Dia's First Interview: The competition was tough

		Interview: "The competition was tough"
		How do you feel about being crowned Miss Asia-Pacific? I am not merely happy, but very, very happy. In fact, I am also gripped by a strong sense of satisfaction. The satisfaction strongly comes from the fact that I have scored a hat trick for India. My victory means a lot to me. What made it possible for you to win? Several factors were responsible for my winning. The competition was tough. There were 12 finalists. Miss Panama was a particularly tough contender. But I had already won some of the sub-contests. I think the balance was finally tilted in the Q & A session. What was the question which proved to be decisive? It was `What are three most important values which matter to me?´ and my reply was `Love, Honesty and Friendship.´ There were a large number of Indians in the audience and they rooted for me. Do you think the cheers from Indians provided a supportive ambience? When the contest started there was not much of noise (from the Indians). But when the Q & A session began, the audience started cheering me with enthusiasm because of the poise, confidence and intelligence with which I gave the answers. Do you think that Indian participants have a distinct advantage in that they are good at English? Most definitely yes. It is a major plus point. We are articulate and aware. Why do you think Indian girls are constantly winning international beauty contests ? We get excellent training back home and lot of effort goes into it. Apart from that we are a naturally beautiful people with a strong sense of values. Who is your ideal? My mother who was the first person I called up after being crowned. She is everything to me. She has given me values, ethics and a complete personality. She has performed her duties most respectfully. She is a very contended person and has not let the pressures of life meddle with her strong sense of values. I adore her. Do you have a boy friend? (Laughs) No. But now a lot of them will queue up. I am a very finicky person. My concept of Mr Right is somebody who is essentially honest, loving and self-reliant. Who prompted you to enter the contest? A month before the Femina Miss Asia-Pacific contest, I received an invitation from The Times of India office in Bangalore to take part in the contest. I had done a spot of modelling and this included the Emami ads. I spoke to my mother about the offer from TOI and jumped headlong. Do you plan to get involved in any social welfare project? I am already involved in Hyderabad in a campaign to integrate handicapped children with able ones in schools. The idea is to help mutual understanding and generate better social awareness of handicapped persons.