KOCHI: “I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something I can do”. Helen Keller’s famous words may ring true for 20-year-old Sophia M Jose who has been selected to represent India in the Miss World Deaf and Dumb Contest which will be held in Prague,Czech Republic this month.
The BA second year student from Eroor who is currently studying at Xavier’s College, Aluva, is an example of grit and determination as she fights all odds to attain her biggest dream. “My daughter always says that she wants to be a supermodel and we are willing to fight all the way to make her dream come true,” says Sophia’s mother, Goriaty. The mother and daughter duo are all set to fly to Prague where Sophia is hoping to win laurels.
“We were not sure whether we could make it for the contest owing to the huge financial expense. But there were kind sponsors, who were willing to help us which makes it possible for us to go for the competition at Prague. Sophia had become the first runner-up in the Miss India Deaf and Dumb competition held in Delhi. She had a lot of confidence, which gives her an edge,” Goriaty, who is a Bhavan’s school teacher, said.
Sophia’s father Joe Francis works at Hindustan Petroleum.
Since the winner of the Miss India competition is not going for the contest, Sophia is the only Indian to represent India at Prague.
Sophia, according to her parents, had shown exceptional talent during her school and college years. “ We home schooled her for some time since we did not want her to be segregated by putting her in a special school. We realised she was deaf when she was 10-months’ old. We started training her closely and identified her talents. She had emerged as a champion in several athletic events. She later started expressing an interest towards modelling three years ago. “These children are special with special needs and they have to be given due care and attention. Don’t send them to hostels, rather train them yourselves,” she said.
Sophia is interested in glass painting, sari designing, driving and is passionate about car racing.
Sophia is undergoing training in dance and hopes to win her way through the talent round of the Miss World Contest.