Sonia Prasad was named Miss Vodafone Rakiraki Carnival 2024 on Saturday during an event at the Fiji Sugar Corporation grounds in Rakiraki. The 25-year-old, who was sponsored by the Rakiraki Market Vendors Association, garnered several awards, including Miss Best Talents, Miss Best Sarong, and Miss Best Research Topic.
As a staff nurse at Rakiraki Hospital and a former student of Rakiraki Public School, Ms. Prasad used the carnival as a platform to inspire young women and girls to engage in charitable work. “If I can do it, you can too,” she encouraged. “These platforms help build leadership skills and boost confidence.”
Ms. Prasad also shared that her participation in the carnival stemmed from a desire to combat her shyness and enhance her 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, Ms. 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.