FROM growing up in a broken family to overcoming bullying, body shaming and the challenges of single motherhood, Raksha Radhika Malik believes every setback has prepared her for a bigger purpose.
The 2026 Miss India South Pacific Fiji contestant says the pageant is more than a beauty competition — it is an opportunity to inspire women to believe in themselves, no matter their circumstances.
Raised by her father and his family after her parents separated when she was just one years old, Ms Malik said she learnt resilience from an early age.
“I have faced bullying on social media, body shaming, stress and many taunts because I come from a middle-class family,” she said.
“There was a time when I even gave up on my life, but my dad gave me hope to live again.
“Today I want to show everyone that no matter what we go through, life must go on. Giving up is not an option.”
Originally from Koronubu, Ba, Ms Malik attended Natawa Primary School, Koronubu Sanatan Primary School, AD Patel College and Khalsa College before furthering her studies at the University of the South Pacific and the University of Fiji.
Now a marketing professional, entrepreneur and content creator, she left her job with the Ministry of Education to work from home so she could spend more time raising her four-year-old son.
“My son is my biggest motivation. Motherhood is not the end of my story; it is the beginning of my greatest chapter.”
A former Miss Ba Farmers Queen (2017) and passionate netball player, Ms Malik hopes her journey will encourage more women to become financially independent.
“It’s time for women to wake up, get educated, work, earn and stand on their own feet so no one can point fingers at us.
“We should be independent, build our own homes and live freely with a smile on our faces.”
She credits her father, Satendra Malik, her aunt Sunil Lata, her grandfather Shailendra Malik for shaping the woman she is today.
“We all make mistakes, but we can also correct them. Everyone deserves a chance to change and live a happy life.”
Raksha Radhika Malik with her son Riddhish Divyansh Kumar. Picture: SUPPLIED
