Gitali Ganisha Ram, a 21-year-old originally hailing from Ba, is set to compete for the FMF Hibiscus crown this year, representing Miss APCO Coatings. Currently residing in Auckland, New Zealand, she juggles her studies in the medical field alongside a passion for modeling and pageantry.
Gitali’s educational journey began at Arya Kanya Pathshala for primary education and continued at Xavier College in Ba for secondary education before she moved abroad to pursue further studies. Her modeling aspirations are deeply influenced by her mother’s success in local Fijian pageants in the 1990s, with her mother winning two pageants, one of which led to a prize trip to New Zealand.
Despite such familial inspiration, Gitali emphasizes that her mother’s journey was not a directive for her path but rather a personal pursuit fueled by passion. She recalls her determination at 17 to participate in a pageant audition, which her mother supported wholeheartedly.
For Gitali, the Hibiscus Festival is more than a competition; it symbolizes community bonding and cultural celebration. “Hibiscus brings the community together, and that’s something I’m passionate about,” she expressed. Her motivation extends beyond personal achievement as she seeks to be part of the festival’s rich legacy, supporting and making memories with fellow contestants.
A stalwart advocate for education and youth empowerment, Gitali voices her concerns about child poverty, wherein some children are forced out of education and into illicit activities, missing out on basic rights. Her narrative champions visibility and recognition for all, fostering an inclusive pride in being Fijian, regardless of one’s beginnings.
Her journey embodies a seamless blend of tradition, ambition, and community spirit as she takes to the Hibiscus stage, aspiring to make a meaningful impact on society. This year’s Hibiscus Festival promises to be a memorable event, with Gitali’s story adding a vibrant chapter to its legacy.
Leave a comment