Rozina’s Multifaceted Journey— Balancing Creativity, Leadership, and Social Change
How do you balance your diverse interests in artistic domains like dancing, singing, playing musical instruments and sketching, while also excelling in academics and extracurricular activities?
During my childhood, I tried my best to maintain merit in both academics and extracurricular activities. I have been captivated by music and dance for as long as I can remember. I am self-taught, who just did things with curiosity and passion.
I did not do anything to show to people or prove anything but for myself. Every endeavor was a personal quest to surpass my limits and discover my capabilities’ depths. This has helped me maintain discipline, passion, and staying grounded.
Amidst the three decades of my existence, my main driving focus has always been humility, talent, and intelligence. These pillars have been my compass, steering me through life with a sense of purpose and creating a balance.
What inspired you to embark on your pageantry journey, and how did that experience shape your personal and professional growth?
I have always wanted to push my limits and make a meaningful contribution to society. This would go perfectly in the field of pageants. Reflecting from my personal journey, this experience has been transformative, shaping me into a more confident individual, ready to make a meaningful impact in both my personal and professional spheres.
For someone who was an anxious perfectionist, it did improve my time management skills, prioritization, emotional intelligence and leadership attributes. I started my pageantry journey in 2012 but focused on my studies later till I graduated with my Masters in 2019.
Later the year, I gave it a second shot and was crowned as Miss Tourism World Nepal. I represented Nepal with 75 different countries around the world, which happens to be one of my most cherished memories.
Rozina, can you share more about how your diverse interests and experiences have shaped your career path?
As an overambitious kid, I wanted to be a doctor one day and an astronaut or a teacher the other day. The only constant was the desire to reach beyond the confines of ordinary existence, fueled by curiosity and relentless aspiration.
Although my initial career choice was to be in the Science field most of the time, I was drawn towards business studies, steering away from the technical field due to fascination with exploring different avenues and scopes, and not being limited within a singular identity.
My interest in different creative domain has equipped me with creative thinking, attention to details, and problem solving attitude, which goes well with Marketing and branding. Although I graduated with my Masters with Finance specialization, I emerged myself to this field of brands, marketing, and communication.
You’ve been actively involved in various social initiatives focused on education and sustainability. What drives your passion for these causes, and what impact do you hope to achieve through your involvement?
My passion for initiatives focused on education and sustainability stems from a deep-rooted belief in the power of knowledge and the urgency of preserving our planet for future generations.
Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of education in empowering individual. The story of my father, who ventured from the rural landscapes of Bhojpur to the bustling city of Kathmandu without the safety net of financial support, working and financing his own education serves as a beacon of inspiration in my life.
My mother and father’s dedication to providing a stable livelihood for our family was grounded with the pillar of education. They understood that investing in education was the most reliable pathway to securing a better future for us.
Not everyone has the privilege of easy access to education, that’s why I have been actively advocating on the importance of education. By prioritizing quality schooling, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate life’s challenges and opportunities.
Moreover, in the face of pressing global challenges like climate change, it’s imperative that we take proactive steps towards sustainability. Every action we take, from our daily habits has an impact on the health of our planet. Therefore, it’s crucial that we cultivate a collective consciousness around the importance of preserving our environment for future generations.
Can you share more about your voluntary work in rebuilding a community cooperative school and your experiences in facilitating learning and creativity among students?
This was during my undergraduate studies at Ace Institute of Management in 2012. During the initial months, we are asked to involve in voluntary service and giving back to society.
In partnership with Anuvuti International, we were assigned as a team the noble task to help rebuild a community cooperative school in Lalitpur. Additionally engaging with the students, I facilitated games and offered art classes, cultivating a nurturing environment for learning and creativity.
This experience went beyond mere classroom learning; it was a hands-on opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. It instilled in me a profound sense of empathy and reinforced the importance of using my education not only for personal advancement but also for the betterment of society.
How do you see the intersection between creativity, education, and sustainability in shaping a better future for communities, particularly in Nepal?
Creativity fosters innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. When coupled with education, creativity becomes a powerful tool for nurturing an environment of lifelong learning and empowerment.
