SHILLONG: Beauty shines through with intelligence. Both qualities fluidly co-exist in pageants. Shillong witnessed a celebration of this in crowning of Miss Shillong and Shillong Prince.
Sangeeta Das was crowned Miss Shillong and Deiborme Lyngdoh was crowned Shillong Prince. Kripa K Kapoor and Kermica Shangpliang were awarded first and second runners up in the women’s section.
Hamedawan Sten and Marvin Kharsohnoh were the first and second runners-up in men’s section. Das and Lyngdoh each collected cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
Lyngdoh made a mark early by winning the Best Ramp Walk. Shangpliang won Best Traditional Dress and Kapoor won Miss Catwalk.
Das answered well to the judge’s question on being liked or respected. She replied she would choose to be liked but people would respect on their own.
Das said seeing the mother as symbol of strength is how she would describe to a visually-impaired person.
Lyngdoh impressed the judges when he replied that money and power go hand in hand. But that being powerful with knowledge is something money can’t buy.
The audience appreciated when he answered that there is no need to go far to win the heart of a woman. Honesty, he added, is most important.
Lyngdoh, speaking to The Shillong Times, said, “I come from a humble village called Sahsniang in West Jaintia Hills so I never expected this. Winning Shillong Prince makes me happy.”
Lyngdoh, currently pursuing his Masters in Education at NEHU, added that he did not expect to win. “But with God’s grace, he brought positive things.” He desires to compete for Mr Northeast and Mr India next year.
Das, who learned from failure in past events, said, “I feel good with this blessing. I also want to thank grooming team who taught us to be role models inspiring others.”
Das is currently pursuing her BTech in Civil Engineering at NIT Shillong. On being asked what was her message to aspiring models, the girl from Nongrim Hills replied, “This is a big platform to conquer your fears and become confident.”
The event, organised by Fashion Society Shillong, had title of Shillong Prince for the first time along with Miss Shillong.
Designers from NIFT Shillong displayed their immaculate designs.
Adoralyne and Mebalajied performed songs, and Anniesha Mawrie and her Team Phoenix showcased their hip-hop dance pieces.
