India has got its top three winners for Femina Miss India 2023, which was held in Imphal, Manipur.
While Rajasthan’s Nandini Gupta won the coveted title and Delhi’s Shreya Poonja became the first runner-up, Manipur’s Strela Thounaojam Luwang became the second runner-up.
Strela represented her state with grace and dignity showcasing the beauty of India’s diverse culture.
She competed against 30 contestants from 29 states and the national capital Delhi in the grand finale of India’s most prestigious beauty pageant.
Native to Uripok Bachaspati Leikai of Uripok town in Manipur’s Imphal, Strela was raised along with eight siblings. She had to overcome many personal setbacks to excel in her career.
From a young age, she suffered seizures and was diagnosed with epilepsy. And in school, she was bullied by her classmates.
At the age of 14, she started her career in modelling and always dreamed of participating in the pageant. She also took up international business after completing her schooling.
Defying all odds, the 21-year-old has set an example by bagging the title she aimed for and by gracefully living her dreams with dignity, hard work, confidence.
The beauty queen has dedicated herself to creating social awareness of mental health issues and providing a child-friendly education system in the country.
She describes herself as an “empathetic, compassionate, deep thinker” and wishes to use these attributes to help children overcome bullying and fight mental health issues.