“I have been honored with the title of Miss. Disability Queen Nepal 2024. This prestigious title not only recognises my beauty, but also celebrates my outstanding personality and unwavering spirit. In addition to winning the main title, I am thrilled to have also received the “Best Personality” subtitle, highlighting the unique charm and grace that I bring to every aspect of my life. Miss. Disability Queen Nepal is a beauty pageant. It was a dream come true to be crowned.”
-Nirmala Bhandari
“Performing for those who look up to me was next-level satisfying. It was far more rewarding and fulfilling than performing for judges I don’t know personally.”
On the final day, I waited backstage for my name to be called. It was heart-wrenching to see my friend struggle to present herself and her remarkable thoughts on stage. The emotional atmosphere backstage was intense and I found myself in a state of blackout. As soon I realised that I was next to perform, I had to quickly shift my focus to self-care and healing. Preparing for my turn was challenging, but I’m proud that I managed to. I found myself more competitive, confident in facing the crowd, and capable in handling stress.
Performing stand-up comedy on stage for the first time, and being the first woman in the four-year history of the beauty pageant to do so, was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. I was anxious yet excited. Although I ended up taking longer than the allotted five minutes and felt embarrassed about it, I made sure to thank the audience and the panel of judges for their patience and support.
I was thrilled to watch my people in the audience. Almost everyone I invited was there. One of my brothers with a fractured hand came to cheer and celebrate my victory. Supporting me with a cast on his broken hand was especially appreciated.
Seeing my sisters from the Hope Centre, including my amputee sisters to whom I am trying to impart the importance of giving back to the society, were supporting, and seeing them enjoy the event was the highlight for me. Their hooting boosted my confidence tremendously. Performing for those who look up to me was next-level satisfying. It was far more rewarding and fulfilling than performing for judges I don’t know personally.
I can’t thank my friends, all the invited guests, and the journalists who attended at my special request enough. Having so many witnesses around me and participating in a photo session with my supporters and admirers was incredibly pleasing. It was the first time I had so many people celebrating my victory with me, and their presence multiplied my happiness.
“A prestigious beauty pageant dedicated to showcasing and nurturing the talents of women with disabilities, breaking the stereotypical mindset regarding beauty and beauty pageants. I am profoundly grateful for the visionaries who initiated this groundbreaking event and for the unwavering efforts that have brought us to our 4th successful season.”
The final competition took place at Diyo Mahal in Dhumbahari, Kathmandu, Nepal, with the enthusiastic participation of twenty contestants, both married and unmarried. The event was organised by Green Arts Media, under the leadership of CEO Prabin Lacoul, with Anila Shrestha as the event director and choreographer, and Rashmi Shrestha offering her expertise as a healer and self-makeup trainer, ensuring all participants were impeccably presentable.
The preparation included one week of virtual and one week of physical class. Choreography day was an absolute delight! I thoroughly enjoyed practicing different sequences, all set to the empowering song “Who Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé. The energy was electric as we moved in sync, celebrating our strength and unity. It was a memorable experience, highlighting our dedication and the joy of dance. Being surrounded by participants from diverse backgrounds and organisers felt like a family.
Miss Disability Queen Nepal is the first beauty pageant of its kind in Nepal. A prestigious beauty pageant dedicated to showcasing and nurturing the talents of women with disabilities, breaking the stereotypical mindset regarding beauty and beauty pageants. I am profoundly grateful for the visionaries who initiated this groundbreaking event and for the unwavering efforts that have brought us to our 4th successful season.