Mudaliar wants to help revive family time
She also wants to highlight the dangers of social media and its addictive effects among Fijians.
Queen contest Radhika Mudaliar intends to help revive family time and highlight the side-effects of social media among Fijians. Haunted by the rise in social media use among Fijians and around the world, the 20-yearold Fiji National University student hopes to use the festival platform to spread her message. Ms Mudaliar is one of the 11 contestants vying for the weeklong 59th Nadi Bula Festival, which opens tomorrow.
“It is alarming to learn that many Fijians are engrossed in social media, which is being attributed to the rise in teenage pregnancies, school drop-outs, child pornography and other issues like extra marital affairs,” she said.
“This shows the lack of quality time with loved ones at home where education begins. And this is the reason why I chose to advocate on this topic.” Leading on from that reason, she acknowledged her mother for raising her right to date. “I had a rough childhood experience with my family. When I was in Year Eight my parents separated and so my mum had to play both mother and father roles,” she said.
“She is the reason why I chose to participate in this year’s Bula Festival. And I thank God for giving me such a strong mother, but I still stay in-touch with my dad.
“I know that despite the struggles that we went through, I must continue to respect my dad. But, my mother is my inspiration and motivator.”
“I used to be shy and even experience panic attacks, but when I chose to participate in this year’s Bula festival I overcame my fears and stepped out of my comfort zone. It’s so rewarding,” she said. She is sponsored by Sharma’s Music Centre.