JOIN USCity- based doctor Dr Amrit Kaur Kaler became the first Indian to be crowned Mrs United Nations International 2015-16.
The beauty pageant was held in Jamaica earlier this month.
A pathologist by profession, Dr Kaler works at the Rajarajeshwari Medical College as an associate professor. She had just 20 days to prepare for the event and she also won the Miss Congeniality title.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, she said it has been her childhood dream to participate in the Miss India contest. However, she went on to pursue a degree in medicine and had to give up her dream.
“First it was my education and then marriage. It was in 2014 that I wanted to chase my dreams and spoke to my family regarding this. My husband left the choice to me,” said Dr Kaler who has taken part in several contests since then.
To begin with, the doctor read about fashion and watched videos to learn about the work. She drew inspiration from celebrities like Sushmitha Sen and watched the way they carried themselves.
Speaking about the pageant, she said it was the Talent round which she aced. While many chose to dance or display other skills, Dr Kaler spoke about breast carcinoma, the need to take preventive measures and create awareness. Her dresses were sponsored by her designer Priya Kapoor, who was quick in action when they had a little over two weeks to prepare for the event.
With no contestant from the region, Dr Kaler had to go an extra mile to feel comfortable among other contestants. “Contestants from the US and Canada like Indians. There were times when many approached me with small ailments,” she said.
Her scoreboard, she said, indicates that she also performed well in the interview round which accounts to 45 per cent of the score. She was asked to speak about contributions she has made to society.
Dr Kaler said, “Every girl must know she is beautiful both within and outside. Age is no bar. I want to train girls in our country to come forward and live their dreams.”