In this interview, Kaanchan S Farkiya discusses her path from town council leadership to global advocacy. As a board director and Global Executive Committee President at IATB California, she’s led impactful projects like community blood drives and support for isolated seniors.
Now, as the Honorary International Brand Ambassador for Oxford Eduserve India, Kaanchan is committed to empowering students and enriching their education. She shares how she balances roles as a beauty queen, writer, and activist with her vision for global compassion and positive change.
1. Can you share some highlights from your journey as Miss World Class Ms. USA and former Ms. Asian North America?
Farkiya: All my pageant experiences were so vivid, whether for Miss Madhya Pradesh India, Mrs. Asia San Diego 2016, Ms. Asian North America, or Miss World-Class Ms. USA. The most important aspect is that I represented my country, India. I have earned subtitles as Mrs. Role Model of the Year 2016, Mrs. People Choice, Mrs. Elegance, Mrs. Congeniality, and Mrs. Cultural of the Year 2016. After winning all the subtitles, all the girls rushed over to me immediately, and all of the people were so happy for me. It was a moment where I felt so much appreciated.
The Ms. Asian North America pageant was held in Las Vegas, where I spent one of the best weeks of my life. I shared happiness and emotions with all the pageant sisters. I still can’t believe that I was the winner of Ms. Asian North America 2016, and the most rewarding aspect was giving pride to my city, Indore, and my country, India. Miss World Class Ms. USA is a prestigious title, and I am truly blessed with this honor.
Becoming a title holder has been a great way to share and spread awareness of my platform. A big part of Ambassadorship is a mentorship program established to help individuals focus on their personal and professional growth through their platform development. There are 3 core areas of the program: guidance, encouragement, and awareness. It was exhilarating, and my reign was so significant and laden with meaning and admiration, as was my vision to fulfill all my responsibilities as a queen.
2. As a social activist and educator, what projects or initiatives are you currently involved in within the United States?
Farkiya: Currently, surrounded by city leaders, I am on the board of directors of a civic nonprofit organization that reinforces positive outcomes in my community. I help sponsor projects to make our community a better place to live. By the same token, I enjoy planning and organizing annual community events and leadership work to serve others for humanity. Equally, I support the community in continuing a tradition from 1984 to now, which is to recognize exceptional volunteers and appreciate the selfless work of others.
We also offer scholarship opportunities to high school students to support them in their educational journey. As an educator, I teach college students, serve the community with free yoga workshops, and help children and adults practice mindful ways of self-care.
3. How has your experience as a television actress in India influenced your career trajectory in the United States?
Farkiya: Yes, acting in a TV series is something that was offered by several TV directors and producers when I was a teenager. I felt so humble and accepted to try my own acting skills. My acting experience includes TV series and music videos for local television in India.
I have worked as a lead role actress in state-level TV serials that used to be telecast in the morning and prime time television every week. It was a learning experience working with all kinds of talented actors.
During that time, I managed my education as well as my acting career. It took up a good chunk of my time, but I feel that dipping my toe in the water for so many other extracurricular activities and studies let me gain insight into different experiences and viewpoints.
4. Could you tell us more about your role as a Town Council Board of Directors and Global Executive Committee IATB President California?
Farkiya: Besides organizing monthly “town hall” meetings, we do many humanitarian works. During Covid, we helped and publicize “You Are Not Alone” phone calls for old people who were quarantining alone and would feel reassured knowing someone would make a daily phone call to check on them.
In addition, organizing Blood drives in the community also helped to meet the needs of local patients who were battling life-threatening blood disorders and cancers, suffering from trauma like burns or accidents, and even complications from childbirth. Similarly, as a member of the Global Executive Committee, we do volunteer work, such as supporting and helping talented artists realize their worth to reach new heights.
For instance, we organized a global prayer for world peace through devotional songs, and the purpose of this program was to encourage those who have been struggling to regain the last breath of their lives in hospitals.
5. What inspired you to become an Honorary International Brand Ambassador for OXFORD EDUAERVE India, and how do you envision your role impacting education initiatives?
