Nirmala Bhandari Crowned Miss. Disability Queen Nepal 2024 and Best Personality at Pageant with a Difference

“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 joined the Hope Centre at the age of 9. She grew up to be a senior role-model to the children around her.

Upon leaving the Hope Centre, Nirmala worked at a medical centre and initially daunted by the new world around her, began to flourish.

Through her contacts at the medical centre and networking, Nirmala then went on to enter the world of para-sport, competing in both wheelchair basketball and para-powerlifting and progressing from national championships to the Para-Asian Games.

In 2019, Nirmala was named one of 20 ‘Inspirational Women of Nepal’ in conjunction with International Women’s Day. A hugely proud moment for both Nirmala and the charity.

After becoming concerned about the perception of disability and assessability in Nepal, Nirmala dedicated herself to spreading the word on inclusivity. However, upon encountering resistance against her ambitions for change she had to find a means of making her vision a reality. This ultimately led to the creation of the Nirmala Foundation, a foundation dedicated to promoting inclusiveness and accessibillity through sport and travel and changing attitudes towards disability.

Recently, we received unexpected news that Nirmala had won the titles of Miss. Disability Queen Nepal and “Best Personality” at a pageant dedicated to disabled women in Nepal.

We now join Nirmala as she recounts her experience:

Back in 2016, I gave my all in a beauty pageant while I was exploring my passions despite my disability not being considered at the time. Later I ventured into sports and I found success in sports until an injury prompted me to pause training. During this time, I completed pilot projects for the Nirmala Foundation. Feeling the need for a break, I found myself craving for travel after a year without it. I found the perfect moment to embark on my next challenge when i knew the application form has opened. I love experimenting and joined the orientation with the goal of winning the title of Miss Disability Queen Nepal 2024. This title holds great significance in my quest to promote visibility, validity, and vocalisation, aiming to normalise disability and break barriers.

“Performing for those who look up to me was next-level satisfying. It was far more rewarding and fullfiling 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 on 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 fullfiling 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.