The 65th edition of the coveted Miss World pageant is scheduled to be held at the Crown of Beauty Theatre in Sanya, China, on December 19. Representing Nepal at the mega event, which will have beauty queens from 121 countries from across the world, is Miss Nepal 2015, Evana Manandhar. The Post talked to the reigning Miss Nepal about her journey, and her preparations for the Miss World pageant.

How has your life changed since you were crowned Miss Nepal?

Well, it was a huge turn in my life. I was a normal student, a normal

girl, studying abroad. Prior to the crown, people used to know me just as Evana. But now people know me as Miss Nepal. It was a big transformation. The award came along as a wonderful opportunity for me to learn new things and taught me lessons, on life, and on being a woman. However, winning has never been my only priority, I want to learn and grow in life.

What are your expectations and ambitions with Miss World?

I really look forward to presenting my project for the Beauty with Purpose category. Beauty with Purpose is considered the heart of Miss World. The title of my project is: Travel for relief for Nepal. It is a humble request to the world to help rebuild Nepal. I

am pretty confident about my project. I will be showing a documentary of my travels around the country during the aftermath of earthquakes.

There is also a multimedia award, which is awarded on the basis of your social media presence. Since social media networks like Facebook and Twitter are banned in China, I have opened a WeChat account. I want to request all fellow Nepali citizens to help me by following my WeChat account evana_Missnepal2015.

How has your preparation for the global pageant been?

I think it has gone well. All our energies have been focused mostly on the Beauty with Purpose project. Besides that, there have been trainings and dance classes.

You were actively involved in recovery and aid work after the earthquakes. Could you tell us more about it?

Just a week had passed since I was crowned that the earthquake happened. In the immediate aftermath, I got involved in relief works in the hardest-hit areas. I was involved in distributing relief materials and got into counselling, and helped distribute Dignity Kits for women. Later, I also travelled to the remote parts of the country for the same. I would say the earthquake came to me as a blessing in disguise—It was an opportunity, I got to see a side of Nepal I hadn’t seen before; I got to learn how Nepali citizens were consistent and strong, even in difficult times.

As Miss Nepal, what do you think is your prime responsibility towards the nation?

Firstly, I want to represent my country to the best of my abilities in the Miss World pageant. After that, I aspire to contribute to the rebuilding and construction of our country and to the betterment of the nation.

You often iterate this statement: Think globally, act locally. Could you please elaborate it?

I learned this during my stay in the US, from a mentor actually. What I basically mean by it is that I will use what I have learned abroad for the betterment of my own country; that I will act locally using the knowledge I have attained from abroad.

How do you evaluate the performances by your predecessors?

I think my predecessors have all given their best. Everyone has their own limitations; but then, aspiring to give your best, I think, is the best thing.

Q. How will you bring a distinct Nepali flavour to the pageant?

I am competing in the category Dances of the World, where I will be presenting a solo dance on classical Nepali folk music. I think that will represent the distinct culture and tradition that Nepal has.