Challenges harden the resolve of Pageant Winner

Venkat Raman

Getting about and utilising the opportunities that New Zealand offers is the wont of Karishma Hemi Ranchhod, who emerged as a winner at the Miss Five Crowns New Zealand 2018-2019.

The 21-year-old was named ‘Miss Five Crowns Charity Queen’ and ‘Miss Five Crowns New Zealand 2018-2019 Regional Winner’ at the finale held in Auckland recently.

However, Karishma is no ordinary winner; she has been fighting autoimmune problem for the past nine years, but each day makes her stronger in her will to combat the problem and get the better of it.

“Life is filled with difficulties; however, how we confront our challenges is what makes us successful. I have been suffering from autoimmune disease for over nine years now and I have faced incredible highs and lows while still studying, working and volunteering. But I have come out the other side much stronger and more determined to reach my goals,” she said.

Spirited Volunteer

As a part of her efforts to serve the community, Karishma volunteers on Wednesdays for Starship Children’s Hospital through Radio Lollipop.

“I go to the wards and spend time with the brave little children. We play games, participate in arts and crafts, sing, dance, play music and spend time. It is extremely rewarding helping to lift them when they are at their worst,” she said.

Raised in Auckland’s North Shore, Karishma is proud of her Indian tradition and living in a joint family of parents, two brothers and her grandmother, she respects time-honoured values and beliefs.

Education and Career

Karishma is a student at the University of Auckland pursuing her graduate degree (Bachelor of Commerce) with Accounting, Finance and Commercial Law as Major subjects and another degree (Bachelor of Health Science) with Population Health as the Major subject.

She is a part of the Accounting and Finance team at an international fast-food chain and considers her forthcoming trip to London (on November 18, 2018) for an internship with a Consulting firm.

Facing Challenges

Karishma said that she participated in the Miss Five Crowns New Zealand Competition because she loves facing challenges.

“Being a part of the Miss Five Crowns New Zealand family has helped me grow as a person. I accept who I am, comfortably and confidently speak in public and I have gained 13 new Pageant sisters. I have also been able to get more involved in my community through Miss Five Crowns New Zealand,” she said.

Youthline New Zealand

Organisers of the Contest have chosen ‘Youthline New Zealand’ as their Charity this year and Karishma said that she helps in raising funds through bake sales, open mic nights, raffles and bucket collections.

She is justifiably proud of having collected more than $4000, earning her the title of ‘Miss Five Crowns NZ 2018 Charity Queen.’

She was also placed among the Top 5 and took home the Regional title.

“I did not enter the pageant to win a Crown, but because I believed that it was the perfect way for me to help spread my message to the world. Anything is truly possible if you never give up,” she said.