Agartala/Ukhrul, Aug 19: Draped in vibrant textiles and brandishing graceful smiles, nine beauty queens from India’s Northeast brought the spotlight to their region at the Miss Universe India 2025 pageant. Representing eight states and one wildcard entrant, these young women carried their cultures, aspirations, and voices onto the national stage, earning admiration long before the final crown was placed.
The event, held in Indore, drew participants from across India, but the Northeast contingent stood out for their diversity and powerful stories.
From Arunachal Pradesh came two contestants. Longku Komal (21), who hails from Kamle district, was crowned Miss Universe Arunachal 2025 in June at Tawang. She impressed judges with her poise and determination, and she now dreams of showcasing Arunachal’s tribal heritage on the global stage. Alongside her was Tokmem Mengu, the wildcard entry from Arunachal, who had been first runner-up in the state contest. Organizers rewarded her resilience with a berth in the national finals.
Assam’s representative, Neha Baruah (26) of Biswanath Chariali, stood out as one of the most experienced delegates. With a master’s degree in social work, Neha has spent six years working with marginalized communities, including children and people with disabilities. “I want to use this platform to advocate for child safety, sex education and mental health,” she told local media. Fluent in five languages, Neha brought Assam’s rooted traditions and cosmopolitan values together on stage.
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Sarangthem Nirupama (24) carried the hopes of Manipur. A psychology student at CT University in Punjab, Nirupama previously won the 2023 Mega Miss Northeast crown. In her words, “I am honored to represent Manipur at Miss Universe India 2025, advocating for love, peace, and an end to hatred.” Her advocacy stems from personal battles with online abuse when she spoke out for women and children’s rights. Her resilience has made her a role model in Manipur’s volatile times. At the Indore finale, Nirupama secured a place in the top 5, finishing as 4th runner-up — the highest placement for a contestant from the Northeast this year.
From Meghalaya, Chaivalry Lartang (23) was crowned Miss Universe Meghalaya 2025 in a glittering Shillong finale. A former runner-up in Miss Meghalaya 2024, Chaivalry’s elegance and articulate answers won her state title. She has since been undergoing intensive training in Delhi to refine her stage performance.
Evelyn Zachhingpuii (26) represented Mizoram. Once the first runner-up at Miss Mizoram 2024, Evelyn earned her Miss Universe Mizoram 2025 crown this year. Known for her calm stage presence and ability to blend modern outlook with Mizo tradition, Evelyn’s hard work earned her a place in the Top 20, where she placed 14th overall.
Nagaland’s pride was Kelulu Dawhuo (19), a Bachelor of Arts student at St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama. Belonging to the Chakhesang tribe, Kelulu previously held titles including Miss Kohima 2024 and second runner-up in Miss Nagaland 2024. Judges praised her confidence and clarity, qualities that earned her the Miss Universe Nagaland 2025 crown and a berth on the national stage.
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In Sikkim, Jackielynn Pradhan (21) made history. A transgender woman from Jorethang, she became the first transgender winner of Miss Universe Sikkim 2025. Overjoyed after beating 45 contestants, she said, “This has been my dream for the past nine years… Miss Sikkim has turned into reality, and I am so proud of myself and my community (LGBTQ+).” Despite online taunts, Jackielynn has embraced her platform, adding, “I represent not just my community but the entire women of Sikkim.”
Khumjhar Debbarma (21) carried the flag for Tripura. An engineering student and former NCC cadet from Agartala, she was crowned Miss Universe Tripura 2025 in May. Warmly welcomed home after her win, Khumjhar said she is committed to “representing Tripura and its unique cultural identity on the global stage.” Multilingual and deeply connected to her Kokborok roots, she also leads the “Clean and Green Northeast” campaign to promote environmental awareness.
The glittering finale ended with outgoing queen Rhea Singha passing her crown to Manika Vishwakarma, who was crowned Miss Universe India 2025. She will now represent India at the 74th Miss Universe Pageant in Thailand this November.
A Strong Showing from the Northeast
Though the ultimate crown went elsewhere, the Northeast contingent left a strong impression. Nirupama’s top 5 finish underscored Manipur’s growing prominence in national pageantry, while Evelyn’s Top 20 placement brought recognition to Mizoram’s rising talents. Others, like Neha Baruah of Assam and Jackielynn Pradhan of Sikkim, drew wide public support for their advocacy and courage.