She is a multi-talented woman committed to service and empowerment. A trained Bharatanatyam dancer, doctor, and beauty queen, she advocates for children’s rights, women’s
empowerment, and environmental causes.
Tejaswini has represented India at Miss Earth and earned recognition from national leaders, inspiring others with her resilience and passion for making a positive impact.
Looking back, what were some key moments or influences in your early life that ignited your passion for service and excellence?
Looking back, one of the earliest and most defining moments that ignited my passion for service was when I was just seven years old. I had performed a Bharatanatyam dance at a fundraiser event for a child who was suffering from a heart condition.
The event was successful, and we were able to raise a good amount of funds. An elderly gentleman, deeply moved by my performance, voluntarily offered an honorarium of ₹5,000 to me.
Even as a young child, I instinctively chose to donate that amount back towards the cause. That moment left a deep imprint on me—it taught me that true service doesn’t require wealth, but a rich heart.
Since then, there have been many such instances: speaking up against child labor, advocating for children’s rights, sponsoring education, educating children about environmental protection, motivating youth, and encouraging women to realize their natural potential, health camps, environmental initiatives, etc., despite coming from a modest background. I’ve always felt compelled to help those who have less than I do. That mindset continues to guide my path in service and excellence to this day.
Talking about excellence—by nature, I’ve always been a curious learner and an enthusiastic participant. From a young age, I envisioned myself doing something meaningful and impactful in life.
That vision continues to guide me. I am deeply dedicated to my goals, disciplined in my approach, and determined to give my best in everything I take up.
No matter how high I reach, I remain grounded. I am rooted in my culture and
traditions, even as I rise in pursuit of excellence. I truly believe that staying humble is the highest form of strength—and that’s the path I continue to walk.
Coming from a background in both the NCC and medical school, how has discipline influenced your mindset and decision-making?
Discipline has been the cornerstone of my life. My journey in the NCC shaped that foundation very early on. I still remember waking up at 4 AM for rifle drills and shooting practice, training rigorously through the day, and sometimes continuing till midnight—all while preparing for my Class 11 exams in freezing conditions, under dim lights, and inside tents. Those were some of the most defining days of my life.
I had the honor of leading India’s contingent as the Contingent Commander and was deeply humbled to be adjudged as “All India’s Best Cadet” and “India’s Best Shooter,” conferred with the Prime Minister’s Medal and President’s Appreciation. I am also listed as a “Prominent Personality” and a proud alumna of the NCC, alongside some of our nation’s greatest dignitaries—including the Prime Minister of India.
NCC didn’t just teach me discipline—it taught me resilience, leadership, teamwork, and the power of pushing beyond my limits. That same discipline became my greatest asset during medical school and practice, especially during those grueling 36 to 72-hour night shifts. When you have to stay focused and responsible in high-pressure environments, it’s your inner strength and discipline that carry you through.
Even today, I wake up before sunrise and begin my day with yoga. That consistent rhythm of physical discipline, mental clarity, and emotional balance—fuels my ability to show up fully in every role I play. Yoga, in many ways, enhances that strength and resilience, helping me maintain balance even during the most demanding times. Discipline, to me, isn’t just a habit—it’s a way of life. It empowers me to stay committed to every role I take on, and to walk every path—no matter how challenging—with purpose and pride.
“Discipline is the silent strength behind every success story.”
You’ve played diverse roles—doctor, dancer, cadet, and beauty queen. How do you personally reconcile and define your multifaceted identity today?
To me, identity isn’t about fitting into a single box—it’s about embracing every facet of who you are and letting them coexist in harmony. Whether I’m wearing the white coat of a doctor, the ghungroos of a Bharatanatyam dancer, the uniform of an NCC cadet, or the crown of a beauty queen, each role reflects a different dimension of my personality.
At the core, they’re all connected by a common thread: discipline, dedication, and a deep desire to serve and inspire. My medical career is rooted in healing and science, dance is my expression of art and emotion, being a cadet instilled in me a sense of duty and patriotism, and the crown gave me a platform to amplify my voice for meaningful causes.
These aren’t disconnected paths—they are interconnected threads that weave the fabric of my personality. They are different expressions of the same soul. Together, they make me who I am today—a woman who is strong yet graceful, grounded yet soaring, and always striving to create impact with purpose.
Was there a defining moment when you realized your purpose extended beyond the field of medicine?
Service is the core of who I am.
And it became clearer with every role I stepped into. While being a doctor is one of the greatest ways to serve, I’ve always felt that my purpose isn’t confined to the walls of a hospital or clinic.
One such defining moment was during my motivational talks. After my talk, a young student walked up to me, their eyes shining with hope, saying things like, “One day, I want to be even better than you.” That moment, when I saw their dreams take shape, inspired by my journey, filled me with a sense of pride and responsibility.
