Me, The Change: Meet Deshna Jain, The Deaf Queen of the Ramp

Deshna Jain from Madhya Pradesh has been crowned Miss Deaf Asia and Miss Deaf India. This is her story.

Deshna Jain is from Madhya Pradesh. She is Miss Deaf Asia 2018. 

(Photo: Aroop Mishra/The Quint)

Deshna Jain grew up in a small town called Tikamgarh in Madhya Pradesh. She hit headlines by becoming Miss Deaf Asia, 2018.

“When I was on stage and the winners were being announced, I was wondering if my name was going to be there. I saw my sign name in the audience. That’s how I found out I had won.”

Deshna Jain

The 21-year-old girl had earlier won the Miss India title where she competed against 80 contestants from 20 states.

Deshna is a student of BA honors at Indore Deaf Bilingual Academy. She had never thought she would become a model. When she came to Indore for higher studies, people told her she should try modelling.

“I was always interested in studying and dancing. When I came to Indore, people here told me that I am beautiful. My friends said, ‘For modelling you are perfect.’ My teacher Monica ma’am told me about a beauty pageant where I competed, not with deaf people, but with [people with] hearing. The competition was Miss Antriksh and I was a winner.” 

Deshna

Deshna wants to become an example for the deaf community.

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