Mr University Nepal 2007

Old Hembung’s new title

FROM ISSUE # 139 (July 2007) | IN THIS ISSUE
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I can't believe I'm WAVE Mr University Nepal 2007. Though busier with interviews and training programs, I'm happy my friends and family treat me the same as before.
 
My happiness knew no bounds when I got a call from the organizers. What followed next was a series of new experiences that provided for fond memories. I believe that dreams feed the soul and I dreamt big. A little nervous, yet confident that I would be able to leave a mark, I embarked on the journey. The three week long training session was an eye opener as we were taught new things and were able to clarify things we knew.

The classes taught us about leadership, character education and most of all about serving others to bring peace to the world. Eye openers, I must tell you. But it wasn't all work and no play, as we put on our dancing shoes and grooved to the beat of Latino music in our Salsa classes. Pragya, by the way, is a superb dancer.

The talent round was on 11 June. I was sick but still managed to put my best foot forward. I loved Akriti's singing even though her soundtrack gave away at the last minute. On 5 June, we went to clean Bagmati as a part of the Bagmati River Festival. I was excited but Sushmita takes the crown for being the most excited. Personally, she'd get the service award just for her level of excitement.

And before we knew it, the big night had arrived. Was I nervous? Oh yes, a nervous wreck would just about describe my state, but I sailed through. I know it sounds like a cliché when I say it's not always about winning the title but winning the hearts of your friends and family, but that's the truth; even more than the title I am proud of the look of pride in their eyes. I'd like them to hold on to that look a little longer. Korea, here I come! 

Miss University Nepal 2007

Swekshya Speaks

I remember the day I was called to the preliminary interview for the WAVE Miss University Nepal contest at the Radisson Hotel. I was anxious that my form might still not have reached, but there was little I could do about it. I hurried in, form-less, but it didn't seem to matter—at least, I wasn't immediately disqualified.

I calmed down after I saw our choreographer Prashant Tamrakar, with whom I had worked before. The interview went well enough, but I was still stressed until the phone finally rang at 8.30PM. Himalmedia was ringing to tell me I was selected. That was surely one of the most memorable moments of my life.

We had an orientation day, followed by two weeks of training sessions. The first day went really well, and we made friends with each other. The training sessions were interesting because we were introduced to an environment we weren't familiar with. All of us were given a sense of belonging, which helped us gain confidence and self esteem. This is what we strive for in WAVE Mister & Miss University: to make winners of ourselves.

The most interesting and knowledgeable events were the visits to the cancer hospital and to the school for mentally challenged children. These visits made me realise how much we can do at our own individual levels to improve the situation in any sector.

I really wanted the title and I worked very hard for it. And yet on stage, I was constantly gripped by nervousness. Words cannot explain my feelings when contestant number 14 was declared WAVE Miss University Nepal 2007. But even if I had lost, I know one thing—I had learnt to recognise my responsibilities and no matter what, I look forward to making an impact on at least a few people. For then I would know that I have added some meaning to my life.