Sonia Prasad was crowned Miss Vodafone Rakiraki Carnival 2024 on Saturday at the Fiji Sugar Corporation grounds in Rakiraki. The 25-year-old, who was sponsored by the Rakiraki Market Vendors Association (RMVA), also received several awards, including Miss Best Talents, Miss Best Sarong, and Miss Best Research Topic.
Prasad, a staff nurse at Rakiraki Hospital and a former student of Rakiraki Public School, utilized the carnival platform to encourage young women and girls to engage in charitable activities. “If I can do it, you can too,” she stated. “These platforms help build leadership skills and boost confidence.”
She revealed that one of her motivations for entering the carnival was to overcome her shyness and develop self-confidence. “I have never been the type to enter contests and have always been socially awkward. That was why I chose to participate in this carnival to challenge myself,” she explained.
Looking ahead, Prasad plans to continue her advocacy against the use of illicit drugs. “To the people of Ra, I urge you to stop using drugs because they lead to severe problems and even death,” she cautioned.