Trini wins International Ambassador of Diwali in Guadeloupe

Karishma Boodram won the International Ambassador of Diwali 2022 crown in the recently-held competition in Guadeloupe.

By winning the title, she has been elected International Ambassador of Diwali 2022.
The competition was held at Saint Francois, Guadeloupe. Boodram competed against nine contestants who represented France, London, India, South Africa, Guadeloupe, Suriname, Myanmar, Mauritius and Guyana.

Sanika Biyani from Myanmar placed second and Varisha Ramlal from Suriname was third. The last time this decade-old competition was held in 2019, it was won by the candidate from India. This year's event was held October 21-24.

President of Gopio Guadeloupe Michel Narayaninssamy partnered with GIO France (Global Indian Organization) to have participants from a worldwide network of new Indian diaspora youngsters, compete and bring cultures from around the world together for Diwali.

One of the competition's aims is to bring a cultural, spiritual and economical dimension to make Guadeloupe an attractive tourist and investment destination.

“Now that I have won the crown, it is my duty as their Olympian and spiritual flame, to be in charge of bringing the light of peace, unity, fraternity and universality of man, ethics, non-violence, throughout the earth,” she told the Newsday in an interview.

She said her responsibility also mandates her to support in the name of Diwali, justice, fraternity, ecology, to draw the attention of all the competent international organisations to the threats and attacks on the dignity of man and the natural balance.

A broader objective is to ensure maintenance and development of Diwali throughout the diaspora and wherever else possible.

The 24-year-old graduate of Gasparillo, South Trinidad, is a double major BSc graduate with first class honours in biochemistry and biology from the University of the West Indies (UWI).
Unemployed, she dreams of using her education and skills in performing research with stem cell therapy and genetic engineering, to one day find solutions for the eradication of Alzheimer’s disease.

A self-taught keyboardist and avid sports lover who enjoys cricket, badminton and archery, Boodram is also a professional dancer. She is senior member at Prema Shakti Dancers and Theatre Productions where her experience as an Indian classical and folk dancer for the past 15 years is in demand.

She never thought this exposure would have qualified her for an international pageant, but when PRO of the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) Surujdeo Mangaroo contacted her artistic director for a possible candidate, she was selected.

“I think my level of determination, dedication to my academic life, being a lead dancer for the group together with meeting the age and other requirements, I was chosen to represent TT.
Having never travelled outside of TT, with little time to train, her only exposure was in the Mr and Miss Sanfest in 2014 where she was awarded Best Female Self Expression and placed third overall, she embraced the opportunity to represent.

"I most definitely went to win, if someone doesn't have a winner's mindset then how can they succeed? However, that mindset was honestly difficult to maintain whilst I was in Guadeloupe, especially when I saw how stunning and talented each and every girl was in person. And also seeing that they had their family present with them whilst I was alone; it was mentally challenging, emotionally as well. But, I had to be strong, not only for myself, but for my country, for everyone home supporting me.

"Hence, the moment my name was called for first place, I was shocked, but at the same time, I knew I gave my everything on that stage. At last a sense of relief took over me, I could have finally breathe in Guadeloupe. The competition was over and I won. I won the hearts of the judges, and the people of Guadeloupe. This was not just a personal accomplishment for me, I felt proud to be a Trinidadian! Because Trinidad and Tobago produces winners! And the world should know that!"

Boodram wowed the Guadeloupe audience with her message of Diwali, about the festival being used to encourage more environmentally-friendly practices as the world deals with climate change and global warming.

Her talent – a stunning Bharatanatyam piece dedicated to the various aspects of Devi, Hindu goddess – as well as her parade in a traditionally-wrapped sari, gave her the edge over her competitors.

Surprised, but elated by her victory, Boodram encouraged others to break barriers and pursue their dreams and vision with passion and purpose.
She lives by the motto “do onto others, as you would have them do onto you,” as she aspires to be the change she wishes to see in this world.