A STORY OF BEAUTY AND BRAVERY SHREE SAINI

CONFIDENT, INTELLIGENT AND KIND-HEARTED, THE REIGNING MISS WORLD AMERICA SETS THE BAR HIGH FOR BEAUTY QUEENS AROUND THE GLOBE. SHE OPENS UP TO HELLO! ABOUT HER HOPES, ASPIRATIONS AND AMBITIONS DURING A WHIRLWIND VISIT TO NEW DELHI

- NOOR ANAND CHAWLA

When the enigmatic and beautiful Shree Saini was a child of five, she remembers, she was awed by the sight of the reigning Miss World on TV.

"I was so mesmerised by the work she was doing. For me, she was a superhero who encouraged and motivated people to feel happier. That's when I knew I wanted to be Miss World," Shree says with a smile.

As one of the youngest-ever recipients of a pacemaker owing to a heart issue, and then becoming a burn victim after a horrific car accident, Shree's life has been filled with numerous hurdles. Yet, she overcame all odds, time and again, to become the first Indian-origin winner of the titles of Miss World First Runner-Up, Miss World America and Miss World Beauty with a Purpose Ambassador.

There's no denying that she is a superhero in her own right.

TWO WORLDS, ONE PURPOSE

Seated on the regal rooftop of The Oberoi Hotel, New Delhi, on a hot summer's day, Shree looks picture perfect in a red ensemble, radiating positivity and a strong conviction in her beliefs.

She shares, "I'm striving to maximise my year of service and do the most I can to give back. So far, I've raised over $200,000, worked with hundreds of charities, travelled to 34 states in the US and 11 countries, and engage with the community every week by visiting high schools, colleges and businesses. I want to make an impact."

Originally from Ludhiana, Punjab, Shree's family moved to the US when she was five, to start life afresh. She is firmly connected to her Indian roots and speaks Hindi and Punjabi fluently. Shree is also a big fan of Bollywood dance and music!

"My favourite word is from the Hindi language jugaad," she smiles. "It encapsulates my solutions-oriented approach to life."