Olive Green To Beauty Queen

This is a memoir which talks about Lt Col Ankita Srivastava's journey from a Fauji to a Beauty queen. The author embarked on the interesting and challenging mission to re discover her feminine side. She has recounted her experiences honestly, in clear and simple language with a nice touch of humor. She gives us glimpses into the not so pretty facets of the fashion world, the politics between contestants and her own struggle to get used to dresses, make up and stilettos. She has also seamlessly interwoven her army life chronicles at various relevant points in the narration, comparing the instances humorously with events in her beauty queen journey. The ending was so thrilling, when she transformed herself into a Fauji while still in her rampwalk attire, to deal with a sudden security threat. The last line which the power woman of the beauty world says to her summarizes it all'...I thought I could make you completely feminine. If I had succeeded, none of us would probably be alive right now....'She did succeed in re discovering her femininity but always remains a true soldier at heart.Jai Hind, ma'am and Kudos to you !!

Author Ankita Srivastava's autobiography, 'Olive green to beauty queen' definitely makes for an awe inspiring read! It is remarkable how she transforms herself and embraces change successfully. Written in a lucid and simplistic style, the book is also sprinkled with hoards of humour making it an interesting read. Her courageous persona is motivating - after all it takes a certain grit to join the army and it's no secret that the modelling world is cut throat and unforgiving tooI must say that as my dad also served the Indian army, I found the book highly relatable - it is really true that once a soldier, always a soldier! Ankita displays this throughout the narrative. Am sure with her invincible attitude, there are many more adventures ahead on the road for Ankita - wishing her many more joyous triumphs!:)

Olive Green to Beauty Queen penned by Ankita Srivastava is a funny narrative autobiographical in nature . A dive into the life of a woman who served the Indian Army for 14 years and then embarked on a self exploration journey. A journey from military boots to the stilletos. The ability to find humour in the very mundane situations is the author's forte. She tells stories of her life in a very real and a candid way holding back nothing. Sharing the limitations and the triumphs with such simplicity, offering an honest glimpse into her life in a very hilarious way of what it is to be like moving from the masculine world of army to exploring her feminine side, the diva within. A successful tale of both the worlds put in a funny way. I would definitely recommend this book to those who wish to unburden and have a little laugh. It will tickle you and leave a smile on your face.

Ankita's autobiography is written so eloquently. The balance between the expected mannerisms of a Colonel and the delicacy of a woman, comes out so beautifully. I felt that in her heart, Ankita remained who she was, be it in her Olive greens or while scorching the ramp. The writing is witty yet deep. Looking forward to more of her work.

Courage, determination, perseverance and being grounded. Qualities that help you deal with any situation. Ankita had them and they helped her in becoming a successful army officer and a successful pagaent participant and winner. Her story also proves that one can be successful without resorting to unfair tactics or not helping others. The desire to learn and become a better person , sticking to your beliefs ( shirt denim short vs knee length Capri) is not compromise. Your inner beauty will magnify your external one.There are so many lessons for everyone in this book. It's written in a simple, straightforward way just like the author is. A book written straight from heart is exactly what the book doctor prescribed to bookworms. Just grab this book and your cuppa tea/coffe and lose yourself in the transitioning world if an army officer to a shining example of "feminity"

To begin with, this is an inspiring story of an exceptionally strong, self-empowered and successful woman! A story told by the woman herself, with all vigour, sincerity and SWAG! Ankita Srivastava, the author and the protagonist, comes across as a champion of domains, which are so different from each other - Army, Beauty pageants and writing! Her incredible transition from one to the other in real life as in this book leaves one speechless!Her narration is smooth and effortless, and her language polished and striking! She comes across as a woman of style as well substance, with determination and focus writ large on every word in the book!My sincere question while concluding: which is the next domain that Ankita Srivastava is going to conquer? Hopefully, she would come up with another fascinating tale, which shall chronicle this conquest!

The book is based on the biography of the author, who served the country in the Indian Army for 14 years. Very impressive and inspiring story that keeps you hooked till the end. The author has written his biography very well. The story shows women empowerment that women are not less than men at all. 🙂👍