Riya Das, a 25-year-old from Silchar, lived her dream on 27th August, as she got awarded as the Miss East India title in the Maven Miss Plus-Size India Beauty pageant. Riya pursued her graduation from the Department of Social Work, Assam University Silchar and moved to the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Guwahati for her post-graduation. She only realized that she could take up plus-size modelling as career 3-4months back and started to working towards the same. The journey started with acceptance, self-discovery and self-love.
While scrolling through her Instagram page, Riya became aware of this event by Maven Productions, in Delhi. It surprised her that so many people were appreciating and accepting of all body types. As she was always passionate about being a model, she gave the audition, and her talent got her shortlisted. After going through various rounds, such as interview, interaction, talent round, she got selected as one of the finalists. Later she landed to Delhi and took the 3 days of training session. She ended up getting crowned with Miss East India and also was awarded as the best on the Ramp by the jury.
In her conversation with the Readers Time, she mentioned that she was not so confident previously, but as she started to embrace herself the route got easier. Riya is a champion of the body neutrality movement and has showcased it on her social media handles. She has also collaborated with many like minded brands such as Blur and Bella Vita organic.
As far as her future prospects are concerned, she has cleared her UGC NET and is interested in pursuing PHD along with dance and modelling. Riya said she is open to good opportunities and is ready to work hard. But, she would like to be associated with brands who are body and skin positive.
She says, “It takes time to love yourself. Initially it will be difficult, but you have to do it all for yourself. There will be people out there, who might say you are beautiful, you are worthy. But unless and until you believe that you are beautiful and worthy, nothing will work, as people are not going to be around you always. So, all I want to say is give a start.”
Riya Das is an inspiration to many. We congratulate her on her success and wish her good luck in breaking a ton more stereotypes.
Author: Sanchalika Nath
