Venkat Raman
Auckland, April 19, 2018
When Rukshana Afu was crowned ‘Miss Congeniality 2018’ and declared First Runner-Up at the ‘Mrs India Australia’ Contest held in Gold Coast on April 14, there was not just applause but also agreement from all other contestants, organisers and of course the audience.
For, this young, mother of two, is known for her compassion, ability to make friends and extend her love and care for people in distress.
It was nonetheless a moment of justifiable pride, for there are 26 contestants who were vying for the title, with eleven of them making it to the final.
About the Contest
Organised by Miss India Australia Corporation, the Mrs India Australia Contest is open to women of Indian origin between 19 and 50 years of age.
The Company’s National Director Reena Koak said that the Pageant provides an opportunity for Women to make a difference and let their inner beauty shine.
“Our Pageant has been created to celebrate the outstanding success one has achieved in different phases of life. As such Mrs India Australia Corporation strives to recognise beautiful, successful, and confident and goal-driven women. This glamorous and prestigious event also provides a unique forum for empowering Indian women to be the best,” she said.
About Rukshana Afu
Rukshana is proud of her intercultural and inter-Pacific heritage. Her father (Abdul Ahmed) is a Fijian Muslim from Lautoka, Fiji, while her mother Violeta is a Samoan Christian. She is married to Sione Afu, a Tongan Christian and has two children- ten-year-old Aliyah and four-year-old Isaac.
Supporting people
She pursues the profession of providing support as a ‘Birth and Bereavement Doula’ and Infant Massage Instructor. Earlier, she worked as a Chiropractic Assistant for seven years but works at home and takes bookings for Chiropractic Clinics.
“I have launched an ‘Anti-Bullying and Mental Illness Campaign’ aimed at helping ethnic women. I offer them help to make them feel supported, to speak up, raise awareness among mothers, wives and fulltime workers who struggles daily. I hope to host workshops and retreats for women shortly,” she said.
Photo Caption:
- Rukshana Afu being given the Ms Congeniality 2018 Title
- Rukshana Afu with Nikhil Goyal, Satinder Benepal (Owner of Haveli Maharaja Restaurant), Sanjida Kabir Borsha and Reena Koak
- Rukshana Afu in her ‘Gold’ Themed dress for Round 3 of the Contest
Pictures by Harrish Rajeev, Dream Factory Production
