Samriddhi Rai’s passion for singing transformed not only her own life, but also helped her achieve one of her life’s desires, one that always happened to elude her at the very last minute. [break]
Come December 27th, post Miss Tourism Queen International 2011, she has a tiara and a title to show off, one that she won on her own terms and yes with that unyielding, never-say-never attitude.
Cloud nine
This is surreal. I’m back amongst my loved ones with a title that I won for my country. I’m proud, happy, relieved that it is over, finally, and yes I’m glad to be a Nepali.
The journey to Miss Tourism International
Yes, there were a lot of speculations and I have to say I was starting to get a tad bit frustrated by the postponements of the pageant, four times in a row. The nasty rumors, the whispers behind the back were starting to get me down but thankfully I had plenty of well-wishers to lean on.
All those fund raising, hard work we put in paid off in the end. I couldn’t have done it without the support and encouragement from all of you, my well wishers. This one’s for you, this one’s for NEPAL!
The enormity of winning
It was shocking! At first I thought I heard someone say “Nepal”, you know the whole deal with foreign accent so I didn’t immediately sashay my way to receive the title (laughs). And when it was confirmed, I took those hesitant steps mixed with euphoria and disbelief.
To be honest, I was expecting the title of Miss Talent, which went to my very good friend Erika Ely, Miss Guadeloupe, and so no complaints. I had sung Adele’s Someone Like You which was well received, but Erika’s stick dancing was out of this world.
Eye Opener
I feel it’s now time to change the notion “ Nepalis can’t win anything in international beauty pageants”. I’m a living proof. I went with my meager resources, my limited dresses, designed by my friends and not well know designers and was able to grab a title.
The limitations we as Nepali beauty queens have are sort of drilled into us the moment we win a title in home soil, which is very demeaning to say the least. I’d say rather than complaining and feeling inferior we should work on our best attributes. We can speak English, better than half of the girls who participate, we have better IQs, are well spoken and talented, there’s no reason at all why we can’t do it.
The X-factor
To win Miss Personality is still unreal, to be honest, not impossible. To get noticed amongst the other 92 beautiful girls is not a joke. I still pinch myself, “Wow, did it really happen?” The other girls were tall, well groomed and had the most amazing dresses and not to forget they were BEAUTIFUL and it sure did create a wave of uncertainty in me, but I didn’t let that pull me down.
I knew from the start if there was anything I could count on was me and the talent that I have. I was confident about my singing and that sort of brought out the best in me which I used as my trump card. I guess that got me noticed. I knew about the title but never consciously tried to woo the judges or win over my fellow contestants.
Plus, I have to say the SMS poll was quite an eye opener to organizers and me. I never expected such an overwhelming response and that too help me win the title.
future plans
It’s back to life, back to reality (laughs). Work, definitely! I love to write, so definitely back to word crunching and singing. I’ve been planning to record an album for the longest time, let’s see if it’ll take shape this New Year!
Message
I’m not trying to pick bones but I have to say the treatment, or the lack of it, I got from Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) was really disheartening. They better realize that we are an extension of what they are trying to do that is to promote tourism in our country. We are like ambassadors who go out there and represent the country and its people.
When they declared the Miss Personality in the pageant it wasn’t Samriddhi Rai but Nepal, who do you think it’s going to aid? I didn’t get any help from them and it did leave a bitter after taste. Nonetheless I’m glad to have represented my country and put it on the map.
As for the young ones, believe in yourself and work hard. Hey, if I can make it, so can you! It’s all about loving yourself and trusting your dreams.
Related story
Western Union's super agents reveal 10 Tola gold winner
