BHARATI PAWASKAR
A powerhouse in herself, there’s nothing that can beat a woman when it comes to enduranceand strength. She is no way lesser than anything and any one in any aspect. Believing in this universal principle, Dr Karishma Parkar, an orthodontist from Margao surmounted and surpassed all psychological barriers to emerge as a winner in bodybuilding - a field that very few women would want to pursue as a hobby. Indeed, this dentist has a different bent of mind and is an exception. Following bodybuilding as a passion, and winning medals, she has proved her worth.
What on earth motivated this doctor to be a bodybuilder? Recalling life after divorce Karishma shares, “I was not an ardent gym person but I used to go on and off and was in good shape. Post-delivery I lost track of my weight, became plump. I was undergoing stress when the blow of divorce shattered me into pieces. I was very depressed and unknowingly took to unhealthy eating. The result - I gained more fat.”
But, thankfully Karishma took control of the situation. She decided to get back to her original shape. Finding a reason to join gym and sticking to her routine for a year, she saw positive changes happening, both in her mind and in her body. It was then that 32-year-old Karishma realised that there was no woman body builder in Goa. Sonali Swami from Bengaluru had two kids, and yet she became a successful bodybuilder. Why not me? -thought Karishma. She participated in a competition just to check herself.
Sometimes life does give you lemons, but you should not let your spirits sink. Instead, you have to emerge from the ashes again as a winner. That something one must learn to master. Karishma did just that. A practicing dentist, she proved her worth by not letting situations take over her body and emotions. Instead she managed to extract the best out of her life.
Struggles followed. She didn’t deter. Her parents extended day-care support to her little daughter Kiara while she handled her two clinics in South Goa. Mornings were reserved for her passion and her evenings were devoted for her patients. Taking up bodybuilding is expensive as the special diet requires a considerable amount of money. Karishma hired an international coach to train her as she wished to participate in competitions.
It took her two years to work on her body. “Height is not a barrier in being a body builder. Anyone can take up bodybuilding,” quips Karishma who developed muscles as she requires them in shoulders and legs for her category which is Bikini Body Building.
Finally she began participating in competitions in 2018, and won. This boosted her morale further. She began offering training to others and has three students now. Her students are happy to see the changes in their body. Karishma became an icon to her five-year-daughter too.
A certified scuba diver and an avid traveller, today this 35-year-old feels lucky enough to be able to nurture her newfound love of ‘bodybuilding’ and bag the credit to become the first woman in Goa to participate in bodybuilding competitions in India and abroad. So far she has won six prizes, three in 2018 and three in 2019.
Bodybuilding in a way compliments her interest in visiting new places. Still struggling to finance her expensive diet and supplements (Rs 35,000 a month) she spends two-and-a-half hours in the gym each morning. When competitions near, it becomes almost four hours a day. Seeing her success, her initially reluctant parents now support wholeheartedly.
“People have different purposes in life, mine is to inspire people. And if I can do this, anyone can do it,” states Karishma whose life is a message in itself.
For women out there who are shattered or depressed, here is her constructive message - “Your life is entirely your making. Move productively and positively, construct your life. What you become and what you make out of your life is up to you. No one else is responsible for it. So make it big.”
A march of Gold and Silver
n Gold medal in Boss Classic in Mumbai on February 28, 2019
n Only Goan Female Bikini Athlete to achieve this feat
n Gold medal in IHFF Sheru Classic International Pro-Qualifier in BIEC Bengaluru on February 23-24, 2019
n Silver medal in IBBFF Miss India 2018 at Mr India Body Building Championship
n Represented India at Asian Body Building Championship held in Mongolia in 2018
n A total of six medals in 2018-19 so far, one in Bengaluru, two in Mumbai and three in Goa
