Sonia Prasad was crowned Miss Vodafone Rakiraki Carnival 2024 on Saturday at the Fiji Sugar Corporation grounds in Rakiraki. The 25-year-old, representing the Rakiraki Market Vendors Association (RMVA), also earned several accolades, 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 utilized the carnival to inspire young women and girls to engage in charitable endeavors. She stated, “If I can do it, you can too. These platforms help build leadership skills and boost confidence.”
Ms. Prasad shared that her participation in the carnival was motivated by her desire to overcome 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 advocate 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.