People

Miss Deaf Asia: This Haryana girl hears no evil

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 24 Nov 2018, 12:16 pm

Nishtha Dudeja is the first Indian girl to wear the crown of Miss Deaf Asia 2018. While many have perhaps not heard of such a beauty pageant, she contested it and won and now is all set to receive a national award from the President of India in December. She shares her journey of struggle and success with students in a school and IBNS-TWF

It was an inspiring moment for the students of Lancers International School this November when Miss Deaf Asia 2018, Nishtha Dudeja visited them. Well, Dudeja is the first Indian to win the title at Miss Deaf World Pageant. She won ‘Miss Deaf Asia 2018’ title at the 18th edition of Miss and Mister Deaf World -Europe -Asia Beauty Pageant 2018 recently held at Prague, Czech Republic.

She is nominated for a National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the category – Role Model. The award will be given by Hon’ble President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind in December.

When recently the Lancers International School management in Gurugram felicitated her, she was accompanied by her parents. The beauty queen also interacted with the students of Grade VI to IX, shared her experience and encouraged the students to work hard in life.

Dudeja said, “A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes determination and hard work. We should always work hard in our life to achieve our dreams. I am thankful to the Lancers International School for their love and support.”

The 23-year-old Haryana girl suffers from a severe profound hearing loss (100% deafness) in both ears since birth. Nishtha was always a very bright student from her school days, who was always keen on learning something new in her life. The beauty queen also plays judo and lawn tennis and has played many international matches.         

“When Nishtha was small she was known with my name. But now, the scenario has changed, I'm known to the world with my daughter’s name. I really feel proud when people call me Nishtha’s father. So my suggestion to you all is to take her as an inspiration and make your parents proud, ” said Ved Prakash, Nishtha’s father.

At the age of 7, she started playing Judo and won many medals. She has been an international Lawn tennis player since the age of 12, played many AITA, Asian Tour Tennis, and ITF tournaments. She represented India thrice in International games viz. Deaflympics – 2013 held in Sofia, Bulgaria, World Deaf Tennis Championship – 2015 held in Nottingham, UK and Deaflympics – 2017 held in Samsun, Turkey.

Currently, she is pursuing M.A in economics from Mithibai College, University of Mumbai. Prior to this title, the beautiful Nishtha Dudeja had also won the Miss Deaf India title on February 26, 2018, in Jaipur.

Dudeja is also the brand ambassador for Sivantos India Pvt Ltd. (Formerly Siemens hearing Instruments Pvt Ltd.) the world's leading brand of hearing aids, having about 25 per cent market share globally.

She indeed is a source of inspiration for many with physical challenges. Y.K. Sindwani, Head, Lancers International School, says: “Our students had a highly engaging and inspirational interactive session with Ms Dudeja where she talked about her achievements despite having hearing challenges."

"Her interaction has left a long lasting impact and impression on these young minds and I am sure they have had an experience of a life time."

Dana Paola, a Class VIII student of the school says: “She is a woman of myriad qualities, who has inspired us to cherish the simple things in life. Her never to give up attitude is what inspired me the most. I am thankful to Lancers for providing us the opportunity to interact with her.”

As Dudeja shared her mantra for success: "Never give up and follow your heart, nothing is impossible".