LSST Wembley Lecturer Crowned Mrs Nepal Universe 2024
By Kunal Chan Mehta | Article Date: 8 November 2024
Santoshi Karki – an Academic Tutor in Business and Lecturer for LSST’s Diploma in Education and Training (DET) at LSST Wembley – has been crowned Mrs Nepal Universe 2024. But there is more to the story. Her win was based on a sense of purpose – a space that feels personal while being adorned with snapshots of her life as a mother, a lecturer and a beauty queen — each element a reflection of the many roles she plays. Yet, for Santoshi, these are not just roles – they are opportunities to inspire, to empower and to lead:
Santoshi’s journey from her native Nepal to the global stage at the 47th Mrs Universe competition is one of triumph over adversity — a story of resilience that has driven her to become an advocate for women everywhere. Crowned Mrs Nepal Universe 2024, Santoshi competed against 110 women from around the world, ultimately winning the coveted Mrs Charisma title in South Korea (where this year’s competition was held). “For me, the title is about more than recognition — it’s my platform to amplify my message of inner beauty, strength and empowerment,” says Santoshi.
“When I stood on that stage, I wasn’t just representing myself or even my country,” Santoshi reflects. “I was representing every woman who has ever felt like she wasn’t enough, every woman who’s been told her dreams are too big or that her place is only at home. I’m here to tell them that we can be anything we want to be — whether that’s a mother, a career woman, a student, a footballer or a beauty queen. We can do it all. And we can do it with confidence.”
Her confidence in the power of women to shape their own futures is at the heart of everything Santoshi does on and off stage. As an academic at LSST, she brings this same confidence into her classroom, where she works to coach her students to achieve their full potential. But her advocacy extends far beyond the educational sphere. Santoshi is deeply passionate about promoting “women’s inner power”, particularly for married women who she believes are often overlooked or underestimated across the world.
“In so many cultures, I have witnessed how married women are expected to focus solely on their families and – yes – while that’s incredibly important, it’s also just as important for them to have something for themselves such as a career, education or even a creative outlet like pageantry,” she says. “I want these women to know that they don’t have to choose between their responsibilities at home and their ambitions. They can have both. They can do both.”
For Santoshi, beauty pageants represent a powerful tool for empowerment. She sees them not merely as a showcase of physical beauty but as a platform for women to develop self-confidence, build resilience and share their stories with the world. “Pageants are about so much more than how you look in a crown and gown,” she explains. “They teach you how to stand tall, how to speak with confidence and most importantly how to believe in yourself. Those are lessons that carry over into every part of your life. And for me, winning the Mrs Charisma title wasn’t about beauty — it was about being authentic and showing my strength … and inspiring women.”
This authenticity is what sets Santoshi apart, both as a lecturer and as an advocate for women’s rights. Her life has not been without challenges. Having faced and overcome personal adversity she knows firsthand the importance of resilience and self-worth. “Look. I’ve been through dark times,” she admits. “But those experiences have made me stronger as I’m now determined to use my voice to help other women who are going through similar challenges. I want them to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel, that they are not alone and that they are worthy of respect and love.”
Her students at LSST benefit from this same ethos of self-worth. As a tutor, Santoshi is known for her ability to connect with her students on a deeper level, encouraging them to push beyond their perceived limitations. “I always tell my students that the biggest obstacle standing in their way is their own self-doubt,” she says. “If you believe you can do something, you’re already there at a halfway point. I’ve seen my students transform simply by shifting their mindset from thinking ‘I can’t’ to ‘I will.’ And once that happens, there’s no stopping them.”
Looking ahead, Santoshi is excited about the future and the opportunities it holds, both for herself and for the causes she is passionate about. “This is just the beginning,” she says smiling. “I have major plans in terms of my personal goals and in terms of continuing to advocate for women’s inner power. I want to reach as many women as I can and share my story and hopefully help them realise that they, too, are capable of incredible things.”
As we conclude our conversation at LSST’s Wembley Hive campus, it’s clear that Santoshi is a woman on a mission — a mission to share power, uplift and inspire women everywhere. Whether in front of a classroom or on a global stage, her message remains the same: “You are stronger than you think. No matter what you are going through, just remember that your courage lights the way for others. Also, that you are capable of greatness and can achieve anything you set your mind on. The world is waiting for you to shine and share the unique gifts only you can bring.”
For additional information please contact LSST’s Public Relations Manager via kunal.mehta@lsst.ac.
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