Thounaojam Strela was crowned Miss Manipur 2017 at the end of its grand finale at Bheigyachandra Open Air Theatre here amidst much pomp and grandeur on late Saturday night.
She bagged the title defeating 16 other contestants from different walks of life who competed for the coveted title in three rounds-traditional, casual and evening. Top 10 contestants were screened and they were later shortlisted for the top five after a question and answer round.
A brief written examination decides the top three which include Priyanka Gotimayum and Konthoujam Mangal Chanu who bagged the first and second runner up titles of the beauty contest presented by Halley Laithangbam and Sonia Phairembam.
All the three top beauties went home richer with cash prize of Rs 80,000, Rs 60,000 and Rs 40,000 with a number of gift hampers from various sponsors and one night stay at Classic Resort etc. Besides seven sub-titles awards were also given to seven other beauties.
The contestants of Miss Manipur beauty pageant 2017 were scrutinised by a panel of five judges including Director RK Meme of Manipur Fire Service, Medico fashionista & founder of a clothing line Sakura Dr Thiyam Sonia, Design consultant Memyo Ningombi of Ministry of Textiles, Government of India and well-known designer Rina Ahanthem and Chairperson Dr K Sobita of Manipur State Commission for Women.
Earlier Consumer Affairs Food & Public Distribution and Revenue Minister Karam Shyam and Chairman Tourism Corporation of Manipur Ltd Dr Sapam Ranjan formally inaugurated the competition of beauty and brain as the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour respectively.
In his brief speech, Minister Shyam said that citizens should be punctual in their activities if the State is to head towards progress and development. He pointed out they should try to abide by the timing of the set schedule as far as applicable while organising a function. On the other hand, Dr Ranjan said the very purpose of organising Miss Manipur Contest is not just appreciating external physical beauty alone but to give a platform to the contestants to showcase their inner talents & mental attitudes.
