Life throws different challenges every day and they are supposed to help you discover who you really are. The one who accepts those challenges with a positive outlook stands out in the crowd. Nirmita Santanu Ghosh shares how she accepted these challenges and how it has helped her grow.

Tell us something about you.

I am a housewife and mother of two. I have an 11-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son. I work as a librarian and a teacher-aid. I love working with special aid children. It is something very close to my heart. I enjoy being in their company and spending time with them.
I also organise and choreograph drama and dance shows for children and elders. I am running a business for creative fields through which we provide props and sets for plays, musical or dance shows and events.

How did the idea of taking part in the Mrs India New Zealand contest come to you?

I was approached with this idea. I always love to try new things. I was a part of a theatrical drama recently and have been doing dance shows from a long time. So I thought that it would be a good experience to try something new and interesting.

How are you preparing yourself for the pageant?

There’s isn’t much to prepare for. I just need to present my true self. The only bit of preparation that I am doing is shopping for new and good dresses and jewellery. And I am loving it!
The contest has five rounds: talent round, traditional wear round, beachwear round, evening gown round and then a final interview. We will be preparing for those rounds on the day of the event itself.

Have been into modelling before?

No, this is my first experience in modelling. Although I have been part of creative professions such as dancing and acting, this is a first, and I am quite excited about it.

What do you think makes you different from others in the contest?

I have always tried to promote Indian and Bengali culture through various cultural activities. Currently, I have 3–4 cultural events lined up. I have always tried to stay connected with my roots and have been working towards making our new generation too, know and understand their culture, language and traditions.

I have a master’s degree in commerce, but I chose a profession that is close to my heart, which is being with children. That is why I started working as a teacher aid for children with special needs. If I can do something for our younger generation, I am on for it.

I think this is what makes me different from others. I have to balance everything at the same time, my family, job, hobbies and passion, and I have been successful in doing that so far. And I hope to maintain the same balance in future as well.

Say if you win the contest, what after that?

This contest is definitely going to be a completely different experience from what I have done till now. I am thrilled about the contest and then what comes my way next. I have never learnt to quit so I am sure that I will definitely be doing something new, challenging and exciting after this contest.