In a historic for the very first time, Manipur is all set to host the 59th edition of Femina Miss India 2023 in Imphal, the first in the northeast region.
Nearly six-decade-old prestigious national pageant Femina Miss India has been a launchpad to million dreams, after having written countless emblematic success stories and the Hall of Fame, such as Zeenat Aman, Juhi Chawla, Aishwarya Rai, Priyanka Chopra, Dia Mirza, Manushi Chhillar and Neha Dhupia, to name a few. In addition, India is among the few countries to have won six Miss World Crowns.
On Thursday, In a ceremonious event the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur and Times Group hosted a few minutes ago at Imphal, Manipur an official announcement was made that the grand finale of the 59th edition of Femina Miss India will be held in the North Eastern state of Manipur in April 2023. Both parties signed an agreement to officiate the partnership in the presence of the honourable Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri N. Biren Singh, and Mr Vineet Jain, Managing Director, The Times of India.
Speaking on the partnership, the Honourable Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri N. Biren Singh, said, “We are delighted to partner with the prestigious Miss India Organization to host the grand finale here in Imphal, Manipur. The primary motive behind the partnership is to celebrate the diverse and inclusive Indian culture while fostering the competitive spirit of the talented participants. We want to inspire and empower the local youth by welcoming the best of India’s talent to our home soil and showcase Manipur’s rich culture and heritage we are so proud of.”
“It shows the growing confidence in the state regarding the security scenario and investment opportunities,” he added.
Highlighting why Manipur was selected, MD Times Group, Vineet Jain said, Manipur is one of India’s leading states regarding gender equality and empowerment. Women in Manipur are a strong force behind its economy. The percentage of working women in the state is double the national average. Manipur has given India a powerhouse of women in sports, like Mary Kom, Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, Kunjarani Devi and Laishram Sarita Devi to mention a few names. What more can Miss India, that celebrates women, ask for in a partner?”
He emphasized that the final of the 59th Femina Miss India in Manipur will be historic as it will be the first to be held in northeastern India.
“From this partnership, we endeavour to capture the essence of the state as a backdrop to our finale. This association strategically compliments the brand’s objective of inclusivity and diversity and of Manipur’s objective of reaching out to the nation as a destination of culture and beauty,” Jain added.
Miss India Organisation spokesperson and Times Group’s Brand & Operations Head Natasha Grover said, “We are excited to bring our iconic event to the people of Manipur, and we will pull out all stops to make it an inspiring and entertaining event the city has seen.”
“Miss India has transformed the lives of many Indian women, giving them empowerment, employability, opportunity and a strong voice in the community. The state of Manipur also believes in empowering its women to be equal partners in development, hence this partnership is a natural culmination of ideologies and vision,” Grover added.
The Miss India Organisation envisions creating an ecosystem of global influence and social impact through strategic partnerships that enable women to realize their full potential as role models and ambassadors, bringing honour and recognition to India worldwide. The institution of Miss India believes passionately in the power of beauty to change attitudes, project confidence and empower young women by instilling a sense of individuality, and uniqueness, encouraging self-expression, and creating significant and aspirational value among the youth. Mementoes were exchanged between the honourable Chief Minister, Government of Manipur, and Managing Director, The Times of India, to mark and honour the partnership and this historic milestone.
The event was also attended by MP Leishemba Sanajaoba, ministers Yumnam Khemchand, Govindas Konthoujam, Awangbow Newmai, Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh, H Dingko Singh, L Susindro Meitei, MLA L Dikho, chief secretary Rajesh Kumar and Rohit Gopakumar chief operating officer, Miss India Organisation, among others.
