Tasneem on the 7 truths she has learnt

Tasneem Raza, the contestant from Dubai competing for Miss Universe India, reflects on the first week and why she already feels like a winner

- By Manjusha Radhakrishnan

It's been just one week - but it feels like a lifetime. From sunrise to well past midnight, we've been on a nonstop carousel of shoots, glam sessions, sponsor visits, media unveilings, and emotional highs and lows. There are no weekends, random breaks, long waits, and barely any time to think. And yet, in the blur of it all, I've found immense clarity. This experience is shaping us - mind, body, and spirit.

Here are my reflections from the first week at Miss Universe India:

1. GRACE IS TESTED WHEN THE GLAMOUR FADES

We are running on very little sleep, away from home, our bodies sore and minds constantly alert. The real test of a queen isn't how well she poses when everything is perfect - it's how she shows up when nothing is. I've learnt that what truly sets a woman apart here is how she responds when things don't go her way. That's when resilience, grace, and presence shine through. Pageants are designed to test not just your beauty, but your spirit.

2. THE MAGIC IS IN OWNING WHO YOU ARE