Imphal: Esme Singh Shaiza, the reigning Miss Shirui Lily 2025, is set to represent India at the prestigious Miss Friendship International pageant in Chengdu, China. The international event is scheduled to take place from October 15 to November 5, 2025.
Shaiza, along with another contestant from Assam, will be India’s delegate at the global pageantry platform, which aims to promote cultural exchange and foster friendship between China and countries worldwide.
Speaking to the media before departing for Delhi on Wednesday, Shaiza expressed her heartfelt gratitude for being selected to represent the country at the 2025 pageant. She thanked the organisers and her supporters for their encouragement and expressed her excitement at the opportunity to compete on an international stage.
“I am immensely proud to announce that I will be representing my state, Manipur, and my nation, India, at the upcoming international beauty pageant. As a daughter of both this state and this country, I earnestly appeal to my brothers and sisters for your good wishes, moral support, and prayers,” she said.
A native of Ukhrul district, Shaiza highlighted that coming from a land renowned for its diversity, rich culture, and traditions would be an asset as she prepares for the global stage. She believes these qualities will be prominently showcased while representing her state and country internationally.
Acknowledging the heroic contributions of the women of Manipur to nation-building, Shaiza expressed her gratitude for being born a woman on this soil.
“I wish to become that woman who is a beacon of hope, peace, and harmony. As we are all aware, the state was shaken by ethnic conflict in the past years, and I feel we should all rise above our differences and work concertedly to foster greater understanding among us. We need to rise stronger with unconditional love and forgiveness to achieve the desired reconciliation,” she said.
She added, “Let us all remember that it is now time to walk the path of healing and recovery.”
During her interaction with the media, Shaiza also extended her gratitude to the Department of Tourism, Government of Manipur, and her well-wishers for their generous support in preparing her for the international event.
She also thanked renowned fashion designers from the state and the local weavers of Shirui village for helping bring her vision to life in preparation for the global stage.
Esme Shaiza emphasised that she chose to collaborate with designers from Manipur because she would be representing the state internationally, and she wanted to highlight the local culture and craftsmanship on a global platform.
She also revealed that Songashim Rungsung, Rubaru Mr India 2021, is serving as her facilitator for Miss Friendship International 2025 and expressed her gratitude for his continued support and guidance.
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