From abandonment to accolades: Rashika Reddy’s life journey transcends borders

VIKAS SHARMA
ESHOWE (Durban), Sept 1: From being abandoned as a day-old child to becoming a globally celebrated leader and pageant winner, South African entrepreneur Rashika Reddy’s remarkable journey stands as a testament to resilience, elegance, and empowerment. Her life story proves that women can break barriers, lead with compassion, and shine across continents.

In an exclusive conversation with IMCSD Herald, Rashika—who has spent more than two decades excelling in agriculture, corporate leadership, and beauty pageants—opened up about her struggles, victories, and mission to empower others.

“True success is not measured by the crowns you wear but by the lives you touch and empower. I have faced many hardships in life but never gave up. I always came back stronger to emerge victorious,” Rashika said, reflecting on her roller coaster journey.

For the past 21 years, she has been serving as Manageress at Coastal Farmers Co-op Ltd, a leading agricultural organization, where her dedication has earned her the Top Performer Award along with several professional accolades.

Her rise to international fame came in 2023, when she won the Mrs. India Worldwide (Country Winner – South Africa) title at the prestigious Haut Monde Mrs. India Worldwide. She further cemented her place on the global stage by being crowned 2nd Princess at the Supreme Queen Global Earth Africa 2024/2025.

Rashika’s achievements have also been highlighted by leading platforms. She was featured in Grey Magazine’s Top 50 Influential Women and is a Finalist for the KZN Business Women of the Year 2025 award—reflecting her ability to blend glamour with grit and beauty with intellect.

Beyond titles and trophies, Rashika is a Motivational Speaker, Development Coach, and Leadership Mentor. She uses her platform to inspire women to pursue personal growth, embrace leadership, and rise above challenges. As an Alumni Ambassador for the Supreme Queen Group, she continues to uplift and empower young women, guiding them toward confidence and success.

Rashika’s story—of resilience against all odds, professional excellence, and global recognition—remains an enduring example of how determination and compassion can transform lives.

Vikas Sharma

Vikas Sharma is a senior journalist with 20+ years of experience and Editor-in-Chief of IMCSD Herald. He is also the Founder & Managing Director of the Institute of Mass Communication and Skill Development (IMCSD), mentoring students through media education, internships, and skill-building initiatives. His journey in journalism began in 2005 with Early Times, followed by his role as Sports Correspondent with Daily Excelsior (2006–2012), where he covered national-level sports, events, and inspiring achievers’ stories. From 2012 to 2020, he served as Staff Correspondent with The Tribune, reporting on education, youth affairs, and sports from the Jammu Bureau. He currently works as Sub Editor/Senior Correspondent with Greater Jammu, continuing his contribution to credible journalism. An alumnus of Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology with a Master’s in Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC), Vikas has also earned 11 international journalism certifications from AFP, Reuters, Thomson Foundation, UNICEF, and WHO, strengthening his global perspective on reporting and media practices. Through IMCSD, a Startup India-recognized institution, he has trained and guided over 1,000 students from colleges across Jammu under media internships, workshops, and certificate programs. His initiatives such as School Media Clubs and college collaborations have provided young learners practical newsroom exposure, helping them develop career-oriented skills in journalism, communication, and creative writing. As Editor-in-Chief of IMCSD Herald, Vikas Sharma combines his decades of newsroom experience with his passion for media education. He envisions the platform not only as a source of accurate, balanced, and impactful news but also as a training ground that inspires the next generation of journalists and communicators.

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