It made me understand that while, as a doctor, I can heal the body, there are many other ways to touch lives. As a motivational speaker, I can awaken dreams. As Miss India, I can use my platform to advocate for meaningful change. As a dancer and artist, I can bring joy and emotional connection. As a yoga trainer, I can help people find peace, balance, and well-being.
My purpose is not limited to one profession or platform. It is to serve humanity in every form I can—to heal, inspire, uplift, and nurture both people and the planet. That is the true essence of my journey.
Representing India at Miss Earth and winning multiple awards must have been unforgettable—what did that moment mean for you and your journey?
Representing India at Miss Earth and winning multiple international awards was truly one of the most unforgettable and cherished moments of my life. I had always dreamt of adorning a crown—not for the glamour, but for the platform it gave to create real impact. Interestingly, when I was born, my family celebrated by saying, “A Miss Universe is born.” Somewhere deep within, subconsciously, I knew I wanted to be there someday, representing my country on a global stage, becoming a voice for youth and women.
But the road wasn’t easy. Convincing a conservative family, balancing academics and responsibilities, and walking an unconventional path—it took immense courage, perseverance, and self-belief. From dreaming to winning the national crown, from
there to representing India at Miss Earth among 117 countries, and finally being awarded multiple international honors—it was a journey filled with grit, resilience, and countless stories behind the scenes.
The day when I was crowned Miss India Earth, I didn’t want to take the crown off—I wanted to wear it all night and all day. Because for me, it symbolized not just victory, but the culmination of years of silent effort, sacrifice, and vision.
What made me stand out, both nationally and internationally, was the authenticity I brought to the platform. My service initiatives weren’t created for the sake of the pageant—they were a part of who I’ve always been. Whether it was my presence of mind, spontaneous and genuine answers, smart presentation, or the sincerity in my purpose, it all came together to make me shine.
I was honored to be adjudged with gold medals for Miss Talented, Miss Intelligent, Global People’s Choice, and Beauty with a Purpose—and for me, that was the true reward: being recognized not just for beauty, but for heart, intelligence, and impact.
“Where there is a vision and a mission, victory follows.”
— Tejaswini Manogna
Being recognized by some of the nation’s highest offices is a rare honor—how has that shaped your sense of responsibility or purpose?
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet and receive honors from some of the highest offices in the country—including the President and Prime Minister of India, visiting foreign dignitaries, Parliamentarians, Governors, Chief Ministers, and distinguished leaders like the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
I’ve also had the honor of performing and giving recitals at prestigious venues like Rashtrapati Bhavan and Raj Bhavan, even at a very young age. These moments have been more than just ceremonial—they’ve been deeply inspiring. To closely observe and interact with the nation’s top leaders, and to learn from role models like Dr.
APJ Abdul Kalam sir, has left a lasting impact on me. Their humility, vision, and tireless dedication to the nation have shaped the way I see leadership and responsibility.
I carry the spirit they’ve instilled in me with great reverence. I see it as my duty to pass on what I’ve learned—to inspire, empower, and uplift others through my own actions. Their recognition is not the destination, but a reminder that I have a greater mission—to serve, to lead, and to light the way for others.
As a trained Bharatanatyam artist, how do you harness the power of classical dance to drive awareness and social change?
Bharatanatyam, to me, is a sacred medium—an art form through which I express not only tradition and beauty but also compassion, awareness, and change. As a professionally qualified Bharatanatyam practitioner, choreographer, and educator, I’ve always strived to blend purpose with performance.
One of the most meaningful experiences was performing at a fundraiser in the United States for the prevention of childhood blindness for children worldwide. Using Bharatanatyam to support such a vital cause was a powerful reminder of how art can touch lives and uplift humanity. Moments like these reaffirm my belief that classical dance can go far beyond the stage—it can heal, educate, and inspire action.
I’ve had the privilege of representing Indian cultural heritage on global platforms—performing at prestigious national and international festivals, and being honored with several awards. Among these, winning the Gold Medal at Miss Earth for my classical dance performance was particularly special, as it allowed me to present the soul of India to the world.
Today, I’m humbled to be recognized as a National graded artist by the Government of India and considered one of the most prominent young solo artists in Bharatanatyam. But more than the titles, what matters to me is how I can use this ancient art form to connect hearts and create meaningful conversations about our society, our environment, and our collective responsibilities.
How has your journey as a certified yoga trainer reshaped your philosophy on holistic health and well-being?
My journey as a certified yoga trainer has been nothing short of transformative. Coming from a medical background, I was trained to look at health through the lens of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. But yoga introduced me to a more expansive and holistic view—one where health is not just the absence of disease, but a harmonious balance between the body, mind, and spirit.