By integrating sustainability principles into educational curricula and promoting creative approaches to sustainability challenges, communities can cultivate a mindset of eco-consciousness and resilience.
In Nepal, where educational disparities are prevalent, leveraging creativity, education, and sustainability is crucial for fostering holistic development. Creative educational initiatives that incorporate sustainability themes not only equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to address environmental issues but also inspire them to become agents of change within their communities.
I am currently involved with Chakraviu Nepal, a Non Profit Organization that focuses on empowering students and transforming lives through holistic education and sustainability, to make the children realize that the possibilities are endless with the potential that we have.
As someone deeply involved in initiatives like “Music for Education” and “Upcycling for Education,” how do you envision the role of arts and sustainability in promoting social change?
Through the various initiatives of Chakraviu Nepal, we contribute to the #DressProudly and #JeanstoDreams campaigns, which aim to uplift and support underprivileged students. “Music for Education” and “Hearts for Education” gives a platform where aspiring artists and valued contributors can connect, express themselves and inspire action.
By harnessing the creative potential of music and other art forms, the organization not only facilitates educational opportunities but also strengthen a sense of unity and empowerment among the participants. Initiatives like “Upclycling for Education” demonstrate the intersectionality of creativity and sustainability for breaking down the barriers in Education.
In the first phase of the campaign, 550 pairs of Jeans were collected from which 100 upcycled bags were manufactured and 4 million+ litres of water is saved in the process. The upcycled bags are gifted to the students in need to facilitate their education journey. In promoting social change, arts-based and sustainable initiatives offer inclusive platforms for community engagement.
What advice would you give to youth who aspire to pursue diverse interests and make a positive impact on their communities?
I would like to suggest youths to embrace their passion and not be afraid to pursue what genuinely excites them. Staying curious and committed, taking action, and learning from experiences are very important for the personal and professional growth. Seek opportunities to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations.
Stay informed about current events, trends, and issues affecting the community. By taking proactive steps towards positive change, we can make a meaningful difference in your community and beyond. Remember, no effort is too small.
Could you shed light on your role within Chakraviu Nepal and the organization’s mission in empowering students and promoting sustainability?
As the Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Sustainability in Chakraviu Nepal, my core responsibility lies in igniting awareness about various initiatives and campaigns. Through my platform, I aim to inspire individuals to actively participate and contribute to noble causes.
Presently, one of the endeavors gaining momentum is the Dress Proudly campaign, from which the organization has successfully provided winter uniforms to 250 students in the schools of southern Lalitpur.
In the meantime, hundreds of upcycled bags were provided to the students in need to facilitate their education journey. Our big future plan is to build classrooms for the students where learning flourishes. This mission is more than just providing spaces for learning, but also about enriching a culture of inclusivity and curiosity.
How do you personally incorporate eco-friendly choices into your daily life, and what steps do you believe individuals can take to contribute to a more sustainable future?
I try to incorporate eco-friendly choices as much as possible in my daily life. One way I do this is by reducing single-use plastics and opting for reusable alternatives such as water bottles, bags, and containers. I also make conscious decisions to minimize waste by reducing consumption, reusing items however possible, and composting whenever feasible.
Many of us may not realize the multitude of ways we can make a difference on an individual level. In today’s generation, Social media platforms have emerged as powerful tools for raising awareness.
Through these platforms, I continually do self-reflect and educate myself about environmental issues and discover practical ways to contribute to positive change. Personally, I love the constant effort of pages like Eco Sathi Nepal and Harin Nepal for the same.
Photo Credit : Aayush Shrestha
In light of your experiences, what do you believe are the key ingredients for fostering holistic education and sustainable development on both individual and societal levels?
The Key ingredient lies in the effort, facilitation and genuine intention for an overall development and empowerment of the children.
Providing education that goes beyond traditional academics to include a holistic learning environment that cultivates essential soft skills, social responsibility, ethical values and even the simple things like the importance of ergonomics, posture, and mindfulness.
For practical learning, we must encourage more community engagement, experiential learning, critical thinking games and value based education. Ultimately, it’s the collective commitment to the well-being and holistic development of children that will create responsible future leaders in their respective fields.
