Imphal: Nandini Gupta (19) from Kota, Rakstan was crowned as Femina Miss India 2023 last night. Shreya Poonja from Delhi and Thounaojam Strela Luwang from Manipur were chosen as the first and second runner-ups.
Nandini will represent India at the 71st Miss World pageant in the UAE. She has experience in organising and hosting events which inspired her to pursue a degree in business management. The pageant website says that she "believes that rejections play a crucial role in defining who one is as an individual. So she is determined to face all the challenges, failures, and rejections that may come her way as she embarks on the journey of a lifetime."
She finds Ratan Tata to be the most influential person in her life because he does everything for humanity and donates most of it to charity. She also aims to create jobs and give platforms for others to build legacies. She also admires Priyanka Chopra who won the Miss World crown in 2000. "She gave back to society and excelled as an actor. She inspires people, has a great sense of humour, and has the zeal to gain more as she grows," said the newly minted beauty queen.
She added that Rajasthan’s heritage, culture, traditions, and sweetness in people’s voices are what make the home state unique. "India promotes the message of Atithu Devo Bhavah, and we, Rajasthani, by inculcating it welcome them by Padharo Mhare Desh." Nandini also describes herself as "vocal and vivacious".
Every woman must have confidence in herself, should be grounded in her roots, and be always compassionate toward her dream and giving back to society, said the young pageant winner.
Miss India Organisation announced the news on Instagram and wrote, "All of these ladies have a powerful voice and we’re sure that they’re going to use this platform to further all the important causes that they believe in. We’ve seen the passion with which they’ve worked for these positions and must say that there’s no one more deserving! Congratulations, ladies- it’s time to celebrate."
First runner-up Shreya Poonja (22) is pursuing a higher education in finance. Growing up, she learnt multiple dance forms like Kathak, Jazz, and contemporary, along with sports like swimming, skating, and taekwondo. She has worked for designers like Manish Malhotra, Raghavendra Rathore, and Neeta Lulla.
Thounaojam Strela Luwang (21) studied international business. She grew up with epilepsy and anxiety along with facing bullying. She believes mental health is very important and is an avid messenger of the same. Her goal is to encourage a "child-friendly education system".