She came, she saw and she conquered! This was exactly what happened when 22-year-old village girl, Vinita Shirodkar, walked the ramp in another continent, at Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in Africa at ‘Miss & Mister Deaf International’ contest held from November 19-27.
The event, organised by a non-profit organisation, pledges to empower, enhance and support today’s continually growing community of deaf women and men. It provides a platform for contestants to demonstrate their unique talents, intellect and beauty along with personal and humanitarian goals.
Vinita’s confidence in her abilities excelled when she participated in Miss and Mister India Deaf contest held in Goa during the Purple Fest 2023 and won the first place. As Miss Deaf India, Vinita represented India in Miss and Mister Deaf International Contest held in Tanzania. There she bagged the fourth runner-up position to win the ‘Miss Deaf India International’ title among several participants from around 19 countries. Representing India, Vinita made it to Tanzania to participate in the international pageant organised by ‘Miss & Mister Deaf International, Inc’ and ‘International Deaf Cultural Arts, Inc.’ The contest was hosted by AFDCA at World Happy Deaf Family Festival which had different events.
Extremely confident about her abilities, Vinita shares, “It was because of my mother’s wholehearted support and belief in me that made me what I am today. Add to this my own will to never give up, which is what keeps me going.”
Vinita does not shy away from the fact that she is hard of hearing. But that does not make her a lesser being. In fact, she displays more confidence than most of us. She confidently walked the ramp, replied with wisdom in question rounds, was knowledgeable about the happenings around her and in the world. Vinita’s favourite subject is science. She loves music, enjoys acting and dancing, watching movies, painting, travelling and visiting different places, likes reading and also judo.
Vinita is the eldest of three siblings, living with her widowed mother, who works hard to fend for the family of four. Vinita’s father Babli Shirodkar passed away a decade ago and her mother runs his small business after him. Happy with her daughter’s success at the international level, Vinita’s mother Vijata Shirodkar shares, “We asked for donations from people to fund the Africa trip, and to shop for the dresses required for the contest. It was hard on us, as I run a bread-omelette kiosk to sustain my family.”
Muskan, an interpreter for the deaf who had accompanied Vinita to Africa, endorsed, “It was a tough competition which went very well with Vinita. She had to do daily practices, but she worked hard and believed in herself until the last. Back in Goa, many helping hands had offered support for Vinita’s trip. She had to spend on her dresses, accessories, tickets, etc. She was asked to get specific colours and styles which she had to purchase in India,” says Muskan.
Career and goals are biggest motivating factors for Vinita, a beneficiary of Dayanand Samajik Suraksha Yojana. After her 12th through Sanjay School, she equipped herself with computer skills through ITI COPA course at Keerti Vidyalaya Technical Institute, Siolim and is now ready for a job. “The government and NGOs should offer support to persons with disabilities in every step of their life and stand strongly besides them, be their backbone and empower them to be self-dependent and to have a livelihood for themselves,” feels Vinita.
Pointing out that science and technology can help the disabled to lead a better normal life Vinita admits that advanced assistive aids and appliances help a lot. “They can work wonders in one's life. A lot of barriers can be reduced by the help of technology,” she quips. “I am living my dream by focusing on my goal. The ultimate goal of my life is to make others happy. In my own little way I make people happy. Giving back to society is what each one of us should do.”
“The world looks at me with sympathy but I look at the world with gratitude, love, respect and positivity,” discloses Vinita, who is disabled since birth. Thankful for having a supportive family, friends, and teachers, she believes that all are the children of God. “He is the supreme power, and has the power to change our lives. I pray to God to make my journey easy on this planet,” she smiles.
“I wish to help others achieve their dreams. I want to motivate the deaf kids to believe in themselves and to stay focused on their dreams. I want to work harder and get empowered so that I can empower other women as well. I will keep trying my best to make India proud,” promises this young woman.
