By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, October 5: Tanshuman Gurung was crowed the Miss Himalaya 2015 at the Pageant’s finale round at Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) in Dharamshala on Sunday.
Beating out 5 contestants from the Himalayan regions of Himachal Pradesh, Uttrakhand and Arunachal Pradesh, the 22-year old student of MA English was crowed the new Miss Himalaya by Jyoti Dogra, winner of the Miss Himalaya 2014.
Overwhelmed by the decision, Gurung, who hails from Uttrakhand, broke down as soon as she heard her name. “I am really honored and blessed after my victory. I am feeling proud to be a Himalayan. It has all been a success because of the love and support of my family and the people. All the girls (contestants) were really supportive as well,” she told Phayul, after her victory.
“I am going ahead with the responsibilities given to me with this crown, be it promoting our culture, awareness of protection of Himalayas and its heritage,” said an elated Gurung.
Tenzin Sangnyi, a Tibetan living in Manali, was named the first runner-up and Chum Darang from Arunachal Pradesh the second runner-up. “I was expecting to be crowned not the third runner-up. Yes, I am slightly disappointed but I am a person who believes that even if you don’t win on your first attempt, it is okay,” said Chum Darang.
Tenzin Sangnyi, the crowd’s favorite, who fell short by a place said, “The decision has not sunk in yet, it is kind of mixed feelings. But I won’t give up and I think you will see me somewhere else trying again.”
The contestants – Tanshuman Gurung, Tenzing Sangnyi, Chum Darang, Priyanka Verma, Samrity Verma, Swattee Thakur – all expressed their wonderful experience they had during the course of the competition.
The two-day event, consisting of five rounds, kicked-off on October 3 with talk and talent rounds where the contestants were given topics such as, ‘Do you see any problems with the status of women in the Himalayan region. If so, what steps could you suggest to empower them?’, ‘What role does Women play in the society and family in the Himalayan region?’, ‘What are the danger faced by the Himalayas from humans and what could be done to protect them?’ etc. They also performed and sang to show case their talent.
It has been four year since its inception by Lobsang Wangyal, the man behind Miss Tibet Pageant. Lobsang aims to empower young women from the Himalayan region, to celebrate the peace-loving people, their unique culture and raise concern for the mighty and majestic Himalayas.
“I am happy with all the girls and they have all prepared well but there will be only winner. This year’s edition has gone really well. Since it is a yearly affair, we will now get on with the next year’s pageant,” said Lobsang who rolled out his trademark choreography after the show to a some heart pumping Bollywood numbers.
