Mireesha Narsai is fired up about sustainable living; a passionate young woman who is determined to leave the world better than she found it. “Why not me,” she asks.
Story Hayley Dennyson Pictures Adi Weerheim
Mireesha’s family have had a strong influence on her, shaping her desire to help those around her. “Growing up vegetarian, I learnt an appreciation of animals. That developed into a wider concern about our planet and the need to help in any way I can,” she explains. “The time for talk is over. We need to make a change. Why shouldn’t that start with me? I want to see how far I can go, what difference I can make.”
The Kloof High graduate’s parents (mom is a retired teacher and dad is a well-known local paediatrician) encouraged her to use her education to help others. Mireesha is currently studying towards her masters in civil engineering at UKZN. “It’s great being able to build something from the ground up, but sustainability is vital.” Her masters project uses algae to produce bio crude oil, with an added bonus of recycling untreated water.
“It’s tough to be recognised as a woman in a male-orientated industry, but we are making progress and some of my greatest civil engineering role models are women, including UKZN lecturer Christina McLeod. It’s time for girls to recognise their own abilities and the achievements of those women who are creating a new path for us all. Get involved in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths). There are so many opportunities!”
The 24-year-old has long been involved with Meat Free Mondays SA and, through that, learnt about Miss Earth. You would be forgiven for thinking that Miss Earth is a beauty pageant with a green slant, but it’s much more than that. Miss Earth is a leadership and empowerment programme, an international collaboration to educate on environmental issues.
“I have always wanted to uplift my community and Miss Earth has given me a platform to make a real difference, with greater access to funds and support. The programme also brings you into contact with incredible people and organisations, such as Wildlands, Consol and Sappi, which are making a tangible difference.”
Miss Earth contestants are encouraged to work together on projects that educate and empower. As a regional semi-finalist, Mireesha is teaching Grade 3s about recycling, planting trees and veggie gardens. “I’ve made some wonderful friends and, from what I’ve seen in local schools, our future leaders are greenies,” she says with trademark warmth.
“Our role is in educating people in the small things – recycling, car pooling – and encouraging them to look after their own community. Shop local, clean up the area around you. It’s as easy as taking a »
plastic bag with you to the beach and picking up litter along the way. You can be green and glam!”
Yoga and CrossFit are a regular part of Mireesha’s life and, inspired by her interest in healthy eating, she completed a diploma in nutrition. She shares her recipes and advice on healthy living through her blog (https://enthrawled.wordpress.com). “I want to show people how simple and delicious plant-based dishes can be.”
The national winner of Miss Earth will go on to the international pageant, where she will meet other winners and get involved in projects around the world, where her expertise can add value. “It’s about global collaboration and motivation to make a change,” Mireesha explains.
The winner of Miss Earth South Africa will be announced on September 8, 2016. We wish Mireesha and all the other contestants the very best. After spending time with this dynamic woman, I couldn’t help but ask: “Why not me?”
[instagram] @mireesha
