Jiya Jaanvi Prasad, a 20-year-old student, is determined to raise awareness and foster compassion as a way to combat addiction. She is competing in the Vodafone Fiji Coral Coast Carnival in Sigatoka, where she is one of seven contestants united in their mission to address the issue of drug addiction.
“At the Coral Coast Carnival, we unite to fight drug addiction,” Ms. Prasad stated. She emphasized the importance of hope, recovery, and support, noting that this is her first experience participating in a pageant.
“By raising awareness and offering compassion, we can help break the chains of addiction and create a brighter, healthier future for all. Together, we are stronger in this fight,” she added. Jiya credits her parents, Abhinesh and Ranjileen Prasad, who work in the tourism sector, for their unwavering support.
Originally from Maro, Nadroga, she attended Tuva Primary School and Nadroga Arya College. Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts and a Graduate Certificate in Education at the University of the South Pacific, with aspirations of becoming a lawyer.
Ramesh Naidu, committee secretary for the carnival, mentioned that the event continues to thrive after four years, with the crowning ceremony scheduled for this Saturday.
This initiative not only highlights the talents of young individuals like Jiya but also showcases a collaborative effort to tackle a pressing societal issue. Collective awareness and proactive engagement can lead to transformative change, inspiring hope in those affected by addiction.
In a world where addiction poses significant challenges, events like this remind us of the power of community and advocacy in fostering resilience and recovery.
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