I am Beautiful


Dusky complexion. Messy hair. Short-rounded frame. Am I beautiful?

Like many of you even I ask this question to myself many a times. And to be very honest with you, I think I am. In fact, during my growing up years I thought, I was very beautiful. Quite an overstatement and you will ask me why such over-indulgence? There were many girls in my class who were much more beautiful than me and some went on to become models. Then why I thought so?

Well, after a lot of pondering, I realized, I equated my lack of height, abundance around mid-riff with my brightness, with my high scoring mark-sheets and my extra-curricular record. I generously compensated my lack of physical beauty with my other qualities and called myself beautiful. I believed…'You are what you do, irrespective of your looks. If your work is beautiful, others will never judge you for being dark or fat.'

I remember once when I was rejected for a school play and was shattered. Then I developed a theory to re-boost my confidence. I thought, on a scale of 1 to 10, if I was 5 on looks then rest was compensated with my humor, talent and with being what I was — a good student, friend, sister and daughter. Was my theory right? Well, I can't answer that, but surely, I was happy believing that. I excelled in what I did. 

Amidst packed schedule, when I complete my assignment and help my colleague draft a legal document, she not only thanks me but also compliments my radiant skin. Between work and household chores, when I manage to write a post every Monday, I get applause for it. Juggling legal terms, filing forms for companies, incorporating new ones, writing blog, defines me more than the phrase - Average Looking Indian Girl. My work is my identity. I love what I do; be it at home, at workplace or on my blog. My beauty is reflected in my work and if I am good at it, I am beautiful

Initially my parents, family and friends were responsible for this belief. And later on in life, my husband, colleagues and my blogger friends fueled and affirmed it. They compliment me, call me beautiful. I am beautiful for all the people around me. Like everybody is beautiful for their family and friends. They love us for what we do, not for our looks.

When I read about Tanishq - As Beautiful As Your Work contest, reading 'beautiful' and 'work' in a single sentence brought a smile on my face. I was a bit excited too as both my belief and theory sounded right. Then after watching the Tanishq Mia commercial, I felt, aren't most of us like Megha - We put our heart in what we do and never fail to amaze others, even when they doubt us. We dazzle our work giving 100% and try to make it more beautiful than us.



Comments

  1. People don't judge your outer appearance if you're talented, an achiever and have a good heart...

    Beautiful post Saru...and yes, you're beautiful!:)

    All the best for the contest!:)

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    Replies
    1. That's true. Thanks for reading and for a lovely comment, Tarang. :)

      Delete
  2. It depends upon people's perception whether they concentrate on looks or talent or a combination of both. Leave it to them.

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    Replies
    1. I always leave it to others. I just keep myself happy believing I am beautiful, it brings a lot of positivity.

      Delete
    2. Hey Pretty Lady,
      First of all this is a wonderful post... I always found your posts beautiful and felt so are you :)

      Now this will be a somewhat irrelevant comment. The thing you mentioned about being "dark." Well it is a typical Indian mentality that a fairer skin is more physically attractive. That is the reason why all the heroines are fair skinned or cosmetics like 'fair and lovely' are sold! You know, there's a tanning cream in Europe available called 'dark and lovely'... This funny connection between fairness and beauty is mostly in south Asian countries !! The consequence is fairness industry is worth more than 2k crore INR in India...

      btw all the best for the contest !!

      Delete
    3. Hi Pritam,

      We are obsessed with color and no wonder companies are minting money. People need to realize beauty eventually fades. We should appreciate and harp on inner beauty. And yes, there are tanning parlor in the west...Imagine...:)

      Thanks a ton for your wishes.

      Delete
  3. The beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, Saru! Best of luck for this lovely post!

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  4. Your words are beautiful and i know more!Lovely post! Inspired yet again! :D All the best!

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  5. A post as beautiful as you are. :-)

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  6. We live in a world which attributes physical beauty to almost everything - Being talented, beautiful, good heart etc. In such a scenario, this is a very novel way to define beautiful and this is the way it should be. Your beauty definitely reflects in your writing. All the best for the contest, Saru. :)

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    Replies
    1. Concept of beauty has changed over the years. I think anyone can look beautiful, all you need is right grooming. I am more of those who always prefer qualities over looks. Thanks for reading and for your wishes.

