Miss Earth India 2011 Hasleen Kaur: Every achievement in life is dependent on hard work and sacrifices

“Every achievement in life is dependent on hard work and sacrifices. My father had to stay away from his family to sustain it. Most importantly, I learned to be self-reliant and have a self belief to conquer everything,” Miss Earth India 2011 Hasleen Kaur tells, MissEarth.tv mediates.

MISS INDIA: Hasleen Kaur
Age: 22
Height: 179 cm.
Weight: 52 kg.
Measurements: 81-66-91

What environmental project will you create to promote the protection of Mother Earth and why?
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Consume only the things we need and not contribute to the garbage problems. Instead, we must learn to use and reuse our resources to the optimum level. Also, harness the power of sun, water and wind to sustain life.

What makes you proud of the country you are representing, and what can you promote about your country?
One subject required in every field today – Mathematics, which gave birth to the concept of money, originated in India. The digit zero ‘0’ was invented by Aryabhatta. We are among the top 5 nations of the world in terms of GDP, our poverty levels are falling and our achievements are being globally recognized today. We see ourselves as a developed nation, self-reliant and self-assured with the third largest and most disciplined army in the world.

We’re also a perfect example of unity in diversity. We have a Hindu woman president, a Sikh Prime Minister and a Muslim Vice-President, therefore giving equal opportunities to all who deserve it.

India is a perfect example of a society that embraces all cultures. We respect all religions, confident that no matter to whom or where you pray, your prayers will all find a common destination. We also have many spoken languages, and I believe that enriches our culture and gives us more diversity.

One most important aspect of my country that I would like to promote is its ability to embrace all cultures, people from all different races and backgrounds, with a liberal, open-minded perspective. “Atithi Devo Bhava” being the essence of our hospitality, which means, guests are like our Gods, giving equal opportunities to learn and grow.

Last but not the least, we’ve attained our freedom through the most powerful weapon of the non-violence, gifted to us by the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It enabled us to become fighters in spirit and not in action. This weapon has been adopted by various countries today to ensure peace on Earth. If the cycle of rebirth is true, I would like to be born as an Indian again and conclude this wish of mine in the words of Noble Laureate, Shri Rabindranath Tagore, that India is a place where, “the mind is without fear and the head is held high.”

Describe your childhood/growing years
My father, being an officer of the Indian army, gave me the opportunity to travel a lot and interact with people from all sorts of backgrounds and cultures. Apart from academics, I was also very active in co-curricular activities like dance, singing, drama and debate.

What lessons did you learn from your childhood/growing years?
Every achievement in life is dependent on hard work and sacrifices. My father had to stay away from his family to sustain it. Most importantly, I learned to be self-reliant and have a self belief to conquer everything.

What is your most memorable moment?
When I joined my first beauty pageant at the age of 10 years.