Miss India Earth 2011 Hasleen Kaur, who is working hard to win the Miss Earth pageant in Pattaya on Nov 12, believes that 'Miss India' is a good platform to raise social issues in front of the world and find solutions.
"I think winning Miss India gave me the power to raise big social issues in front of the world. There are many NGOs who deal with women's empowerment, child education and environmental project and they want my support in promoting the cause.
The kind of exposure I have, I think I can easily push the cause and talk about them in public, " the 22-year-old Hasleen told.
"People think that a Miss India promises many things and after winning, all promises vanish with a blink and they never do substantial work. But in my case, the work has begun after winning Miss India and it's my responsibility to treat my job very seriously.
People come to me and say that 'Can you please raise my issue in front of people as you are in front of camera', so I am happy to serve them, " she added.
Hasleen was in the capital and visited Ishan Environment and Rural Development Trust (IERDT) and Uni Disaster Management and Rural Development Society (UDMRD) Monday. The NGOS deal with environmental issues, rural development and disaster management issues.
"I interacted with local women community here, and if we see these women they are not completely from rural backgrounds. They come from the city. But still there is something lacking in the mindset which is not allowing them to come out of their homes, study or earn a living. So I think the NGO is doing great job, " said Hasleen.
Hasleen is here to give the women free counselling and financial support through charity work.
"I am here to give them free counselling, exchange ideas with them and their family members and I will help them with financial support in the days to come. We are going to conduct certain fund raising events which will help them lead a happy life, " she said.
Apart from contributing her bit in these NGOs, the model is also going through a tough schedule for the Miss Earth preparation.
"There is a hectic training process going on. I am working on every small detailing from skin, communication skills, diction, etiquette and how to project myself onscreen.
Also it's very important to work on my body because the girls from other nations are amazing. I am looking forward to go there and come with flying colours, " said Hasleen.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011 11:06 IST