      Welcome back, you were missed.

      Delete
  7. "You are what you do, irrespective of your looks. If your work is beautiful, others will never judge you for being dark or fat" - Wonderful quote Saru :) It's true and I believe that what we do and how we do defines our beauty than the physical beauty. Both you and your posts are beautiful :)
    All the best :)

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    Replies
    1. Well said! 'How' is also very important. Some do it fair but some indulge in wrong methods, how defines what you are. Isn't it?

      And, thanks for your generous comment Sush.

      Delete
    2. Indeed ! 'How' plays a vital role :)

      Delete
  8. nice post..all the best for the contest!

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  9. Beautiful post. :) As beautiful as our work seems so apt. :)

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  10. Lovely post and yes beauty lies in the heart of beholder (eyes can be persuasive )! All the best !

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  11. Well said Saru. You are absolutely right and oh yes you are very beautiful :) Good luck

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    Replies
    1. Hehehehe...Thank you, both for reading and your wishes.

      Delete
  12. Lovely! Thought provoking post :)

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  13. Lovely post.. !!! Even I believe that what we do and how we do define our beauty.. Keep believing that you are beautiful as the people around you say and it reflects in your writing how beautiful your heart truely is!, keep writing..!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, positive thoughts have a positive and happy influence in your life. As I said, in my case, it may not be true but it keeps me motivated and happy. Thanks for reading, Priya.

      Delete
  14. Beauty is much more than looks. These lines are so true, "You are what you do, irrespective of your looks. If your work is beautiful, others will never judge you for being dark or fat." Everything contributes to one's beauty, one's work, lifestyle, behaviour, treating others. You have described the word beauty in a correct manner and that is how it should be...:)

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    Replies
    1. Beauty is sum total of many things and physical beauty is just a part of it. Thanks for reading and for a lovely comment, Prashanth.

      Delete
  15. Lovely post, Saru! We are all beautiful and unique beings. Beauty is defined by our persona!

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  16. Hey, loved it..a dn agree completely with you... Feeling beautiful is about making our work shine better than us..

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  17. Its unfortunate that people in this era go for the looks than brains.I think , every person is beautiful and we all are the creation of God , we should differentiate people .Thanks for sharing .

    -Pramod

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    Replies
    1. I think, you meant shouldn't. Yes, we all are God's creation, unique and beautiful in our own ways. Thanks for reading.

      Delete
  18. Yes Saru. Even I'm an Indian woman with normal looks. But when people ask me how do I manage all the works so perfectly, I recognize the admiration . Feel happy , proud when we have made our identity. Feel good when people say " You are talented". As you said we should be thankful to our support, family etc. Nice post and all the best. I'm confident you will win.

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    Replies
    1. You are super talented. And yes, we owe it to family and friends. Thanks for your wishes and vote of support. :)

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  19. You truly are beautiful! All the best:-)

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  20. beauty lies in the eyes of beholder and also one who is beautiful see beauty in everything.

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  21. True that, your theory and perception. We are what we make of us, so I guess, you are where you wanted to :)

    Cheers,
    Blasphemous Aesthete

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  22. Every person is beautiful in some way....ain't it

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  23. Wow! Saru you are really beautiful. Need I say anything more? :)

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  24. Your words beautiful and Inspired
    Lovely post, Saru ji


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  25. Of course, you are beautiful Saru like your words :) :) :) All the best for the contest!!!

    Someone is Special

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  26. Beautiful thoughts beautifully expressed by a beautiful girl!! All the best for the contest.

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  27. Saru, you are beautiful jus like your words. :)

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  28. Very nicely written and analyzed Saru. I do agree that "being beautiful" is much more than just the looks. But I also think that, at some point, we do look for approval of such theories from our near and dear ones especially life partners. Whether they support us or not, definitely is a factor in how well we pull off ourselves.

    Your thoughts?

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    Replies
    1. That is so true. No matter how much appreciation you get from others, you need approval of close ones. And that gives you the biggest dose of confidence.

      Delete
  29. "B"eauty is all in the "A"ttitude. Keep it high and roaring.
    Cheers

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  30. Very beautiful....just like you :)

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  31. You are beautiful. :)

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  32. You are a beautiful writer and a beautiful person.

