Balancing Professional Life and Passion | Dr. Tejaswini Manogna | TEDxAIIMSRaipur

Summary

Dr. Tejaswini Manogna shares her inspiring journey from a humble middle-class family to a passionate doctor, dancer, and activist. Despite societal norms and setbacks, she pursued her dreams in medicine, arts, and pageantry, ultimately finding balance and success through hard work, perseverance, and her commitment to service.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Dr. Tejaswini Manogna is a passionate doctor who believes medicine is a calling towards service, not just a profession.
• 🏆 She was inspired by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's words on the combination of art and medicine creating a good human being.
• 💃 Dr. Tejaswini is a Bharatanatyam dancer who has performed extensively and used her art to connect with prominent personalities.
• 🏅 Her journey involved balancing her academic pursuits with her passion for dance and service, even facing societal pressures and expectations.
• 🎓 Despite challenges, she excelled in her studies, secured good grades, and was among the top students in her medical school.
• 🌍 She participated in the Miss India pageant with a vision to be a voice for women and youth, aiming to use the platform for social causes.
• 👑 Despite facing rejections and setbacks in her pageant journey, she remained determined and eventually won the Miss Earth India title.
• 🌳 As an eco-activist, she used her international platform to promote environmental consciousness, such as representing the fight against plastic pollution.
• 🏥 After her pageant success, she chose to return to her medical profession, focusing on serving her nation through healthcare.
• 🧘‍♀️ Yoga played a significant role in her life, helping her maintain balance and peace amidst her diverse and challenging pursuits.

Q & A

Who is Dr. Tejaswini Manogna?

Dr. Tejaswini Manogna is a postgraduate medical student, Bharatnatyam dancer, eco-activist, philanthropist, and former pageant contestant who participated in various international beauty pageants.

What motivated Dr. Tejaswini to pursue a career in medicine?

Dr. Tejaswini was motivated to pursue a career in medicine because she viewed it not just as a profession but as a calling towards service of the nation and humanity.

How did Dr. Tejaswini's interaction with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam influence her?

Dr. Tejaswini's interaction with Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam inspired her to combine art and medicine, as he mentioned that when art and medicine join together, they create a good human being.

Describe Dr. Tejaswini's background and family support.

Dr. Tejaswini comes from a humble middle-class family that valued discipline, respect for elders, and hard work. Her parents gave her the freedom to follow her passion and supported her in her endeavors.

What were some of the challenges Dr. Tejaswini faced during her journey?

Dr. Tejaswini faced numerous challenges, including societal pressure, rejections, balancing academics with extracurricular activities, and financial constraints. She also faced challenges in pageants where she was initially rejected and had to prove her abilities.

What achievements did Dr. Tejaswini accomplish in her NCC journey?

In her NCC journey, Dr. Tejaswini was named All India's Best Cadet among 1.3 million cadets, received the Prime Minister's Medal, and represented India in the SAARC Nations where she received a medal from the Sri Lankan President and Prime Minister.

How did Dr. Tejaswini balance her passion for dance with her medical studies?

Dr. Tejaswini balanced her passion for dance with her medical studies by managing her time effectively. She participated in cultural activities and competitions while maintaining good academic performance, proving that balancing both was possible.

What was the turning point in Dr. Tejaswini's participation in beauty pageants?

The turning point was when Dr. Tejaswini participated in Miss Earth India and won the crown, despite facing previous rejections and challenges. This victory validated her efforts and dedication to her vision.

What setbacks did Dr. Tejaswini encounter during her international pageant journey?

During her international pageant journey, Dr. Tejaswini faced setbacks such as missing luggage, broken props, and financial constraints. Despite these challenges, she adapted creatively and won a gold medal for India by performing on a steel dustbin.

What does Dr. Tejaswini consider to be the true definition of success?

Dr. Tejaswini considers the true definition of success to be the ability to pick oneself up after setbacks and failures. For her, success is not about winning crowns or competitions but about resilience and perseverance.

What activities help Dr. Tejaswini maintain balance and peace in her life?

Practicing yoga and engaging in philanthropic activities help Dr. Tejaswini maintain balance and peace. She trains others in yoga, runs a yoga show on TV, and enjoys motivating students and participating in eco-activism.

What advice does Dr. Tejaswini give to others who aspire to achieve their dreams?

Dr. Tejaswini advises others to dream big, have a vision, plan, work hard, and accept failures as part of the journey. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and the ability to overcome challenges to achieve one's goals.