Green Queen

Shaan Suhas Kumar, Miss Earth India 2017, on beauty, conservation and her dreams for the future

Q. You’ll represent India at the finals of the Miss Earth contest in Manila on November 4. How is this pageant different?

Miss Earth’s big focus is caring for the environment. It channelises the entertainment and pageant industry towards empowering women to take action to solve green problems.

Q. If you win, what environmental problems will you focus on?

My advocacy is about joining the dots to learn more about what we consume and taking consistent action on issues like saving water and energy and managing waste. It’s also to inspire and educate others.

Q. What is the most crucial environmental issue affecting India?

There are many, including waste management and problems due to overpopulation. India is also most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Q. Is river- linking the solution to water shortage in India?

In the short term, yes, river linking can help. But the process is not natural and may give rise to new problems in the long run.

Q. What next for you? Are films an option?

I think films are a great platform and opportunity. However, my focus is to work in a space where education, environment and communications intersect. I aspire to work at the UN in the immediate future.