My story as an immigrant is no different but my passion and vision to create a better community resonates with most people with big dreams.
In conversation with Indian-American Mrs. USA Universe 2023 and Mrs. Asia USA 2022, Meenu Gupta, who bridges the cultural diversity of the two nations with her vision and effort for inclusivity
Congratulations on winning the crown of the Mrs. USA Universe beauty pageant. Would you like to take us through your journey so far?
It has been full of learning. Growing up in India in the small town of Kichha, I only focused on my studies. We had very limited resources in the family including the number of clothes to each family member. I never considered myself beautiful because most of my focus was on my studies. I received scholarships for higher studies and it was then that I started learning about self-grooming, dressing up for the occasion, communication, and overall personality development. It was much later when I moved to the USA and participated in beauty pageants that I have become more self-aware and learned a lot from other winners and designers about how to present the best of yourself. There has certainly been a drastic change since I started, especially the way I dress and how I carry myself.
Talking about fashion, what is your idea of dressing up and style?
My interest in fashion has grown over the years and it is more about comfort. While I gather a lot when I go for public appearances, you can still fnd me wearing shorts and t-shirts and running around kids in the house.
Being Indian-American, it must have been a diffcult journey. How challenging was it for you to win the Mrs. USA Universe title?
It was indeed very challenging to win the title. I was not born in America and there were no cultural similarities, moreover, I looked so different from American women. I had this thought in mind that I will be representing 338 million Americans and their dreams as someone coming from different parts of the world. But I was confdent and knew that if I have genuine intentions to do something, then the sky was the limit. Even though I was not born in America, I am as American as someone who was born here. My story as an immigrant is no different but my passion and vision to create a better community resonates with most people with big dreams. My public speaking skills were also a plus for interviews and presentations.
How did you feel when you won the crown in America being an Indian?
I feel beyond humbled and have a lot of gratitude for my fellow Americans. It is a huge responsibility since I am representing America, India, and Nepal on a global platform. I feel extremely excited and emotional to be the frst Indian-Nepali American to be ever crowned My story as an immigrant is no different but my passion and vision to create a better community resonates with most people with big dreams. 04 July 2023 05 as Mrs. USA Universe. I am going to give my 1000% for this crown while representing the diversity of each country.
How do you defne success and your achievements in general?
I believe, there is no set defnition of success and the eventual success, for anyone, is to be happy and achieve the ultimate fulflment in one’s life. My goal has always been to be a better version of myself, compared to who I was yesterday. I am extremely focused, and determined and exude passion for what I love to do; both in my academic career and fashion. Both felds require dedication, consistency, focus and willingness to learn and that is the best success recipe if you pursue such goals. For a beauty pageant, one certainly needs to focus more on ftness, networking with great designers, and communication. And the most important thing is to embrace gratitude for others when you are moving towards your dreams and achieving them.
Winning a beauty pageant is never easy and it comes with a lot of expectations and responsibilities. Do you feel that?
Of course! I knew from the beginning that, if I aspire to become a beauty queen, frst I must ensure that I have a real passion for the same. I worked towards achieving my dream. I got on those heels and started walking, practising public speaking, writing, and leading with a cause. The crown teaches you to be clear about what your goals are, mission and vision are for the community as a beauty queen. You will not only be a model, but a role model and people will look up to you hence your intentions should be extremely genuine.
I have reached out to thousands of individuals, urging them to research “burning plastic cancer.”
Any tips you would like to give to aspiring beauty queens?
If your passion is real, nothing can stop you. Just keep working hard, and make international connections with designers, coaches, and groomers. Never give up, keep practising and keep your focus. Do not wait to become a queen with a sash and crown to work on your social cause or platform. Remember you are already a queen. Tell yourself that you are a queen every single day and trust me the law of attraction will work for you! Try and bring a meaningful impact in your community so it is evident that you are someone who can drive change and demonstrate leadership.
Among both the beauty pageants you have been part of, which one has been the toughest?
I would say both were equally tough for me. The frst one had its challenges since I was new to the industry and community so had to learn everything from scratch. The second one had cultural hurdles since I am not a white and blonde girl and I had to work hard to prove my worth as an immigrant from India who came to pursue higher studies in the USA.
We talk a lot about women’s empowerment. What is your idea of an empowered woman and her rights, especially in India?
For me, the most important empowerment for women is when they can make their own decisions. The decision to choose your clothes, your career, your life partner and many more. Financial independence can enable decision-making up to some extent but it should be inculcated in our culture, and values and should be practised every day.
You have spoken passionately about India; how have you been contributing your bit to the country?
I am supporting the Pratham NGO in India for child education and pledge campaigns against domestic violence. In future, I would love to bring more awareness around mental health. As our technology is growing, and life is taking a toll on us, we are leaving the mental peace behind. I would love to promote how women can prioritize their life, themselves, their well-being, and the health of their loved ones
Who all have been your inspiration?
My parents. Both had not more than 8,000 Rs (about $100 a month) income. But they instilled the most important values and my favourite is that “You can be the prime minister of India someday if you develop great work ethics, focus and dedication now.” They both proved that money is not everything but your passion, dedication and hard work are. My father told me that it is okay to live on a limited budget but never cheat anyone because karma will come back and backfre on you. I still embrace those values and I feel proud to have such incredible parents. Every day my father plays volleyball for at least two to three hours a day for the last 50 years. He now coaches young kids and his dedication to sports and helping others inspired me the most. My mother would never buy fancy stuff for herself but save money to buy me good dresses. That sacrifce touched me deeply. I have so much gratitude for my parents.
I am supporting the Pratham NGO in India for child education & pledge campaigns against domestic violence
Anything you would like to convey to your family?
Huge gratitude for their unconditional love, support, and trust in me. Their place in my heart is irreplaceable. I love them unconditionally and can do anything for their happiness. They teach me every single day what humility and true love is and I hope to do my best to teach my kids the same.
Being Mrs. USA Universe, you hold a certain infuence on people. What are the areas you would like to use your infuence for the betterment of society?
I have so many goals and to start with, I would like to champion the cause of mental health. Women empowerment, equal education, environmental awareness, and overall health and wellness are a few of the areas I would like to focus on. I want to put more effort towards humanitarian initiatives for as many people as I can.
RAPID FIRE WITH MEENU GUPTA
Your favourite life quotes?
“Any transition is easier if you believe in yourself and your talent” — By Priyanka Chopra Jonas “It’s okay to have faws.”
Fashion and wardrobe essentials: Saree in any colour:
Favourite costume designer: I love Eggie Jasmin from Indonesia. Such an incredible artist he is and I love his amazing personality. I would highly recommend him to everyone.
Are you a spiritual person?
Yes. Spirituality ties me back to my roots. I like to go to the temples, gurudwaras to simply sit and pray.
Fitness Mantra:
80% of that is good and healthy eating. I try to work out three days a week. Being consistent is the key. A meal which has high protein, veggies and some carbohydrates is great for ftness.
