Chanchui Khayi from Ukhrul district is set to represent Manipur at the upcoming 60th edition of the Femina Miss India 2024 competition. She will be the first tribal woman from Manipur to compete in this prestigious national beauty pageant.
A post-graduate in Performing Arts with a specialization in Drama and Theatre Arts from Pondicherry University, Chanchui hails from Teinem village in Ukhrul. Known for her artistic talents in singing, dancing, and acting, she has received numerous accolades, including the Sushma Swaraj Award for Distinguished Women Achievers in music and dance. In 2020, she also won the solo singing category in the K-Pop India Contest.
Chanchui’s journey in pageantry began in 2019, when she participated in Miss Northeast India and secured the first runner-up title. That same year, she was crowned Miss Spring 2019 during the Shirui Lily Festival, a state-level event in Ukhrul. In 2023, she further solidified her presence by emerging as one of the three winners at the 19th Sunsilk Mega Miss North East in Guwahati.
When EastMojo recently met Chanchui during her visit to Ukhrul, she was actively engaging with students and community elders, drawing strength and inspiration from them as she prepared for her next big challenge.
Chanchui believes that becoming the first tribal woman from Manipur to represent her state on a national stage is both a privilege and a responsibility. She is determined to showcase Manipur’s rich culture and talents while also drawing attention to her community, the Tangkhul Naga tribe.
“I feel really lucky, and I consider it an opportunity to represent my community at the 60th Femina Miss India. This is a moment to celebrate our culture, which is rich in arts and talents. My representation itself is a strength that my people can hold on to, and I hope that it will be a voice that reaches the rest of the country, to make them aware of the Tangkhul community and many other underrepresented communities,” Chanchui shared.
As she continues her journey, Chanchui, who is deeply passionate about child and youth development, aims to make a lasting impact on society, especially on the younger generation.
Acknowledging the current turmoil in her home state, Chanchui expressed her hope for healing and growth. “I know that many of us in Manipur feel discouraged and lost due to the present situation. But I believe that we must leave the past behind and move forward. There is always tomorrow, and we have to keep pushing forward to grow and learn. I hope that wherever you are, you can carry yourself up and remember that you are here for a reason,” she said.
When asked about her perspective on “beauty with a purpose,” Chanchui emphasized the importance of using one’s platform to inspire positive change. “Beauty with a purpose means making a difference in someone’s life—whether through your words, actions, or simply by being who you are. It’s about creating change, big or small, and caring for others as you walk through life,” said Chanchui, who admires Princess Diana for her compassion and generosity.
“Not many people possess qualities like those of Princess Diana, and I look up to her for that. It’s a legacy I want to leave behind when my time comes,” she said.
Chanchui also underscored the importance of confidence in beauty pageants. “Confidence is an accessory we must wear in a beauty pageant. I am confident because I look forward to success. Failure is not something I am ready for—no one prepares for failure, only for success.”
Her greatest strength, Chanchui believes, lies in her mental and spiritual health. With the blessings of God and the support of her community, she is confident that nothing will stand in her way as she prepares for the Femina Miss India 2024 competition.
Having followed the Femina Miss India pageant for many years, Chanchui shared that she had been preparing for this opportunity for a year. “It’s been taxing, but I know my efforts will bear fruit. I’m taking it one step at a time, knowing that success is about the journey, not just the destination.”
The 60th edition of Femina Miss India will feature 30 contestants from across India’s states and union territories. The grand finale is scheduled for October 2024, where all finalists will compete for the coveted Femina Miss India World title.
Last year, Manipur hosted the grand finale of the 59th edition of Femina Miss India in Imphal, where Manipur’s Thounaojam Strela Luwang finished as the second runner-up.
With her strong qualities and determination, Chanchui Khayi’s representation in this year’s Femina Miss India is expected to create history not just for Manipur, but for the entire country.
Also Read: How Tangkhul Nagas sustain a movie industry with no outside support
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