As Rohini Mahadeo reflected on her journey from Culvert City to the prestigious pageant stage, she couldn’t help but marvel at the growth and transformation she has experienced along the way. Stepping out of her comfort zone, embracing new challenges, and finding her voice in advocacy for women’s empowerment, Mahadeo’s path to being crowned Miss Rupununi 2023-2024 has been nothing short of inspiring.
“Competing in this pageant was an incredible and new experience filled with growth and self-discovery,” she proudly told Stabroek News during an interview last week. It was [just] weeks before the competition [that] I had made up my mind to participate. It wasn’t an easy decision, because I never took part in any sort of pageantry, and I was determined to give it my all. I knew stepping out of my comfort zone would be a challenge, but I was ready to embrace it wholeheartedly. Every moment leading up to the competition was a learning experience, from mastering my talent to refining my public speaking skills. Despite the nerves and uncertainty, I was fueled by a sense of purpose and desire to represent my very own community, Culvert City.”
Mahadeo added that the support of her family, friends, co-workers, and trainers helped her to embark on the journey with preparedness and self-reflection. Of course, her sponsor, Pacaraima Golden Suites, also played a pivotal role.
From a young age, Mahadeo was shaped by the strong community bonds and unwavering support that define her hometown. Nevertheless, she soon became aware of the unrealistic beauty standards that were set out by society for women. Upon this realisation, the resilient 19-year-old determined to challenge these standards, and thus her interest in pageantry was awakened.
“The inspiration to enter the Miss Rupununi Pageant stemmed from a pivotal moment of self-realisation and a burning desire to advocate for women’s empowerment and body positivity. Growing up, I struggled with societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards that seemed to dictate what it meant to be beautiful. But as I matured I began to question these norms and embrace the beauty of diversity in all its forms. The turning point came when I witnessed first hand the impact of self-doubt on women throughout the Rupununi. Too often, women were made to feel inadequate or unworthy simply because they didn’t fit into a certain mould. It broke my heart to see their spirits dampened by society’s narrow definitions of beauty,” she stated.
Despite not initially envisioning herself as a pageant contestant, Mahadeo’s desire to make a difference and challenge societal norms led her to the Miss Rupununi competition. Drawing inspiration from the strong women in her community and the challenges they faced with self-worth and societal pressures, she saw the pageant as a platform to advocate for women’s empowerment and body positivity.
“… I saw the Miss Rupununi Pageant as a powerful platform. I wanted to show women everywhere that beauty knows no bounds [and] that it transcends size, shape, and appearance,” she explained.
And so, armed with a sense of purpose, Mahadeo entered the pageant, which was held in late November last year, just a few days shy of her birthday. As the competition unfolded, her authenticity, determination, and commitment to empowering women set her apart from the other contestants. While each participant had her strengths, Mahadeo’s unwavering belief in her ability to inspire positive change resonated with the judges and the audience alike, earning her the title of Miss Rupununi.
She explained that for her the pageant was not entirely about competition or comparison but rather about the contestants embracing the individual stories and strengths they each had to share.
“Each of us brought something unique to the table, contributing to a diverse tapestry of experiences and personalities. While I believe that many of the other contestants shared similar attributes and qualities such as determination, passion, and a commitment to empowering women, what may have contributed to my win was my unwavering determination to become an inspiration to younger women,” she said.
Winning the Miss Rupununi Pageant has been a transformative experience for Mahadeo, deeply impacting her personal growth and aspirations for the future. She reiterated that it’s not about comparing herself to others but rather recognizing the unique journey she has embarked on and the lessons she has learned along the way.
“Being crowned Miss Rupununi has instilled in me a renewed sense of confidence and self-belief, affirming that I have the power to make a difference in my community and beyond. It has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, embrace new challenges, and strive for excellence in everything I do. Moreover, the responsibility of wearing the crown has fueled my ambition to be a positive role model and advocate for women’s empowerment. I am more determined than ever to inspire younger women to have self-love and embrace their unique identities. Through my actions and words, I hope to show them that it’s okay to be authentic and to pursue their dreams fearlessly,” she said.
