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Thounaojam Strela was crowned Miss Manipur 2017 at the Bheigyachandra open-air theatre in Imphal on Dec. 16. She bagged the title defeating 16 other contestants who competed for the coveted title in three rounds namely traditional, casual and evening.
The top 10 contestants were screened and they were later shortlisted for the top five after a question and answer round.
A brief written examination decided the top three winners with Thounaojam Strela as Miss Manipur with 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 a cash prize of Rs 80,000, Rs 60,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively with a number of gift hampers from various sponsors and one night stay at Classic Resort at Sendra.
Seven sub-titles awards also given to M Saprina (Beautiful hair), Ng Bidyabati (Congeniality), Kabita Saikhom (Popularity), Serena Ahongsangbam(Beautiful skin), Priyanka Gotimayum (Talented), Aluliu Daimei (Catwalk) and Teresa Paonam (Best designer).
The contestants of Miss Manipur beauty pageant 2017 were scrutinised by a panel of five judges including Manipur Fire Service Director RK Meme, Medico fashionista and founder of a clothing line Sakura Dr Thiyam Sonia; design consultant Memyo Ningombi from the Ministry of Textiles, government of India; well-known designer Rina Ahanthem; and chairperson Dr K Sobita of the Manipur State Commission for Women.
The formal programme was inaugurated by minister for Consumer Affairs Food & Public Distribution and Revenue Karam Shyam, the chief guest. The chairman of the Tourism Corporation of Manipur Ltd. Dr Sapam Ranjan was the guest of honour.
Further, Shyam said that the citizens should be punctual in their activities if the state is to move toward progress and development. He pointed out one should try to abide by schedule and the timing set when organising a function.
Also, Dr Ranjan said that the very purpose in organising Miss Manipur was not just to appreciate ‘external physical beauty’ alone but to give a platform to the contestants to showcase their talents and best attitudes.
Miss Manipur 2017 is not just a one-day show but a culmination of various other events during a period of one month. During the event, contestants undergo various skill development programmes, training and grooming sessions to hone their talents, said Chief Co-ordinator RK Somio of Miss Manipur Organisation.
Our Correspondent