Welder inspector to beauty queen
“Just like all the other amazing women out there, I am trying to achieve goals in a different career path, which our hearts desire to be in,”
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but one person in eMalahleni who does not mind getting down and dirty, has recently won the Zee TV Miss India competition.
Karisha Ajudhiya (24) is currently employed as a Welding and Fabrication Inspector in eMalahleni.
In August she entered the Zee TV Miss India competition that took place in Kwa-Zulu Natal where she was crowned first princess.
“I will be taking part in the national pageant on December 3 at Gold Reef City where I will be competing against the other regional top three winners,” said Karisha.
The woman that wins at this competition will be crowned queen and will be going to New York next year to compete in the global pageant representing South Africa.
Karisha is a very outgoing person and her personality radiates all around.
“Just like all the other amazing women out there, I am trying to achieve goals in a different career path, which our hearts desire to be in,” she said.
Karisha was born in New Castle (Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal) then she relocated to Kinross.
She attended T.P Stratten Primary School and went to Evander High School.
Karisha Ajudhiya (24) recently crowned Zee TV Miss India.
After school she went to study towards a Diploma in Welding and Fabrication Inspection. At this stage she is currently Total Quality Management through Unisa and she is doing her Level 2 Welding and Fabrication Inspector at Kusile Power Station.
Keshira Ramsahayee contacted Karisha to take part in this competition.
“I was invited by a makeup artist/hairstylist who has worked her wonders on me for a family function. I think all young girls should have some exposure to this in order to build their confidence and boost their morale,” said Karisha.
The reason why Karisha decided to take part in the Zee TV Miss India pageant was because she holds her culture close to her heart.
“This opportunity allowed me to shine within my cultural spectrum and give back to the community and serve the under privileged, both of which I am actively involved with. This is also an opportunity to being selected as a Zee TV Presenter, which makes it all the more exciting,” said Karisha.
Winning for Karisha was overwhelming.
“At first I was ecstatic at winning the “Miss Beautiful Eyes” title. That gave me hope for one of the top three positions. It gave me confidence that my hard work has paid off. What started out as fun and games is now leading to serious games,” she said with a laugh.
At this stage she is busy preparing for the competition in December and he preparation entails, her portfolios being modified and screened.
“I am busy rehearing my talent for that segment of the pageant and I will be performing a three minute Indian dance.
She is also busy with the sourcing of a Western gown, Eastern garment (Sari) and a dance outfit from various sponsors.
Charity work and preparation for the Zee TV Presenter search is underway as well.
“I am a fitness freak and enjoy boot camp and Zumba on weekdays. I try to maintain a healthy diet, but who can, when you have your mother’s delicious cooking at your doorstep,” said Karisha.
She is the youngest from a family of four and when time permits she loves spending time with them.
“This pageant gives you opportunity to meet with other aspiring motivated young women. By the end you will certainly take back a lot more than what you anticipated. It gives us the opportunity to explore a very different aspect of our culture and keeping us proud to be ambassadors thereof. Go for it… It’s within your reach,” Karisha concluded.
