Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s 13-year-old Srishti Das has made the state proud by winning gold and emerging champion in the pre-teen category of the ‘Talent Star International’ competition which took place August 23 to August 26 at Hong Kong.
A student of St Joseph’s School here Srishti had earlier won the ‘Best Talent Award’ at the ‘Junior Model International’ at Kozhikode, Kerala in April. By virtue of that achievement she got selected to represent India at the Hong Kong meet.
The class seven student was groomed for the Hong Kong competition by an organisation called the Odisha Fashion Junior Models. It was through them also that Srishti had participated in the Kozhikode meet.
Srishti stated that she had to compete against girls from 12 countries including those from Japan, Philippines, Hong Kong, Armenia and Thailand in the 11-14 years age category. “There were three rounds,” informed Srishti. “They were Introduction, Talent and Catwalk rounds. The Catwalk round again had two segments – national dress costume and ball gown rounds. I did very well in both,” addressed Srishti.
For the talent round, Srishti presented a combination of dance and karate. “I am a state-level bronze medal-winner in karate,” she informed.
Shrishti stated that initially she was very passionate about pursuing dance as a career. However, while taking dancing classes she got interested in modelling and decided to give it a go. With constant support and encouragement from her parents, she has now emerged a winner in an international competition.
Srishti is pursuing the dream of becoming a ‘supermodel’ when she grows up and she is ready to work very hard for it. Her current favourite is the ‘2018 Miss India’ Anukreethy Vas while her epitome of a supermodel is Sushmita Sen, the first Indian to win the ‘Miss Universe’ title. “I really want to follow in her footsteps,” gushed the youngster.
Srishti’s family has been steadfast in their support as she pursues many dreams. “We have always encouraged her in whatever she has wanted to do,” said Smita Das, her mother. “We haven’t limited her to just one or two things. She is growing and we will help her to fly in the direction she wants to,” added Smita.
Well as of now, Srishti has set her goals. The road is arduous and hard, but then nothing is impossible.
PNN