Farkiya: Oxford Eduserve India invited me as their Honorary International Brand Ambassador, and I accepted it as it was an honor to be an education leader and assist others.
This organization helps education leaders build knowledge, skills, and systems to improve teaching and learning through conferences, webinars, publications, learning networks, and consulting services. It also provides end-to-end solutions to effectively run an educational institution where 21st-century children can grow, learn, and flourish in a stress-free environment to become tomorrow’s global leaders.
6. How do you balance your roles as a beauty queen, model, writer, and social activist while serving the community as an educator and board member?
Farkiya: That’s a beautiful question! I always remember to work with a balance of my heart and brain. In a time when the system and society are oscillating on the edge of extinction and anxiety is on the rise, it is imperative for me to contribute more to society and uplift the morale of the people, which is most needed nowadays.
As a citizen of the globe, I help needy people live better lives. That’s why I have been working on becoming a positive change in the community, country, and around the world. I try to balance my personal and professional life every day.
7. What challenges have you faced in your journey, and how have you overcome them?
Farkiya: I have been living a beautiful life with lots of challenges. I learned so many life lessons, and now I believe in challenging myself to be an example of change. Those challenges could be anything from minor technical issues to adverse family and health conditions to social obstacles.
However, all those challenges offered numerous benefits that contributed to my personal growth. I embraced those challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. I can say I am stronger and more resilient mentally than ever before.
8. Can you share some memorable moments or accomplishments from your time as Women of the Year 22-23?
Farkiya: Being recognized as “Woman of the Year” is a prestigious honor that celebrates outstanding achievements, contributions, and leadership qualities. Here are some highlights of being named Woman of the Year.
As Woman of the Year, I started motivating others, especially young women and girls. People read my success story, which empowers others to pursue their dreams and break barriers. I really appreciate all your love and admiration. I have been invited to be one of the judges’ panels for cultural events, Miss California, Miss Oceanside, and Miss Poway scholarship pageants. I was invited to the most prominent Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association Band Review & Field Tournament competition, where I distributed the first-place trophy to the winner.
It is for the high school musical band school students to encourage all students to recognize their strengths and creativity. I have been invited as the Guest of Honor for the Bholo Manav’s Gems Award for recognizing humanitarian work and outstanding commitment to the community. I have received an award as the Most Outstanding Fashion Icon of the Year and “World Records of the Universe” as the most influential, inspiring, and iconic woman of the Universe.
I was awarded Shri Ram Ratna Recognition 2022 for spreading and doing humanitarian work. It was recognized through a letter of commendation by The United Federation of Social Reformers (UFSR). As a motivational speaker at the global peace and sustainable development summit, I was involved with the movement for gender equality.
This event aimed to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. I have appeared on a talk show from Australia. It was featured on CBS8 and KUSI news @10 in their latest news. During my reign as the aforementioned, with all pageant experience, I was fortunate to promote cultural awareness and community outreach among people of all ages.
Through my platform, I believe that people will get to know the social causes that I am passionate about and be able to motivate others. I get chances to amplify my voice and advocate for causes that are important to me. I am able to see the opportunities to raise awareness, initiate change, and make a positive impact on society.
9. How do you use your platform to promote education, raise awareness for psychosocial issues, and support community outreach programs in the United States?
Farkiya: I used many different platforms and approaches depending on my goals, audience, and resources. In addition, raising awareness for psychosocial issues has been impactful when done through strategic use of both online and offline platforms.
Psychosocial issues include mental health, social relationships, and societal factors affecting well-being, so I have been campaigning to educate, engage, and spread awareness through my articles, webinars, workshops, and online events. Overall, being named Woman of the Year is a significant milestone that not only celebrates individual achievement but also represents progress toward gender equality and empowerment.
10. Lastly, what future projects or goals do you have in mind to continue positively impacting society locally and globally?
Farkiya: My future projects or goals are related to humanitarian work, supporting students through education, and guiding people globally as a mentor. I would like to continue to work for students and the community. This inspiration came from my father, whose guiding force keeps me motivated to reach the apex of success in all areas of life. In addition, I would like to move towards working on community enrichment projects and dedicate my time to philanthropic projects.
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