MRS INDIA INTERNATIONAL QUEEN FINALIST Dr. Kiran Dhankhar

Congratulations Dr. Kiran Dhankhar from Delhi for being selected as a finalist of Mrs India International Queen 2026! Let’s know more about her. We interviewed Dr. Kiran and here are her amazing answers:

Name: Kiran Dhankhar

Profession: Scientist, Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO)

Qualification: M.Tech (Chemical Engineering), IIT Delhi; EFPM (Doctorate, HR), IIM Rohtak

Location: Delhi

Strengths: Resilience, perseverance and a positive attitude

Weakness: Self-critical and pays too much attention to detail

Likes: Music, dance and traveling

Dislikes: Discrimination, telling lies and being disrespectful

Tell us about your family:

• Married to Samrath Dhankhar (Fighter Pilot, Indian Air Force)
• Blessed with two daughters (ages: 17 years and 11 years)

Quotes that keep you going, motivate you:

• Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action!
• Believe you can and you’re halfway there!
• In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity!
• True beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself!
• This too shall pass!

Achievements/ Anything you are proud of yourself:

Apart from taking immense pride in being an IIT Delhi and an IIM Rohtak alumnus, I am very proud of having worked as a scientist in the prestigious Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for over 20+ years and contributing to India’s defence research as an armament specialist. Working in defence research is not just a profession — it is a responsibility toward millions of lives. At DRDO, I learned that true service doesn’t always stand in the spotlight; sometimes it works silently in laboratories, ensuring that our armed forces stand stronger. This journey shaped me into a woman of discipline, resilience, and purpose.

On the personal front, I am proud to be a fighter pilot’s wife because I stand beside a man who serves the nation with courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment.

Behind every uniform is a family that shares the sacrifice — the long waits, the silent prayers, and the strength to stay resilient. Being a fighter pilot’s wife has taught me patience, independence, and emotional strength. It has shown me that love is not just about togetherness, but about standing strong even when miles apart. I carry pride not just in his service to the nation, but in the strength, it has built within me. For me, it is not just a role — it is a responsibility, an honour, and a badge of courage in its own right.

What is Women Empowerment according to you?

Women empowerment, according to me, is about realizing our own worth and potential. It is the freedom to make choices, the courage to raise our voices, and the confidence to stand tall in any room we enter. I believe empowerment begins with education, financial independence, and self-belief. But beyond that, it is about lifting other women as we rise. Also, when a woman is empowered, families prosper, societies rise and nations progress. Therefore, according to me, women empowerment may be summarized as ‘PROGRESS’ which may be explained as:

P – Potential to be recognized and nurtured

R – Rights in education, work, safety, and decision-making

O – Opportunities to grow and lead

G – Growth (personal, professional, and emotional)

R – Representation

E – Education for independence and informed choices.

S – Self-Belief

S – Solidarity, when women support women, incredible things happen.

Message for the society:

My message for the society is “empower with equality and lead with empathy.” I believe real change begins at home in how we raise our daughters and teach our sons to value women as equals.

I would like the world to get over with gender stereotyping towards various roles and move towards a gender-neutral society. When we remove stereotypes, we unlock true human potential. For example, from a young age, we must stop telling boys to be strong and girls to be soft — and instead teach both to be kind, confident, and capable.

A gender-neutral society does not mean ignoring our differences — it means ensuring those differences never limit opportunities.

How will you give back to society after becoming a Queen?

If I am honoured with this crown, I will use it as a platform, not just a title. Being from a background in science and national defence service, I strongly believe in empowering women through education and skill development. I also want to promote awareness about gender equality and self-confidence at the grassroots level, because empowerment begins with mindset change.

At present, I am an active member of Air Force Family Welfare Association, through which I am associated with various welfare activities for ladies and children from Air Force Families, focusing on their education, empowerment and skill development. If I am crowned as Queen, it will enable me to utilize this platform to contribute towards the welfare of civilian women and children as well. I believe, a Queen is one who doesn’t shine alone but creates light for others. Therefore, I will measure my success not by the crown I wear, but by the lives I uplift.

Why have you participated in Mrs India International Queen?

I have participated in Mrs India International Queen because I believe a woman’s journey does not pause after marriage — it evolves. As a scientist, a proud wife and mother, I have fulfilled many responsibilities, and this platform allows me to express another dimension of myself — confidence, grace and leadership.

It gives me the opportunity to rediscover myself, grow in new dimensions and be able to contribute more to society. I am here not just to compete, but to represent modern Indian women who balance ambition with values. I want to inspire women to rediscover themselves, to chase dreams fearlessly, and believe that it is never too late to shine.