Sejal Gupta: My goal in life keeps me going

I believe there are various things I had to shape up to prepare well for the pageant. I believed in myself and kept on practising. I firmly believe that practice makes the man perfect…Sejal Gupta speaks with Lothungbeni Humtsoe

Miss Teen Diva 2022, India’s largest teen pageant and a national qualifier for the world’s most prestigious pageants, such as Miss Teen International, Miss Teen Universe, Miss Teen Earth, and Miss Teen Multinational had its grand finale at Zee Studios in Jaipur, where 35 contestants battled for India’s most prestigious teen pageant.

During the grand finale of Miss Teen Diva 2022, 13-year-old Sejal Gupta of Chandigarh was crowned Miss Teen International India, Trishna Ray of Orrisa was crowned Miss Teen Universe India, Karemma Khan of Mumbai was crowned Miss Teen World India, and Kashish Goswami of Vadodara was crowned Miss Teen Grand India. They will compete for India at Miss Teen International, Miss Teen Universe, Miss Teen World, and Miss Teen Grand.

Sejal Gupta, a 13-year-old from Chandigarh who recently won Miss Teen International India 2022, will be representing India at the world’s largest adolescent pageant Miss Teen International in the Philippines in 2024, speaks to IANSlife about her life-changing experience as Miss Teen Diva 2022.

The unwavering focus and sheer will to work hard for victory really got her closer to the crown and she believes that the values of discipline and passion to achieve her goal helped her accomplish her dreams. Read Excerpt:

Can you speak about your experience at the Miss Teen Diva?

SG: My experience at the Miss Teen Diva pageant has been filled with lots of great memories. It is an experience that I’ll cherish forever my life! The journey has been quite thrilling and full of new learning. There were happy days. And then there were days when I didn’t feel good about my performance. But I had faith in myself and knew that I can overcome the challenges and perform well on the stage.

Also, being the youngest beauty pageant winner, I feel really happy, excited, and proud. This pageant helped me to showcase my talent and come out as a confident girl and also made me believe that age is just a number.

Three memories from the pageant that you will always cherish?

SG: Three memories that I will always cherish would be my early morning practice sessions, the launch party, and sleeping on the couch during our breaks.

You are just 13 and have already been part of TV commercials and ads, commercials, done a television show ‘Kya Haal Mr. Panchal’, and played the younger Kirti Kulhari in ‘Mission Mangal.’ You will soon be seen in ‘Tiwari’ as Urmila Matondkar’s daughter. What keeps you going and taking up so many things at this age

SG: I believe my goal in life keeps me going. I am very eager to achieve what I desire in life and will definitely achieve it. So far, my journey which has just begun, has been really fruitful.

What were your thoughts while getting crowned as the Miss Teen International event

SG: I feel extremely blessed and grateful to God and all the people behind my journey and success. I myself couldn’t believe that I was being crowned as Miss Teen International India.

How did you prepare for the pageant?

SG: I believe there are various things I had to shape up to prepare well for the pageant. I believed in myself and kept on practising. I firmly believe that practice makes the man perfect.

For those unversed, could you explain what Miss Teen Diva is all about?

SG: Miss Teen Diva is a platform that allows the teenagers of our country to showcase their talent and make their country proud. It is one of the most esteemed and honest organisations I’ve ever come across. I’ll forever be grateful to this organisation.

You advocated for spreading awareness about the importance of Mental and Physical health at the event. How do you plan to take the conversation ahead now that you have won the title?

SG: I believe social media is the best way to deliver something to the world. I believe I’ll take the conversation ahead by uploading health-related videos on social media apps. I also believe that communication plays a major role in making people aware of something. So I’ll communicate more and more and tell them the importance of mental and physical health among youth.

What persuaded you to get into pageantry?

SG: Getting me into pageantry has been my mom’s dream. She was the one who persuaded me to get into pageantry. And I look forward to fulfilling her as well as my dream!

Can you share some tips for those considering a career in pageantry?

SG: The most important tip people need to keep in mind is to believe in yourself. Until and unless you don’t believe that you’re capable of winning and achieving what you’re here for, no one can make you win. Practise makes a man perfect, so keep practising and working hard. Always, know your competition because it allows you to prepare well for the pageant.