Celina Jaitly Instagram – This year marks 22 years since I became a runners up at the @missuniverse pageant held in SanJuan, Peurto Rico in 2001 right after India’s great triple wins at Ms Universe, Ms World & Miss Asia Pacific the year before ( @larabhupathi @priyankachopra @diamirzaofficial ). Amongst 103 contestants at only 5 ft 6 inches ( I was one of the shortest contestants that year) yet I went on to become a runners up, a moment of great pride for me, upholding my country’s legacy. I entered the fashion industry at a very young age (15) after being scouted at an army party. The struggles that one went through in a new and upcoming fashion industry in a not so open minded kolkata was not easy, plus the pressure of studies & competitive exams made my entire teenage a journey of hard work and toil. I also suffered from severe acne and very severe endometriosis and had to be hospitalised almost every month during my Menstruation due to severe dysmenorrhea and blood loss so it was an incredibly intense life for a child who had many dreams and aspirations. While others would enjoy weekends I would take up shoot and ramp show offers in kolkata and work for meagre amounts of monies. Many a times I wouldn’t even end up getting paid for my hard work and unauthorised use of images due to lack of industry regulations. Then there was the constant criticism and rejection either I was too white, too thin, not tall enough or too tall etc. For many years I had to hear many derogatory things about all the things that made me unique and go on despite that. For a child in her teens it was truly overwhelming hence the journey to the crown was a very intense one. Crowns… after all are not made of sparkling stones, they are made of sheer determination, strength, dedication, devotion, struggle and immense courage too. Beauty is a “Powerful Tool of Persuasion” & I am so thankful for having the opportunity represent my country on various platforms since as an actor, brand ambassador UN equality champion and an activist. Having said that : Being beautiful is not being “born beautiful” It is striving, lifelong to live & achieve your maximum potential as a human being. #celinajaitly #missuniverse