2014 was the first year for introducing 'Mrs India New England' - a concept which I was waiting to introduce where married women could find confidence and a platform to shine because they deserve that. It was our 3rd year of pageant and Massachusetts Indian community had already embraced it, now was the turn of neighboring state New Hampshire.
Sheetal Kelkar was thinking of participating in Mrs category but I did not receive her application and deadline was close. She called one day and mentioned her interest. She seemed to be a great candidate as a participant when she told me about her being a 'Dancing Diva' group member and that she joined Miss India New England-2013 pageant as an audience. I liked the fact that she is from New Hampshire. But there was a big problem that her leg was hurt and doctor advised her complete rest and at that time could not dance, or walk comfortably and not wear heels either. So I told her that she should consider participating in 2015 instead but could always join if her condition changes. I saw her semiclassical solo dance video and she mentioned about her Bharathnatyam training too.
Few weeks passed by, and this time she called to tell me that she can walk now and wear heels and although she could not dance, but, she had an idea. She told me about her poetry talent and also that she would like to recite that in front of audience and judges. So now we met over an appointment and I covered little bit of catwalk with her as she had missed first rehearsal. After that I saw her working very hard at every practice session and responding to emails sincerely. Her diligence, passion and the idea and courage to do her best in her situation made her win first ever Mrs India of New England in 2014 at Radisson Hotel in Chelmsford Massachusetts, and she also became first runner up at Mrs India USA which was held at Royal Alberts Palace Hotel in New Jersey.
Below is her poetry that she read at Miss India New England-2014 pageant. Hope you will enjoy!
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| Sheetal Kelkar- Mrs India New England 2014; Mrs India New Hampshire 2014 ; 1st Runner up Mrs India USA |
----I AM REAL- By Sheetal Kelkar---
A journey, a sweet quest, has just begun
Unfurling the leaves of possibilities,
I don't wish to leave any unturned
My spirit is free and soaring
The lioness in me is roaring
I put every inhibition behind
Who is the real 'me'? I've set out to find
I have no doubt in destiny
That I shall emerge stronger, more powerful
The challenges thrown at me,
They are what makes life beautiful
On the other hand, do I deserve to win?
Am I that special?
Am I the rose,
Or just one of the petals?
My faith in myself
has humble roots
Wearing a hat of honesty
taking strides with optimistic boots
Some may ask
Why do this now? What's the need?
I would say well,
The hunger of my soul I have to feed
I feel my most natural self now
than ever before
Not as a teenager, not in my twenties
But this is the time I have been waiting for
I have heard it all,
Dark skinned, big boned, too tall
It is about what you have within
your personality and aura, that's all
God gave me this body
Not to hate but to appreciate
I truly started loving it
Only after the two human beings I did create
The moments of yesterday
The anticipation of tomorrow
I am thankful to God
for every joy and sorrow
Each day I discover myself better
Getting rid of the emotional clutter
I decided to follow my inner voice
I am so proud of my choice
Beautiful I am not
Because nature made me
Beautiful I am
because life happened to me
My favorite quote by Eleanor Roosevelt - " The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
