction.
Hobby classes
Dancing is one of my many strengths. I picked up dance at two. In talent round at Mrs India Contest I danced on a medley of Yaar na mile (Kick), Chitiyan kalayia (Roy) and Main kudi haan desh Punjab ki (Jaspinder Narula). I equally love writing, my first fiction is about to finish, I am hoping to carry it along to the international contest.
Being yourself
Running around at home and working keeps me fit. Marriage and motherhood does get overwhelming but I believe one mustn’t lose self in the daily rut. Carry on your hobbies beyond marriage and work, one surely can find time for what one absolutely loves!
mona@tribunemail.com