The leggy lass who has carved herself a niche despite her loss in Miss Nepal impresses us with her sheer grit and determination.[break] An all-rounder and a multitasker, Rai’s burgeoning résumé includes model, a national-level basketball player, a freelance writer, and she can sustain a note or two. The songbird talked to Republica sharing her life post-Miss Nepal and her participation in upcoming international pageant.
Let’s start with the obvious, Miss Nepal 2010.
It was wonderful. To be honest, this contest had long intimidated me, perhaps because I always had high esteem for the title “Miss Nepal.” I assumed, and still do, that a girl who carries this title must be a person who can truly be a beauty with a purpose. And in a country like ours where we lack strong youth leaders, I believe that this title and the public attention that comes with it could be put to use in inspiring the younger generation. Although I may have just only gotten close to the title, I still came out of it knowledgeable. And oh well, I’ve become a tad popular along the way (laughs).
Miss Tourism, how did it all happen?
You know what they say how several doors open when one shuts. Miss Nepal 2010 slammed me shut (giggles), Miss Tourism Queen embraced me with arms wide open. The Group of Event Entertainers saw my performance in Miss Nepal and loved it. They called me for the interview and selected me as the representative from Nepal to this international grand slam beauty pageant. It’s taking place early January next year with participants from more than 100 countries.
So, how have you been taking up the role of Miss Tourism Queen Nepal so far?
But you see, things have never come easily to me and I reckon that to be the very essence that makes my life beautiful. My initial euphoria probably lasted a few seconds before I got my big jolt when I was told that it was going to be a self-sponsored venture. Meaning, how I have to arrange all the finances myself for my journey to the pageant. Asking money from my family was beyond question, obviously I’m no rich princess but I accepted this venture as another challenge. I still went through with the decision and decided to raise the funds on my own for which I’ve been successful to some extent and am still working on it.
Nepal Tourism Year in 2011 is approaching nearer. What’s your take on the mission?
Honestly, I think the Nepal Tourism Board should triple, if possible quadruple, their efforts in promoting Nepal Tourism Year 2011. Necessary hype is still not being created. As for playing my part, my first agenda is to make a prominent mark in my contest and hopefully inspire a lot of my audience to visit my country. But to make an impact at a larger scale, the Tourism Board has to be willing to help me out.
Surely our readers are interested in knowing about your fashion style. Do share.
I’m perhaps the last person people should be taking fashion advices from because I’m so bad at it myself. All I would like to say, however, is that “Well people! Your ensemble would go to waste if you have a frown on your face. A smile is just the best thing any one can wear, and guess what? It never goes out of fashion.” I know that’s very “Beauty Queenish” of me, but what to do? I can’t help it (giggles).
Any last words?
We all have dreams. There could be one, there could be many. Whatever it is, don’t ever let your self-doubt cloud your visions because miracles do happen. Just have to give it a shot. Take the plunge; put yourself out there. At the end, regardless of the outcome, win or loss, you’ll emerge with winning skills, ideas and ideals that’ll transform you as a person for the better.
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