Founded by Ramishaa Lingaratnam, the South Asia Pageant was created to provide women and girls with a platform where culture, confidence, leadership and purpose come together.
As a South Asian woman and pageant titleholder herself, Ramishaa saw firsthand how pageantry can extend far beyond beauty. After representing Ceylon internationally in Cambodia, she wanted to create an opportunity for others to proudly represent their heritage while developing their confidence, advocacy and voice.
The South Asia Pageant welcomes delegates across several age divisions, including Junior, Teen, Miss, Ms and Elite, creating opportunities for different generations to participate and be represented. Candidates are encouraged to celebrate their cultural identity while using their platform to support causes and communities that are meaningful to them.
The organization’s vision is centered on representation, empowerment, cultural pride and social impact. Delegates are not selected solely on appearance or previous pageant experience. Their personality, potential, story, advocacy, leadership and desire to make a difference are also important parts of the selection process.
For the 2027 season, selected delegates will have the opportunity to advance to the World Universal international pageant in Nairobi, Kenya, taking place from May 29 to June 4, 2027. There, delegates will step onto an international stage alongside participants from around the world.
The journey also focuses on preparation and personal development, helping delegates strengthen skills such as communication, interview technique, stage presence, catwalk and confidence.
For Ramishaa, the South Asia Pageant represents something much larger than a crown or title. It is about creating a space where South Asian women and girls can say: this is my heritage, this is my story, and my voice deserves to be heard.
Registration and additional information are available through the South Asia Pageant website at southasianpageants.com. or via their instagram @southasiapageant. “
