Petaling Jaya (The Star/ANN) - Student Sharmisttha Yoogan used to get into trouble in school for showing up wearing two-inch heels.
The 22-year-old, who was crowned Miss India Malaysia 2012 last month, recalled how she would try to sneak past the prefects and teachers in the high heels which resembled the black leather shoes the other students wore.
"As I was a librarian, I managed to escape the daily inspections by the prefects by saying I was on duty at the library," said the Seremban-born, who is pursuing a double degree in management and finance at a college here.
Besides her love for high heels and personal grooming, which she believes she inherited from her beautician mother, she also loves dancing.
Sharmisttha, who will be representing Malaysia in the Miss India Worldwide pageant in Suriname, South America, on Feb 25, had even set up the dance club in her college.
"Besides losing weight and staying fit, dancing allows us to express ourselves. It can also build confidence, especially when performing in front of an audience," said the eldest of three siblings.
Sharmisttha plans to do her part for the Indian community by helping young students, especially those from poor families.
"I believe we can make a difference in the simplest ways.
"If each one of us takes one student under our wing to guide, motivate and help them in any way that we can, it could change their lives," she said, adding that she hoped to get her friends and family to join her in her mission.
Sharmisttha, who wants to be a national beauty pageant director someday, believes that her win is a stepping stone towards achieving her ambition.
"As a kid, I used to admire the girls who took part in international beauty pageants. I wished I could be like them some day.
"It is a dream come true for me to represent Malaysia in this pageant," said Sharmisttha, who thanked local philanthropist Rathnavalli Vijayaraj for sponsoring her flight ticket and attire for the world pageant.
Miss India Worldwide Malaysia director Rupanand Palaniandy said the pageant focused on inner beauty, self-confidence and self-respect.
There are no comments yet