Kathmandu:

Even as the final 19 contestants of Dabur Vatika Miss Nepal 2007 are busy preparing for the pageant, the organisers with the objective of making the participants aware about social and environmental issues have taken them on a number of visits. The contestants visited a number of organisations and places like Bal Mandir on March 4 and Maiti Nepal on March 5, among others.

During their visit to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on March 14, the girls got closer to nature. While country representative for WWF, Anil Manadhar, gave them brief presentation on the objectives and functions of the federation, Arati Gurung gave them information on climate change and its impact on environment.

Reigning Miss Nepal Sugarika KC also shared her experiences as WWF conservation ambassador with the contestants.

On their visit to Nepal Television (NTV) on March 15, Rajendra Timilsina, a newsreader on the television, hosted the event and also answered lots of queries put forward by the participants. Later, the general manager of NTV, Madan Raj Sharma, gave the girls detailed information on the operation of the NTV, while the heads of different departments helped the girls to understand the running of the corporation.

On March 17, the girls were taken to Banepa to see the factory of Dabur Nepal. On the way the girls enjoyed a talent show of their own conducted by Manavi Dhakal and a question-answer round by contestant Reecha Sharma.

The contestants who \gave the correct answers won gift hampers from Dabur Nepal.

At the site the girls were able to observe the production process of various Dabur products. They got to visit the the company’s Green House where the herbal production is done.

Sashi Kanta Jha, the person in charge of the Green House, gave the details about the running of the Green House.

Dr Badri Narayan, medicine plant project director, spoke about the various plants found at the Green House and their uses. Monica Bhatia Kapoor, product manager, gave information on Dabur Nepal Products and its exports to different countries.

Dabur has been sponsoring for Miss Nepal Pageant for last five years.

With the visits wrapped up, the contestants are looking forward to the various other titles as they get ready for the big day on April 7.