McLEOD GANJ, India, 13 October 2019

Shrutika Sharma from Nainital, Uttrakhand, impressed the judges to win the crown of the Miss Himalaya Pageant 2019 in a modest show in McLeod Ganj last night.

“I feel like on cloud nine,” she says after winning the crown. She also won a prize of one lakh rupees (1,400 USD approx).

Shalika Rana was named the First Runner-up and Sapna Devi was the Second Runner-up. They received 50,000 and 25,000 rupees respectively.

The 22-year-old winner is 168 cm tall. She has a B Tech degree, and currently is a flight attendant. She likes reading fiction and history, dancing, and singing.

“My parents and my sister were my biggest support system. A great thanks to my relatives and friends who promoted my Miss Photogenic profile to get votes and boosted me for the pageant.

“I understand this comes with great responsibility. I am not only going to focus on my career but society as well. I will focus on uplifting our Pahadi (mountain) culture, promotion of Himalayan beauty, and expansion of tourism.”

Eight contestants were tested in four rounds on the Finale Night to decide the winner. They were judged by a three-member jury.

Organised since 2012, the Miss Himalaya Pageants celebrate and empower young Himalayan women, their unique culture, and the pristine environment around them.