By Ameer Gamama
Nepal is relatively a newcomer in the world of international pageantry but things do bode well for this South Asian nation. The first major international pageant that Nepal participated was Miss World back in 1997, but the country’s focus now is on Miss Universe. Manita Devkota elevated the status of the pageant in Nepal by landing at the Top 10 of Miss Universe 2018 pageant – the first ever Nepali woman to do so.
In June 11, the brand new Miss Universe Nepal kicked off through a virtual press conference attended by no less than the reigning Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi. The pageant will be under the Ma Nepalí Ltd., the official Miss Universe franchise holder, and backed by CG Corp Global, Nepal’s only Multi-Billion Dollar Multinational Conglomerate. Miss Universe Nepal 2017 Nagma Shrestha, Miss Universe Nepal 2017, will be at the helm of this new endeavor.
Here’s the excerpt of our interview with Ms. Shretha.
1.) What is the strategy of Nepal to improve its standing at Miss Universe.
It’s going to be an independent pageant for the first time so it will be solely focused on preparing the winner for the Miss Universe pageant. Besides that we will be including World-class grooming which will incorporate image building, health, and fitness, personality development seminars, interview / Q&A training. Followed by an expert team to prepare the candidate for the Miss Universe Pageant.
2.) How will the pageant be conducted considering the current pandemic?
For the first time in the history of Miss Universe We will be conducting all digital app-based competition where we will have virtual training/workshops and virtual online finals. The app will be formally launched in August.
3.) Will the winner undergo foreign training?
Our goal is to train not just the winners but all the participants by experts.
4.) Will Manita Devkota, the first ever Nepali beauty queen to land at the semis of Miss Universe be involved in training of the winner?
Of course ! She will help in the training.
5.) As the new National Director, what inspires or motivates you to accept the job as Miss Universe Nepal National Director?
In my new role as the National Director, I want to ensure that all young Nepali women have the same opportunity, or rather a better opportunity than I had to fulfill their dreams, and that, win or lose, we build pride — in ourselves, and in the country we represent, which is why we made the Miss Universe App here in Nepal.
