Shreya Poonja, the first Runner-Up in Femina Miss India-2023 pageant finale held recently in Imphal, has her roots in the region. Her father Sanjay Poonja takes pride in being a Punjabi. His forefathers hailed from Punjab and had come to Indian Punjab from Pakistani Punjab after Partition. Her mother Bharti Poonja is from Himachal. Shreya and her family is settled in Delhi.
Shreya gives credit to her parents for the feat. Shreya added, “My parents have been instrumental in my win. I have not had an easy path to victory. However, my close friends and family members continued to support my vision and gave strength and encouragement to me whenever necessary.”
Shreya says that she draws her strength from her ‘never-to-be-defeated’ spirit. “I believe that a never-to-be-defeated spirit helped me win the Femina Miss India-2023 first runner-up crown. It is a quality I have imbibed in my personality and this certainly is the most crucial aspect that helps me overcome obstacles in life. I believe in constantly working on myself and evolving into the best version every single day and I focused religiously on this aspect,” said Shreya.
Sharing her feelings on winning the first runner up spot at the coveted national pageant, Shreya said: “The feeling is settling in day by day. There were a lot of efforts that were put in the past few years and to have finally been able to achieve this makes me feel accomplished. The efforts have validated my victory.”
Reflecting about the Miss India journey so far, Shreya said: “I have evolved every single day of my 40-day journey. Learning new things about myself along the way. There were tight schedules where self-discipline played an important part. Each individual had something great to offer in my journey and I truly cherish the time now.”
Talking about her future plans, she said: “I have always been in love with the camera, for as long as I can remember. I am keenly interested in the entertainment and show business and have already been working in the same since I was 17. I’m looking forward to commencing work soon.”
When asked to share her tips for young girls preparing for the title, Shreya said that the most important thing is to be truly happy with what you do and not let short term wins or defeats sway you away.
“Have a clear vision of why you want to do something and then work towards it every second of every day. Soon things are bound to work your way. Do not get impatient with the results of your efforts. Please know that it is not the win, but the habit of pushing yourself to the limit that will in time bear fruit,” she concluded.
