Bhubaneswar-based Amita Panda is a software developer by profession and a model by passion. And she excels in both fields. She made her state proud by winning the Mrs Central Pacific Asia Universe 2019, Mrs India Galaxy 2018 and Mrs Social Icon 2018 titles and is now eyeing the Mrs Universe 2019 crown.
“If there is a will, there is a way. Be the change you wish to see,” she says. Born to Anima and Arun Kumar Panda, Amita was always a good orator. Her photogenic face and street-smart attitude were a bonus. However, as part of an orthodox family, she never gave modelling a try. “I always wanted to walk the ramp, but my parents never allowed me to explore modelling as a profession. Academics were always given priority. I walked the ramp for the first time when I was in my first year in Krupajal Engineering College. An event was organised to welcome the new students and I was crowned Miss Fresher,” says Amita.
Her first shot at modelling won her a crown, but academics remained a priority. She completed her graduation and landed a job. Following this, her parents decided to fix her marriage. Soon, Amita tied the knot with cardiologist Prabhanjan Mohapatra. Quite by chance, her dreams came true after marriage.
“Whenever I used to go to any fashion store with my husband, people would come up to me and suggest that I should try my luck in modelling. I would feel flattered but would remain silent. My husband noticed this and encouraged me to start modelling. My colleagues, who are more like my friends, sent my nomination for Mrs India Galaxy 2018. There wasn’t much time left for the pageant but I somehow managed to prepare without any formal training. I started watching YouTube and following Sushmita Sen’s lifestyle. Luckily, I passed the audition,” says Amita, who continues to work as a software engineer.
The journey to the coveted crown wasn’t a cakewalk. Amita, who has a daughter, says, “We had to pass a series of preliminary rounds and 40 contestants from across the country were shortlisted for the finals. Television actors Divya Malik, Sunny Sachdeva and Surbhi Singla, supermodel Himani Thapa, fashion designer Sadan Pande and celebrity stylist Sylvie Rodgers and Mrs Universe Arabasia Anupama Sharma were the judges.”
“I still remember on a theme test day we were asked to sport something in silver colour. I discovered that someone had torn my gown. Initially, I felt nervous, but it turned out to be a boon in disguise. I wore the gown, making a minor change in the design and I went on to earn extra points for being innovative,” she adds.
Amita went on to win the crown, and since then, there has been no looking back for her. She won the Mrs Central Pacific Asia Universe 2019 title and is now gearing up to represent India in Mrs Universe 2019. The winner will be crowned by the previous year’s winner Julia Gershun from Monaco. Amita says that during the competition her focus will be on creating awareness on human rights and provision of basic amenities for those living below the poverty line.
Amita is also associated with several organisations that work towards empowerment of women and promoting girls’ education. “Believe in yourself. You can do more than you think. Don’t let others define your worth. Take the chance. Do what you want. Dare to be more ambitious. Rise and shine and be the sunshine,” she says.
SOYONG, OP