Every girl and women should be independent for financial need or her decisions.
Dr. Sarika Mahesh Shah
Social Activist
Mrs Diva India International 2017
Mrs United Nations 2019
Mrs India Queen of Substance 2017 Mrs Beautiful Soul in Delhi
Grahsaheli Magazine Mrs India 2017 2nd runner up in Delhi
Savitribai Phule Maharashtra State Award 2018
Global Indian Women Award in Delhi 2018
Women Achievers Award by Times of India and Maharashtra
Times Paper 2018 in Nagpur
If you have strong desireto fullfeel your dreams, with hardwork and passion you can achieve it. This is true for well known personality Dr Sarika Mahesh Shah who is a doctor by profession but works in different areas of innovation for betterment of society.
She completed her MBBS from Mayo Hospital Nagpur.At age of 21 she was married in year 1998. After marriage she has difficulty in joining her profession because of her son whose responsibility was her priority Being married in conservative Gujrati Jain family it was difficult for her to give 100% to her profession because she was single lady in her family who was highly educated and want to do her profession. But she didn’t left her confidence and studied and completed her Diploma in Pathology from medical college of Yavatmal and started her journey. After passing her time with her profession and family responsibilities and idea and thought come in her mind when she participated beauty pageant by Grahsaheli Magzine and got 2 nd runner up at Delhi in 2017. She tried for Mrs Diva of India International 2018and was winner. After that she won Mrs United Nations 2019. But to win crowns was not her last aim but she want to use these for social cause. She work as an organ coordinator and took her training with Mohan Foundation.She trained her self as a Smart girl trainer for empowerment of girls.
You come from a conservative Gujarati Jain family. How did your upbringing influence your decisions, and what motivated you to pursue a career in medicine?
In my parental side family, there was good atmosphere of education as my father was Engineer and lecturer and he motivated us to become doctor.Though my mother was housewife she always supported me to focus on education. She never allowed me to any other household work, she was giving me everything in hand so that that I could not waste my time. So what I am today is because of joint efforts of my parents.They are not with me but their blessings are with me always
You faced challenges in pursuing your profession after marriage. How did you balance your family responsibilities with your career aspirations?
I was married at age of 21 just after completing my MBBS At that time I came in family where no lady was working or was in any profession. So these people want me to behave me like a housewife and to serve for everyone. I was thinking sometime that why I am doctor because I am not like these people.No value of my education. After year I gave birth to my son and again it was difficult for me to join job as they were of mindset not to keep any servant for caring my son. So I stayed home for 3 years Then I prepared for entrance exam and got selected for specialisation in pathology at my city as I was not allowed to go outside for my post graduation. And finally I joined my course and done my postgraduation.
Participating in the beauty pageant by Grahsaheli Magazine in 2017 was a turning point in your life. What inspired you to take this step, and how did it impact your life?
Yes it was life changing moment for me I am very much fond of dressing, Fashion. So I tried my luck. Before this I was participating in many competitions at my place and I was winner in many such competition. So I decided why should not I try this. And to win this contest gave me a new identity.
You have worked as an Organ Donation Coordinator and have been involved in various social initiatives. What drives your passion for social work, and how do you manage your time between different commitments?
Definitely it’s very hard task to give my extra leisure time for social work As it’s difficult for a working lady to manage family, home and profession but I think if you can make a difference in some one’s life then it’s big reward of you life It give s me mental Peace and satisfaction what I am doing for society These things drives for this cause.
You are a Smart Girl Trainer and have conducted free health awareness workshops and blood check-up camps for girls. What inspired you to focus on girls’ empowerment, and what impact do you hope to create?
I think if girls and women are safe and educated then it will make harmony in society. By taking such Empwerment programme in form of Smart Girl I help in development of society.
You have won several pageants, including Mrs. Diva of India International 2018 and Mrs. United Nations 2019. How do you use these platforms to promote social causes?
I think to win crowns is a different entity but to be a crown holder is my different responsibility. So to work for betterment of society is my primary aim and to work for better development of girls and women will be my primary enthusiasm.
You hold various leadership positions, including President of Women Safety Foundation Maharashtra, State and National Chairperson of Jai Hind Sainik Sanstha. What are your goals for these organizations, and how do you envision creating positive change?
Whenever I take any post in any organisation my main aim is to work for society It may be in form of social awareness, health check up camp.
You are a Reiki Grand Master and Lama Fera Healer. How do you incorporate these practices into your life and work?
Reiki healing is a holistic science based on concept of energy healing.Though by profession I am a doctor Pathologist but I think for mentally and emotionally wellbeing you need spiritual knowledge and so I learned this and apply it for my wellbeing and family. Because if you are positive in your aura then you can be successful in your life because it will give you a positive attitude in each and every phase of your life It gives me more energy to work constantly and balancing my life.
You have faced several challenges throughout your journey. What advice would you give to others who may be facing similar obstacles?
I always think if you have no challenges in your life you cannot achieve anything. Failure and success are two sides of a coin Failure in life make you more successful than winning something. So I always advise never disappoint by failure and challenges in your life be confident with yourself and always run in race because life is a journey. And you can never enjoy journey if you go on straight road but roads that has more curves will give you a better experience.
What do you hope your legacy will be, and how do you want to be remembered for your contributions to society?
My main aim in life is everygirl must be educated, every woman be respected and supported by family. So I take many programmes and workshop for girls and women for their empowerment. Every girl and women should be independent for financial need or her decisions.
What message would you like to convey to young women who aspire to make a positive impact in their communities?
I always advise to all young women to do hard work and keep positive attitude for good work if they are doing for society. Do things with thoughts positive effect outcome then your work will be fruitful.
you have received an impressive array of awards and recognition for your work. Which one of these awards holds the most significance to you, and why?
Yes I received many awards for my work. For me all awards are important for me and valuable it’s difficult to categorise which one is more significant because it’s ultimately mirror image of my deeds and good work.
Your awards are a testament to your dedication and hard work. How do these recognitions inspire and motivate you to continue making a positive impact in society?
There are so many examples that so many girls and women get inspired by me. Their way of look out towards problem of their life changed.They are doing good things by keeping me as their inspiration. That motivates me and give me happiness.
Which is your favourite quote?
My favourite quote – Persistence can change failure into extraordinary achievement.
Which was your biggest social work in the Vidharbha region in 2024?
In year 2024 my biggest social work was Heallth check up camp for 200 ladies and their free blood check up.
