BEING respectful is a quality worth showing on the national stage.
2018 Vodafone Fiji Hibiscus festival contestant Rayshal Nath says being able to respect everyone’s opinion and culture is the best quality a person can have or show.
The 20-year-old Suva lass said the experience so far as a contestant for the ‘Mother of all Festivals’ has been great.
“It has been very challenging handling work, studies and Hibiscus together but I believe that if you have the passion for it and a bit of time management then everything will fall in order,” Rayshal said.
The monitoring, evaluation and learning data assistant at the Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) – Pacific Community is proudly sponsored by Pasifika Tents.
Being in the limelight is nothing new for Rayshal as she represented her pre-school at the Rishikul Carnival in 2003 when she was five-years-old.
“As I grew older, I became aware of the issues in Fiji and the Pacific and the need for a strong advocate.
“I see the Hibiscus carnival as the ideal platform to share the message of climate change, its effects and the small steps we all can take for the betterment of our future,” Rayshal said.
“Even though, I did not fully understand the impact of such a stage that could have on people’s thoughts in 2003, I do now and this is my biggest motivation to enter as a contestant this year,” she said.
She said she saw a post on social media about the festival and decided to go for the auditions.
“A belief that my parents and teachers have instilled in me is that a change is possible as long as there is initiative and commitment towards it,” Rayshal said.
“Whether it is in relation to changing our habits or lifestyle, a positive change is always reliant on our commitment towards it.
“During this pageant, I will advocate the same belief in relation to reducing single use of plastics,” she said.
Rayshal said her family, friends and workmates have been really supportive in her preparations.
“I’d like to thank my mum and dad for having faith in me. Not forgetting my workplace, SPC- RRRT who has been very understanding and supportive.”