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  33. A very beautiful post, with beautiful words, feelings and message.

    All of us are somehow familiar with this fact and know that being beautiful is not just about the good looks; only a few stand by this belief, and rest just spend most of the time and money in improving their complexion and buying cosmetics, instead of improving their real qualities.

    May this post help a few to realize that they are beautiful from inside, all they need is to have faith in themselves.

    BTW you are so beautiful Saru Ma'am. All the very best for the contest.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I blame TV for it. Young minds are so naive that they fall for those claims. We realize it much later in life that only inner beauty is permanent. Thanks a ton for your generous comment. It's always great to hear from you Ayushi :)

      Thanks for your wishes.

      Delete
  34. Sometimes beauty standardized with overlapping physical features.In case Amitab not succeeded ..he could have been treated as a common man with ugly height.Well written..!

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    Replies
    1. Right, we need to bring the qualities in the forefront. Thanks for reading Sir.

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  35. Very nice post Saru. Very relatable :) All the best for the contest

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  36. I feel a lovely heart makes a beautiful person :) amazing post!

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  37. You are beautiful Saru more then the girl in the Mia video, it is the thought process that makes us beautiful as you have rightly pointed out

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    Replies
    1. Yes, thought process is always more important and thanks for a generous comment. :)

      Delete
  38. All the the best for the contest . People are beautiful my the virtue of their deeds and principles.

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  39. The first few lines and I felt you were talking about me, a post which truly brings out your beauty. All the best for the contest.

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    Replies
    1. Glad that you are able to connect with it. Thanks for your wishes dear.

      Delete
  40. A heart warming post. And even more apt for women, who live under the subtle pressures of society to always "look" beautiful. We would be a far happier race if we were always pressurized to "be" beautiful instead.

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    Replies
    1. I agree. Just be what we are and be happy. Happiness brings beauty. Thanks for reading dear.

      Delete
  41. Beauty does keep assorted definitions for people. It is the artistry that you have, the glamour out of confidence, the standpoint you hold, the allure, the grace and many such elements. You have them and yes you are a beautiful member of this blogosphere.

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    Replies
    1. You have said it so beautifully that it brought a smile on my face. And, I loved the last line of your comment, narcissist me.

      Thanks for reading Suhas.

      Delete
  42. :O Hey But I found you pretty..Seriously :)

    very rightly said Saru. Looks, though drops one's first impression, its our work and overall character that defines us completely. I think being pretty has has its biggest demerit. A pretty person needs to carry off both, looks along with a sound brain...else one d be very harshly tagged as a Bimbo..and who wants to hear that?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You brought a very serious point here. I have seen it happening many a times. Sometimes, it's like beautiful people are dumb. Thanks for reading and for bringing more to this discussion, Jiggyasa.

      Delete
  43. Great post like this must be highly recommended. It is so nice to read such wonderful blog. Thanks for sharing! Have a pleasant day ahead.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for reading. You too have a great weekend.

      Delete
  44. Its all about what you give .. as a vibe .. i feel personally .. positive vibes .. from a person to the surrounding make him/her a darling .. outer looks please only for a moment or two .. :)
    and speaking specially about you I always get those positive vibes .. you think about the society .. you talk about facts and you are a dreamer .. the best thing is you encourage people around you and the biggest example is me .. it was you who mailed me that I should change my theme and that you could not comment .. it was you who kept visiting my space and had words of appreciation which inspired me to hang on till I am heard :)
    And I can bet there are 100s who came to Indi would have been encouraged by you ..
    What you right touches hearts because its written from heart.. you create an impact with simplicity..
    To me you are one of the most beautiful bloggers I am proud to be knowing !!
    :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is really heart-warming. Blogging is a beautiful medium and interaction is the essence of it. I feel lucky to have so many talented people as my friends. And what makes it even more graceful is comment like yours. Aren't we all blessed?

      Thanks a ton for one of the best comments ever. I will always cherish it Nitesh.

      Delete
  45. What a wonderful composition and yes you are right that we are beautiful with our work and the love we spread. But still i say You are physically beautiful too :)

    Best Wishes.

