Miss Teen Tamil Nadu 2026 Saarika Jagadeesh’s answer in the question-and-answer round was in earnest, and no empty rhetoric. What she has done in the past points unerringly to that conclusion.

Asked what she would invent to help the world and why, 16-year-old Saarika replied:

“I would not invent. Instead, I would create opportunities for the underprivileged and the differently abled because I believe that true beauty lies in helping others. Through my initiative, the Global Raising Challengers Organisation I am doing that.”

Saarika had been diagnosed with bilateral profound hearing loss as an infant, and the combination early intervention and modern technology has ensured that the world of sound was not shut out for her.

After early intervention at Balavidyalaya, the school for young deaf children in Adyar, till the age of five, Saarika joined regular schooling starting with St. Francis International School in Kolapakkam followed by Velammal Bodhi Campus in Mugalivakkam. The hearing aid is her constant companion and her lifeline through which she does everything like a normal child. Saarika is a Class XI student of Velammal International School.

Saarika got started on modelling early.

Behind Saarika’s foray into modelling was her mother Srividya J., and audiologist Dr Rajarajan of Astra Hearing Care under whose care she is since the age of two. “To build her confidence, I used to encourage her to look at the mirror and say ‘she looks like a queen’,” says Srividya. That was important because Saarika did face bullying at school.

Under the banner of “Global Raising Challengers Organisation”, Saarika has given whatever she earned through modelling assignments to support other special needs children.

Her first major stage event was at age of 11, where she won the “Junior Miss India” organised by Madarase Universal. There has been no looking back since then. Junior Fab Star, Grand Gala Fashion Week, photo shoots for advertisements and a small role in a film only boosted her confidence.

For the World Fashion Week in Dubai in 2024, she took along three other children with special needs to walk the ramp along with her, training many of them to face the stage confidently.

In 2025, she conducted Tiranga, an inclusive event where 214 children walked the ramp to enter the London Book of Records.

Saarika admits that making friends was not easy and she took the taunts as a challenge to prove others wrong.

“As a young girl with hearing disability, I know what my parents had to go through to meet my medical expense; the medication that was needed to improve my speech,” says Saarika. “Modelling gave me confidence. I want other children like me who cannot walk, speak, see and those with Down’s Syndrome to achieve their dreams,” says Saarika who wants to pursue a career in law.

Srividya remembers the tough search that had to be undertaken to find a swimming coach for her. Finally, an academy took it as a challenge to train Saarika under water.

The family has a long list of people to thank starting with their former neighbour Kalpana D. Kumar, a speech pathologist. Kalpana nudged them to start early intervention for the little girl.

Behind the young model’s elegant wardrobe is Sasirekha, chief designer at Sasi’s Bangalore Designer, who generously designs her costumes free of charge. A. Saffiberry, founder of Madrase Universal, who saw potential in Saarika at 11 and continues to mentor her; and Malik, a casting director.

Actor Nayana Sai, founder of Southernwoods Model Academy, who has been training Saarika, says she is a keen observer and a fast learner who can execute things the way you want.

“Even if she is not able to hear certain words, she tries to grasp my lip movement and respond. At times when her hearing aid stopped functioning, she observes and picks up. Pronouncing ‘R’ or ‘S’ word has been difficult but she worked on it,” says Nayana, who has trained more than 150 models.

Agreeing with Nayana, Saffiberry says Silambam moves she performed during the talent round she had learnt in just two weeks time. It gave the audience goosebumps, he says.

Srividya says her husband, Jagadeesh V, was not keen on modelling but never discouraged Saarika. Jagadeesh ferries her to the many classes she attends.

23 participants at grand finale

The grand finale of Miss Universe Tamil Nadu 2026 was held on May 29, 2026 at Taj Fisherman’s Cove, bringing together aspiring contestants from across the state in a celebration of beauty, confidence, talent and empowerment.

Twenty-three contestants were in the fray across Miss Universe Tamil Nadu and Miss Teen Tamil Nadu categories.

The panel of judges included Amjad Khan, director of franchise operations, MUI; Nikhil Anand, national director Miss Universe India; Vaamshi Uday, Miss Universe Karnataka 2025 winner; Kamakshi, Miss Universe Tamil Nadu 2025 winner; and Manika Vishwakarma, Miss Universe India.

According to a release, the winners of Miss Universe Tamil Nadu 2026 are Vaishnavi (winner); Pramiti (first runner-up); and Nikita (second runner-up). Saarika was declared winner of the Miss Teen Tamil Nadu 2026.

The event showcased not only beauty and fashion but confidence, leadership, and individuality, providing a platform for young women to inspire and make a meaningful impact, said the release.

Nandini Nagaraj, state director for Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, who organised the event, said the success of Miss Universe Tamil Nadu 2026 marks another milestone in empowering women and nurturing future ambassadors who represent grace, intelligence, and purpose.

Published – June 03, 2026 09:33 pm IST