Sonika Sharma being crowned Mrs India Earth 2017.

Vikram Sharma

Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 16

Sonika Sharma, 40, Mrs India Earth 2017 has expressed her desire to work for addressing the miseries of the war widows of Bhadurgarh, Rajasthan.Wife of an Army officer Colonel Yogesh Sharma and mother of 12-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son, Sonika said before competing for the pageant, she had a vision to do something for war widows, but now she owns the responsibility to be with them for their betterment.“The Army supports war widows to all extent, but still they remain struggle while completing the formalities, which adds to their miseries. I want to be with them and help them secure their life,” Sonika added. She informed that Bhadurgah village in Rajasthan was a place where most of the war widows live as almost every household in the village had a male serving in the Army.“Many Army officers of the village have lost their lives while performing their duties in different conflict zones. I have a great yearning to be among these widows, listen to the heroic acts of their men and help them in all possible ways,” she said.Sonika clinched the coveted trophy after competing with 48 other finalists drawn from India and abroad as well. The pageant was conducted by Ritika Vinay Asia Pacific while Bollywood celebrities Mahima Chaudhary and lyricist Sameer were the judges.Sonika wore a Dogri dress in the traditional round of the Mrs India Earth pageant. She is actively involved in environmental control activities and has been working for the handicapped and underprivileged children. Besides, she is a fitness freak and runs up to 50 km in a week. She has also taken part in three premium half marathons representing Jammu.Sonika is the principal at Akhnoor Army School. She is also into fashion designing and has produced great quality fashion outfits for women.