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  46. Ohhh...You're beautiful-inside out! And that's it....The attractive exterior of anything is superficial.
    Great post, Saru. All the best!

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  47. Awesome read!
    All the best for the competition Saru!:)

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  48. Lovely post.. enjoyed reading it and was able to relate to it too.. :-)

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  49. Hey Saru, allow me to distract from the post for a sec to take this opportunity to tell you that I find you as supremely beautiful and thinking human being. To describe beauty in physical terms will take out the very essence from the sacred word, leading to its objectification and commercialization. I don't believe that words can say everything, but they are the most powerful tools we have nevertheless. So they should be used with utter sincerity.

    I just love coming over your place, and I do that whenever life permits, and you know why I do that,

    because you, my friend, are BEAUTIFUL... :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You have a way of putting words in such a way that one feel proud to have you as a friend. I bet, not many can say it the way you did. I feel you are beautiful and a lot of it has to do with the company we keep. I am glad you are my friend.

      Can't thank enough for a generous comment. :)

      Delete
  50. We had many rotund actors who were heart throbs. Positive energy doesn't depend whether a guy has six pack abs or a girl has got a slender waist.

    Concept of beauty is also different in different parts. In the Southern film industry, anorexic models are not preferred.

    In India, colour of the skin is given a lot of importance. Whereas it is not the case abroad. Fat or slim is a matter of lifestyle, food and exercise. That shouldn't make the person feel bad. Look at Vishwanath Anand. There is always a smile on his face. Nobody says a bad word about he being overweight. However, during his loss to Gary Kasparov in the world chess championship, he said that he needed more fitness as that helps in concentrating better.

    In Mahabharata, Draupadi was supposed to be dark. That didn't deter the many kings and warriors to aspire her as their wife.

    So I think one shouldn't be bothered about beauty. Be true to yourself and be happy. We have only one life to live. It is too short to fritter away thinking about beauty or the lack of it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. History is filled with examples of many who did great without being physically attractive. And their achievements garnered many compliments for them. We must not give physical beauty more importance than required to maintain good health. Thanks a ton for reading Sabya and your recent article on success was one of the best I have ever read.

      Delete
  51. Awesome Post:) And you are Beautiful my friend:)

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  52. Beautiful thought n lovely post. I hold the same beliefs...really like it. A song is running in my head ' you're beautiful, no matter what they say' by Christina Aguilera.

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    Replies
    1. That's a beautiful song and thanks for reading.

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  53. I don't believe in going along with complexion being fair or hair being nicely tied. If person's heat is good , I am up for it :) That is beautiful than ever :) Nice one Saru :) All the best!

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  54. As long as one is beautiful at heart all is well.

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  55. External appearance is not a matter of fact. What is inside? That matters...

    Everything Begins & Ends With Us

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  56. Well put. All the best :) and congrats for the IBA too :)

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  57. Liked your thoughts.... agreed.... beauty is in what and how one do...instead only lingering to how one look

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    Replies
    1. Physical beauty will eventually fade. So, concentrate on your good deeds. Thanks for reading Chetan.

      Delete
  58. When i read you i wish your post never ends. Thats your beauty and aptly u r beautiful.

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  59. I have always believed beauty is a perception. And it lies in the eyes of the beholder! Like the way I write my next sentence - "Beautiful post as always, Saru :)"

    All the best :)

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  60. never judge a book by its cover...

    people who do not look at inner beauty (heart), its never worth taking anything from them..!

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  61. Every point in this article is true. Everyone is beautiful and special regardless of ow he/she looks.

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  62. True... I liked your example of 1 to 10 scale. The only thing I will add is that for me the scale of beauty begin from 0. If someone is good to me and honest, that person is the most beautiful person for me on the earth. Nonetheless, great post.

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    Replies
    1. That is true. Our deeds make us beautiful than our outer shelf.

      Delete
  63. Other just see what they wants to see, they dont know about the inner things. beauty is important but no as important as 'words',
    am I right?

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    Replies
    1. Words are important. They reflect who you truly are. I always feel, we can't put up a facade for a very long time.

      Thanks for reading, Parth. Welcome here!

      Delete
  64. it's depends on the how the people do the perception and you looks awesome.

    ReplyDelete

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