“I dedicate this crown to all victims of violence. If you are a victim of violence don’t think that you can’t do it, you can do it,” Ms Prasad said
Miss Vodafone Rakiraki Carnival Priti Priya Prasad. Photo: Waisea Nasokia
Miss Higgins Priti Priya Prasad dedicated her crown to all victims of violence after being named the 2023 Miss Vodafone Rakiraki Carnival Queen.
A constable at the Rakiraki Police Station, Ms Prasad, was in tears when her name was announced during the crowning ceremony at the FSC Ground in Rakiraki on Saturday night.
She graduated from the Fiji Police Force Training Academy in Navosa in April 2021 and since then has experienced and met a lot of victims of violence in her line of work.
“I dedicate this crown to all victims of violence. If you are a victim of violence don’t think that you can’t do it, you can do it,” Ms Prasad said
“We all need to stand up and speak up and you can be standing up here today. We need to motivate them to stand up.”
The 21-year-old hails from Seaqaqa in Macuata Province.
She attended Korotolutolu Primary School and then Labasa College.
“When I was in school, I wanted to be part of this kind of pageant, but never dreamt of winning anything. It a surprise and I am happy and proud of it,” she said.
As the eldest of five siblings, she took time to dedicate the accolades to her father Daven Prasad, a fisherman, and her mother Irene Lata for their ongoing support.
“I thank my parents, who are not with me, but in Seaqaqa, Macuata,” she said.
She thanked major sponsors Vodafone Fiji, Higgins Fiji and her colleague at the Rakiraki Police Stations because they allowed women to stand on this platform to display their talents.
Ms Prasad also scooped Miss Best Traditional Attire, Miss Photogenic, and Best Research Topic respectively.
Her brother Avishek Prasad, who resides with her, was happy to see her take out the top honors.
“My sister has been a hard worker. She is my role model, as she expresses confidence well which has challenged me,” said the Year 12 student of Penang Sangam High School.
Minister for Local Government Maciu Nalumisa who officiated at the closing stressed that heritage was priceless for us Fijians and it was here to stay as learning others’ heritage will foster unity among communities.
He said in this ever-changing world, our heritage will serve as our anchor, grounding us in our values and guiding us toward a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity.
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