When asked about her plans to continue her advocacy and community involvement during and beyond her reign as queen, Mahadeo said her goal is to create inclusive spaces for women to share their experiences, support each other, and collectively empower younger generations. She aims to foster camaraderie and solidarity among women rather than focusing on comparison, and plans to lead by example and inspire others to live authentically and create positive change in their communities.
Additionally, Mahadeo aims to provide opportunities for women’s personal and professional growth through various initiatives. Her vision for her reign as Miss Rupununi is one of unity, empowerment, and inclusivity. Leading by example and staying true to herself, she hopes to inspire others to do the same, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, strength, and empowerment that will endure beyond her time as queen.
The young woman stated that her commitment to advocacy and community development is about encouraging upliftment, celebrating differences, and working together to create a more inclusive and equitable society where every woman can thrive. Her victory in the pageant was not just for herself but for every woman who has doubted her own worth, and Mahadeo is dedicated to using her platform to uplift and inspire others to shine brightly and make a difference in the world.
Speaking of platforms, Mahadeo’s focus is on agriculture and it is through this that she has started and will continue to make an impact, as Miss Rupununi 2023-2024.
“Through our initiative ‘Rupununi Agri-boost: Cultivating our Futures’, my team and I are diligently working to develop various initiatives aimed at boosting agriculture in the region. While our initiative hasn’t been officially launched yet and is not fully effective, we’re laying the groundwork for long-lasting benefits to the Rupununi community. Our goal primarily is to reach out to agricultural departments and other entities for coordination and development. By offering our support to the initiative and the team, we aim to empower farmers and individuals interested in the agricultural sector. We’re actively working to provide them with the necessary knowledge and resources to understand the immense potential and benefits of agriculture,” she explained enthusiastically.
The young queen added that though these efforts may take time to yield results, her vision is to create a sustainable future where everyone in the region can benefit from agricultural development.
Through mentorship, advocacy, and community involvement, Mahadeo aims to create inclusive spaces where women can share their experiences, support one another, and collectively strive for excellence. By leading by example, staying true to herself, and embracing new challenges, she hopes to inspire others to do the same and leave a lasting impact on her community.
Growing up in Culvert City, where neighbours are like family and everyone lends a hand, Mahadeo learned the value of unity, kindness, and compassion. Playing football and cheering for the local team, Gladiators Football Club, instilled in her the power of perseverance and teamwork, qualities that proved invaluable on her journey to the Miss Rupununi stage.
“My love for nature and thirst for adventure led me on remarkable journeys with the Outlanders Motorbike Club, of which I am currently a member. Each expedition has unveiled untold stories and breathtaking landscapes of the Rupununi. It’s my dream to one day explore more of my beautiful country and its scenic wonders. Family has always been central to my life, and I’m grateful for the memories I’ve shared with my mother, sisters, and late father. Despite the challenges we faced, we’ve remained a close-knit unit, supporting each other through thick and thin. My father, in particular, was my biggest inspiration, and though he’s no longer with us, his legacy continues to drive me to work harder and make a difference. While I never envisioned myself participating in pageantry, I believe that everything happens for a reason,” she said.
For aspiring beauty queens looking to compete in future pageants and follow in her footsteps, Mahadeo has much advice to offer.
“Embrace your uniqueness and stay true to yourself. Remember that beauty comes in many forms, and your story and personality are what make you truly special. Rather than comparing yourself to others, focus on your own journey of growth and self-discovery. Celebrate your strengths, but also embrace your vulnerabilities, as they are what make you human and relatable. Be a mentor, a friend, and a role model to younger generations, showing them that confidence, self-love, and authenticity are keys to success. Step out of your comfort zone and take risks, knowing that growth often happens outside of familiarity. Don’t be afraid to challenge stereotypes and break barriers, paving the way for positive change in your community and beyond. But above all remember that being a beauty queen is not just about wearing a crown –it’s about using your voice to make a difference in even a small step. Stay humble, stay determined, and never lose sight of the impact you can have on others even if it’s by simply being yourself.”
Mahadeo also expressed gratitude for the support and love that have guided her every step of the way. “My journey from my community to the Rupununi has been unexpected but incredibly rewarding. It has provided me with a platform to amplify the love, support, and sense of community that I hold dear, and to empower other young women to have leadership qualities that [can motivate] future generations.”
