Pushparani crowned Miss Pineapple Queen-2012
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, September 02 2012:
In a gala event organized by Manipur Pineapple Festival Committee, Yambem Pushparani of Uripok, Imphal was crowned Miss Pineapple Queen-2012 at historical tourist spot, Sendra Saturday night.
Apart from the coveted crown, she also won the prize for the subtitle of 'Best Pineapple Promoter' .
The contest was held as part of the 5th State Level Pineapple Festival.
Sharing her "happiest moments," in an exclusive chat with Hueiyen Lanpao, 17-year-old beauty said that "it's her first experience, and one of the happiest moments of my life" .
"I will keep this title as a valuable asset and being a student, I would spend cash award (Rs.50,000) on educational purposes.
When I became a perfect person, I will try my best to promote the delicious Manipuri pineapple and I will also urge the government for the said purpose," a delighted Pushparani added.
Pushparani, who is studying in class XI in R K Sanatombi Vidyalaya, also revealed that she had done some music albums and wants to become a 'successful and prominent actress' in future.
In the contest, two other beauties namely Hawaibam Pinki of Lilong Chajing and Tingminkim Chongloi of Kangpokpi won the 1st and 2nd Runners up titles respectively.
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The top three winners went home richer by Rs 50,000, Rs 40,000 and Rs 30,000 respectively.
In the Miss Pineapple Contest, five contestants namely Tongbram Kebisana Chanu, Thakhellambam Sonibala, Tinkimchan Haokip, Yambem Pushparani and Chinneilhing Lhouvum respectively won the subtitles of Miss Personality, Best Model, Best Sloganer, Best Pineapple Promoter and Best Pineapple Campaigner respectively.
The Best Designer subtitle award was bagged by Bishesh who designed the costume of Hawaibam Pinki.
Earlier, inaugurating festival as Chief Guest, Minister of Home and Horticulture Gaikhangam observed that pineapple can boost the income of farmers as well as of the state.
Manipuri pineapple is the best and tastiest in the world.
So, the government has to encourage the pineapple growers to produce more and make income out of it.
He also noted that the soil of Manipur is suitable for pineapple plantation.
However, due to the lack incentive and facilities for marketing as well as storage production of Pineapple is stagnant now.
So a proper arrangement is need to promote and export the pineapple grown in Manipur to other states.
Assuring all possible aids and supports from the side of the government and the department in this regard, the Horticulture Minister said that as orange, lemon and pineapple have their own festival, the Ministry concerned is consulting experts for organizing festival on our 'favourite' U-Morok in near future as well.
"Some people have approached me to conduct a festival for U-Morok like other horticulture festivals in the state and we are discussing on the proposal," he said.
Speaking as Guest of Honour of the function, MLA of Kakching A/C Y Surchandra opined that there is the need to identify all the places where best quality Pineapples are growing in Manipur.
The State government should also arrange marketing facilities for the Pineapple growers and extend every possible help to encourage the growers.
Presided over by IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip, the inaugural function of the 5th State Level Pineapple Festival was also attended by Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Francis Ngajokpa, MLA Victor Kishing, MLA Yamthong Haokip, MLA T Mangibabu and CO of 33 Assam Rifles Col N Bhardwaj as Guests of Honour.