Video Editor: Puneet Bhatia
Cameraperson: Athar Rather
Indian Sign language Interpreter: Monica Punjabi
Meet Deshna Jain, the twenty-year-old model from Madhya Pradesh, who has won the Miss Deaf Asia 2018 crown!
Additionally, she had done India proud by becoming the 3rd Runner-Up at the 8th Miss Deaf International in Taiwan.
Deshna claimed her right to represent India in the International pageant after being crowned Miss Deaf India 2018, earlier this year.
Deshna discovered her drive for modelling when she was named first runner-up at Miss Antriksh, a beauty pageant in Indore where, unlike her, the contestants were not hearing-impaired.
I could see the crowd erupt in cheers for me. I couldn’t hear them clap, but I saw the applause with my eyes. That was a very special moment for me.Deshna Jain
What put her off was the lack of opportunities for her after the contest. Compared to her, she could see other girls getting advertising and modelling jobs. But she didn’t let it pull her down. It only strengthened her resolve to strive for her dreams.
Dance is BAE
Deshna’s hearing impairment began at birth — she doesn’t know what music sounds like. That hasn’t stopped her from being a passionate dancer. In fact, if she was not a model, she would consider becoming a professional dancer instead.
I can copy steps from my dance trainer. I also practice cool dance moves by watching YouTube tutorials. In a group performance, I use my fellow dancers as reference to stay in sync. Above all, I can feel dancing!Deshna Jain
“Girls Need to Complete Their Education”
Deshna is a strong advocate for girls’ education, especially girls who have a hearing or any other kind of impairment. She feels that for people like her, education can lead to much needed empowerment.
I know many deaf girls who are married off early, after studying till 8th, 10th or 12th only. I am strongly against it. I want them to complete their education, get a job, earn for themselves and then maybe settle in a happy married life. Many of the deaf girls I know are victims of abuse... beaten at home. They aren’t educated enough, strong enough, to defend themselves.Deshna Jain
If Deshna’s story inspires you, then don’t forget to share this video with your friends.
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