Daily Times

Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen says that to be born as a woman itself is a huge award. Sushmita interacted with the media at the I Am Woman Award 2018 ceremony held in Mumbai on Saturday.

After receiving an award, Sushmita said: “I think the fact that I am born as a woman itself is a huge award in my life. And then to have an organisation like Karan Gupta Education Foundation which holds prestigious and inspiring awards for women and recognising them from different field is really amazing.”

She added that they are pioneers and inspire women. “For them to give me an award, it just feels lovely because they have named it as ‘I Am Woman’ and I am a big believer of the concept of ‘I Am’ so, it’s a lovely connect,” shared the actor. Sushmita also mentioned that she felt privileged and honoured that they thought of her.

On rising rape cases in India, Sushmita said: “I have stopped giving my opinions on these issues because what happens is that we talk and protest a lot for a certain period but we don’t come up with a concrete outcome on these issues.”

She further stated that unfair and unjust things are happening all across the world. “This is not a new thing but after that we have the option of two things, first is that, we can forget things just by feeling sad about it. Another is that, we can set an example who can inspire people,” mentioned the former model.

Sushmita explained that there are men in the country who help and support women. They need to be highlighted instead of the people who commit crimes.

The 42-year-old actor also shared her thoughts on India’s future generation. “The youngsters’ opinions are going to shape the way things move forward. They should find a purpose, get out and change things,” expressed Sushmita.

Published in Daily Times, April 30^th 2018.