As the countdown for the finale of The Hidden Treasure Miss Nepal 2018—the most prestigious beauty pageant in the country—begins, the Post gives you a glimpse of the 25 contestants who are ready to stake their claim to the coveted crown. 

Mamta Joshi

Age: 20

Hometown: Pokhara

Height: 5’ 4 and half

If you were judging this pageant, what characteristics would you look for when choosing the winner?

If I was judging Miss Nepal 2018, I would look for intelligence along with amiability. I would want for a likable person with a great vision to win the international pageant for the country.

If a genie in a bottle could grant you any wish, what would it be?

I would wish to change the minds of patriarchic men, who think women are not capable. Hopefully, I won’t need a genie to achieve this.

What career path have you chosen? Why?

I am a nurse by profession. I am proud to be part of this field, to serve and protect others. The smile after a patient’s recovery makes me smile too. 

Would you rather run a business and contribute to the economy or run the country altogether?

I would rather run the country. I believe youth are the pillars that support the nation. We are the ones who should contribute and unite the country. Perhaps together we can make the difference.

What movie or book character are you most similar to?

I don’t think I am similar to any fictional character but I hope I will inspire young girls out there in the future, enough to maybe even be a character in their book.  

Sayara Lama

Age: 22

Hometown: Dhankuta

Height: 5’6”

If you were judging this pageant, what characteristics would you look for when choosing the winner?

A woman with confidence and a great personality. She should be someone who inspires people and also be willing to be their voice when needed.

What period in history had the best fashion?

1960-1970s  when everything seemed so classy. The belly pants, polka dots and hairstyles are my favourite when I see my mum’s old pictures.

What career path have you chosen? Why?

I want to own a business related to the agricultural sector because I believe Nepal has the potential to be self-sufficient in terms of agriculture. Moreover, this can create employment opportunities for local people.

What do you wish people would stop asking you? 

“How old are you?”

What’s something horrible that we as humans have accepted, because that’s just how things are?

Girls have to get married because that’s what we have been told for generations. I believe women these days have a choice and can choose partners as they wish.

Ashma Dhungana

Age: 21

Hometown: Kathmandu

Height: 5’6”

If you were judging this pageant, what characteristics would you look for when choosing the winner?

Elegance, a sense of responsibility, grace, knowledge and of course, beauty. I would also place value on wit and intelligence.

Would you rather run a business and contribute to the economy or run the country altogether?

I think it’s easy to sit back and criticise rather than taking steps to contribute to your country. I don’t think I have the qualities and knowledge to run the country. At present, I’d take smaller steps and contribute to the economy and slowly and gradually I might run the country with the best of my experience. 

What part of your culture are you most and least proud of?

I am most proud of the fact that our culture ingrains in us the importance of family, togetherness and solidarity when it comes to celebrating festivals. It teaches us of love and tolerance and unites us as such. One thing that can be improved maybe would be the pointless extravagance in terms of celebrations.  

What’s the worst and best thing about being a woman?

The best thing about being a woman is the totality of it. A woman gives light, life and laughter to her family. She teaches everyone of how to be together with the love she gives. Being a woman is glorious. The worst thing would be how in our culture women are automatically looked down upon when it comes to certain things. I abhor the inequality between the sexes. 

Are humans fundamentally different than animals? If so, what makes us different?

I think we are fundamentally different because we are guided by our logic and emotions to create and innovate. Also, we have opposable thumbs.

Megha Shrestha,20

Age: 23

Hometown: Kathmandu

Height: 5’6”

If you were judging this pageant, what characteristics would you look for when choosing the winner?

I think she has to be confident in who she is so I would look for individualism. Not just exterior beauty but beauty within is important to me. I would also look for good body posture.

Do you believe in gut feelings? Any instances as such?

Yes, I do. As I am a tennis player and am always competing, I feel strongly about my intuition and often follow my gut feelings. It helps me when doing sports and in life in general.  

Are you a team person or a lone wolf?

I am a team person. I think people can be stronger when we do something as a team. Sometimes, it can be hard because not everyone follows the same school of thought but it is not something intractable. Helping others and uplifting them gives me fulfillment and so, I really love being in a team.

Are you a talker or a listener? 

I think I am both a talker and listener. People are infinitely interesting as they can have different feelings even when doing the same thing. To really understand people you have to listen and to be understood you have talk. I love conversation.  

What’s the worst and best thing about being a woman?

For me, there is no ‘worst’ thing about being a woman. I want to accept life with all the positivity I can muster. As a woman I aspire to be a personification of love and compassion.