My focus will be on climate change: Miss Nepal World Priyanka

Miss Nepal World Priyanka Rani Joshi is a student of English and Mass Media. Joshi grew up in Kathmandu and completed her school education from St. Helen's Convent in Darjeeling, India. After completing higher secondary education in Business Management from Modern Indian School in Lalitpur, she did her Bachelor’s degree from St. Xavier's College. 

Before contesting for the title of Miss Nepal, the 24-year-old beauty queen had also participated in Fashion House, a modeling contest to develop network and make her self-confident. 

She loves to travel and enjoys reading, dancing and cooking.

The Rising Nepal’s Renuka Dhakal recently talked to Joshi about her plans and preparations for the Miss World.  Excerpts:

What motivated you to take part in Miss Nepal? 

I had a fascination of Miss Nepal since my childhood. In 2005/06, when the April Uprising was at its peak, King Gyanendra Shah had declared a state of emergency in the country. During the emergency, our life was confined to the house.

One day, I was watching Nepal Television and saw an interview of Miss Nepal Sugarika KC. Sugarika's thoughts and ideas drew my attention and ever since, I have a dream to contest for Miss Nepal.

 I was an average student.  After Miss Nepal 2010 Sadichha Shrestha won the gold medal, I realised that Miss Nepal should be good academically. This inspired me to study harder, and fortunately I was among the top students thereafter. 

After seeing that other Miss Nepal had also performed well in education, business, social awareness and other fields, I felt that Miss Nepal is a good platform and this grew my interest in the crown of Miss Nepal. 

How did you feel after winning the title of Miss Nepal? 

The day after becoming Miss Nepal, when I woke up, the crown was next to me, but I was wondering whether becoming Miss Nepal was a dream or a reality!

What changes did you see in yourself after winning the title?

Before wearing the coveted crown of Miss Nepal, I was living a simple life and after becoming Miss Nepal, I feel that my life has changed drastically.

My schedule is busy every day. I am always busy with modeling, photo- shoots, engaging in social works, sharing experiences, giving interviews and so on.  Many eyes have fallen on me. People have expected impactful and sustainable works from me. As a result, I am now conscious on social issues.

As a Miss Nepal, what do you think about your new social responsibilities? 

Miss Nepal has many social responsibilities and I am focusing more on the wellbeing of women and children along with climate change. I want to help women and children by installing solar panels in a community without electricity to ease their daily works. 

Shortly before you were crowned Miss Nepal, a contestant was sexually assaulted by an organiser of another beauty pageant? How have you taken the incident? 

Yes, the case of sexual abuse came out shortly before I became Miss Nepal. The victim stood up with a courage that was commendable. But after listening to her interviews, she was sexually abused not only by the beauty pageant organisers but also by different people in different places.

But overall, we cannot blame beauty pageants for such crimes taking places. On a positive note, this platform has provided many opportunities to women and made them independent by helping them to explore different fields.

Sexual harassment occurs in all areas. It happens in lack of awareness. It should be removed completely. However, we should not target only the beauty pageants for such harassment.

After becoming Miss Nepal, people started believing in my purpose. Besides making my identity, this platform has given me respect and taught me to be confident. 

What will be your ‘Beauty with a Purpose project’? 

I have been focusing a lot on climate change issue and I am thinking of doing my ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ title on this issue. Next issue linked with climate change is electricity. I am planning to choose a community that doesn't have electricity facilities. I planned to install solar panels in the community.

Will you make your career in the glamor field or will you choose another career path after handing over the crown to your successor?

Since my family has been in business for a long time, I have also been involved in business in one way or another, so I have planned to do business. My family has a jewelry business and I want to do something new in jewelry business in Nepal.

I want to study jewelry abroad to increase the quality of jewelry business in Nepal.

What are your plans to win the title of Miss World? 

Miss World judging scale wouldn’t be transparent. They are judging our every action. My plan is to win the best of five 'fast track events' to win the title of Miss World. It includes competitions like Multimedia, Top Model, Beauty with a Propose, Head to Head Challenge etc. 

Apart from the fast track event, there is also a thought to do well in the talent round and sports round. 

I am planning to present my talent in a unique way in the talent round.  Possibly, it will be a new talent in the history of Miss Nepal participating in Miss World. I am also learning acting training to express my ability with fullest.  I am taking etiquette training, photography as well. 

As more youth are joining politics? Do you have any plan to enter politics?

I have no plan to enter politics. 

Do you have any expectation from the government? 

Government support is like adding fragrance to gold for us. It is common to invite and honour Miss Nepal only after she returns home from Miss World. But before going to participate in Miss World, it would have been a great help if the government invited and suggested how to represent Nepal. So that we can confidently represent Nepal in the international platform..