Staff Reporter:
SHILLONG:
Three years ago, in 2019, when she was just 17, Sairupa Wahlang had participated for the first time in the Miss Shillong contest. She could not even make it to the top 10. On October 8, the tide turned in her favour as she was crowned with the title at the glittering finale at U Soso Tham Auditorium.
“Back in 2019 I was a 17-year-old girl, unfortunately I couldn’t even make it to the top 10 but through these years I’ve learned a lot about myself and I’ve become stronger and more confident. One thing is that I always believe in myself. I feel believing in yourself is the essence of your life for everything to fall in line. Through my journey I want to inspire people and let them know that failure is not the end of the world,” she told The Meghalayan while advising to take failure as a step to better oneself.
“I aspire to participate in Miss Northeast and make my way to Miss India and who knows, someday I may be walking on the ramp for the Miss World title,” she said in a tone of conviction.
She is currently pursuing her bachelors in History from St. Edmund’s college and holds BTS, a K-pop band, to be one of her inspirations who had always motivated her through there message of “Love Yourself.”
Stella Rica Khongsni was adjudged the first runner-up and Nika Brunie Tariang as second runner-up. The Miss Shillong is organised by Fasion Society Shillong. In the other category, Small is Beautiful, Cafilia Namika R. Sylliang walked away with the honours while Presila Lyngdoh and Ibapyntngen Syiem Shangei followed as first and second runners-up respectively.
Twenty-year-old Cafilia hails from from Nongjri in Ri Bhoi district and is currently pursuing medical technician course in Nongpoh. Speaking to The Meghalayan, she said she was grateful to her family and friends for constantly sup porting her throughout her journey.
Presila Lyngdoh, right, the first runner-up, Ibapyntngen Syiem Shangei, second runner-up.
“My family in my village is really excited. They were looking forward to me being here and now, they’ll be more than happy to learn that I have won the competition,” she said.
The judges were Marjorie Noreen Dunai, Phiralin Nongbet, Bobby L. Nongbet and Batista
Crespo Lyngdoh. Bobby L Nongbet , who is a football coach, said, “The contestants were all up to the mark and elegant in their ways. The best thing is that the deserving contestants emerged as the winners.”
SUBTITLES
Chaivalry Lartang – Miss Beautiful Smile
Jollyne Lyngdoh – Miss Photogenic
Donique Heizel Kharsyntiew – Miss Talented
Nike B Tariang – Best traditional attire
Gracey Nandy – Miss Beautiful hair
Silse D. Marak – Miss Catwalk
Ashley Sawian – Miss Beautiful skin
Hazel Mukhim – Miss perfect 10
Sairupa Wahlang – Miss beautiful eyes