Through yoga, I began to deeply understand the interconnection between breath, thought, posture, and emotions. I saw how simple practices—when done consistently—could prevent illness, manage stress, improve focus, and bring peace. This reshaped my entire philosophy on well-being. It’s not about reacting to illness, but proactively nurturing ourselves from within.
As a doctor, I heal. But as a yoga trainer, I empower. I guide people to take charge of their own well-being, to listen to their bodies, and to find that sacred stillness amidst life’s chaos. I also integrate yogic principles into my medical practice—whether it’s recommending breathing techniques to anxious patients, or promoting mindfulness and movement for lifestyle disorders.
To me, holistic health is about alignment—not just of the spine, but of purpose, habits, thoughts, and lifestyle. Yoga has taught me that healing is not just a science—it is an art of living in harmony.
With so many roles and responsibilities, what have been some of your most meaningful challenges, and how have they shaped your personal growth?
Coming from a modest background with limited facilities and minimal financial support, it wasn’t easy to dream big, especially as a girl in a society where we weren’t always expected to outshine. But I had a fire within me—a strong belief that I was meant for more, and that I could rise beyond circumstances.
Every role I took on—be it as a doctor, a dancer, a cadet, or Miss India—came with its own set of challenges. I worked tirelessly, day and night, stayed focused, remained disciplined, and refused to let distractions or doubts take over.
My only aim was to lead a better life and prove, through action, that no dream is too big when your intent is pure and your efforts are consistent.
If there’s one thing I’m deeply grateful for, it’s the unwavering support of my parents, my uncle and well-wishers. Especially the silent sacrifices of my mother—she stood like a rock behind me, giving me strength even when the world questioned my choices.
Each challenge shaped me into who I am today—a woman of purpose, resilience, and unwavering determination. My journey is not just my own—it’s a reflection of every girl who dares to dream despite the odds.
What continues to fuel your dedication to youth empowerment and social Advocacy, even amidst a demanding personal and professional life?
What continues to fuel my dedication to youth empowerment and social advocacy—even in the midst of a demanding life—is the belief that true success means lifting others as you rise. My journey, from humble beginnings to being recognized on national and international stages, has taught me the power of belief, guidance, and opportunity.
I see a reflection of my younger self in many of the youth I meet—curious, ambitious, full of potential but often lacking direction or support. If my story, my words, or my actions can ignite a spark in even one young mind, I feel I’ve served my purpose.
Today’s youth will shape tomorrow’s world. That’s why I continue to make time, through motivational talks, community work, and online platforms, to mentor, inspire, and encourage them to dream fearlessly and work relentlessly.
I strongly believe: Empowered youth can transform a nation. And I choose to be a catalyst in that transformation, no matter how busy life gets. Because service is not something I fit into my life; it is the very foundation of it.
With international recognition and acclaim, how do you stay rooted in your values and cultural heritage?
International recognition has been an incredible honor, but what truly keeps me grounded is my deep connection to my cultural roots and values. No matter how far I travel or how widely I am recognized, I carry India within me—in my thoughts, my actions, and my spirit.
Being a Bharatanatyam artist has been a sacred thread tying me to our rich heritage. I’ve taken Indian classical dance to international platforms, yet every time I step on stage, I do so with the humility of someone representing something much larger than herself.
My upbringing, the discipline of yoga, the wisdom of our scriptures, and the spirit of seva (service),blessings of my elders, have always guided me. I firmly believe that
one can touch the sky, yet stay rooted to the earth. That balance is what defines true success.
While the world may see the crown, the medals, or the titles, what I hold dearest is my identity as a proud Indian woman, shaped by her sanskaras (values) and committed to carrying them forward with pride.
As someone who dreams big and leads by example, what is your vision for the next chapter, and what wisdom would you pass on to young women aspiring to follow their own unique paths?
As someone who has always dared to dream beyond boundaries, my vision for the next chapter is to continue creating impact by merging medicine, yoga, art, and advocacy into a holistic platform that uplifts individuals and communities alike. I want to build bridges between science and spirituality, tradition and transformation, local impact and global voice.
I want to reach more lives, especially the younger generation, and help them realize that greatness lies not in conforming, but in embracing one’s unique path with courage and conviction.
To every young woman out there, Believe in your dreams—even if they scare you. Design your own definition of success. You will face resistance, doubts, and setbacks, but your resilience will be your greatest strength. Stay rooted in your values, rise in excellence, and most importantly, never forget your worth.
Let your journey be the voice for those who are still finding theirs. And remember,
you are not just walking a path—you are paving one for others to follow.
