Tanshuman Gurung poses for a photo after winning the crown of the Miss Himalaya Pageant 2015 in McLeod Ganj, India, on 4 October 2015. MHP
Tibet Sun Newsroom
MCLEOD GANJ, India, 5 October 2015
Tanshuman Gurung, from Uttrakhand, was crowned Miss Himalaya 2015 in a modest show on Sunday at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA).
Tanshuman, a 23-year-old student of MA English from IGNOU, said she will try to fulfill the role that the title brings. Tenzin Sangnyi, a Tibetan living in Manali, was declared the first runner-up, and Chum Darang, from Arunachal Pradesh, the second runner-up.
The winner was awarded one lakh rupees (100,000), the first runner-up fifty thousand, and the second runner-up twenty-five thousand.
The finale of the Pageant consisted of three rounds: Introduction, Traditional Costume and Interview. Cassie Childers, Executive Director of the Tibet Women’s Football programme, and Nalini Gurung, a Teacher by profession, judged the final three rounds.
Jyoti Dogra crowned the new winner Tanshuman Gurung, who was overwhelmed with tears of joy.
“I am feeling so blessed and proud to be a Himalayan,” says Tanshuman.
“I will fulfill the responsibilities that come with the crown. The title is a backbone for me, it’s going to go with me everywhere.”
The previous day marked the official start of the Pageant. The evening opened with the Talk and Talent rounds. In the Talk round the contestants spoke on various topics about the Himalayan region. The Talent competition saw four ladies performing dances and two sang their favourite songs.
Congratulations to beautiful lady for winning the crown. But the responsibility of winning this title goes along with supporting Tibetan cause, as the two are inseparable. I am confident she will live up to the expectation of entire Himalayan people and raise our issues at an appropriate forum to create better awareness of our history and existing condition. My best wishes and prayers are with lady beautiful and I hope she is truly beautiful in every aspect.