State to host Femina Miss India grand finale in April
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, November 17 2022:
Manipur will host the grand finale of Femina Miss India-2023 in April, 2023 and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard has been signed between the state government and the Times Group on Thursday.
The MoU was signed by director (tourism) W Ibohal Singh on behalf of Manipur government and Rohit Gopakumar, chief operating officer, Miss India Organisation on behalf of the Times Group in the presence of chief minister N Biren Singh and The Times of India managing director Vineet Jain.
Expressing happiness on being part of signing of the MoU to host 59th edition of Femina Miss India-2023, chief minister N Biren told media persons that the main purpose of the partnership is to celebrate the diverse and inclusive Indian culture and to inspire and empower local youth by welcoming the best of India's talents to the state.
The state can also showcase the rich cultural heritage of Manipur, of which its people are proud, he added.
Stating that the prestigious event would be held for the first time in Northeast India, CM Biren expressed that hosting such prestigious event reflects the growing interest of investors in the northeast especially in Manipur.
It also testifies sense of security and an opportunity for investment in the state, he continued and expressed optimism that the tourist footfall will recover to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic level soon with the upcoming Manipur Sangai Festival to be held from November 21 to 30.According to CM Biren, in sync with Prime Minister Narendra Modi frequent appeal to people of the country to visit the north-eastern states, the government of Manipur too has been leaving no stone unturned to attract domestic travellers in the last few years.
On the other-hand, The Times of India managing director Vmeet Jain thanked chief minister N Biren for the historic partnership to host the prestigious Miss India 2023 grand finale in Imphal.
Noting that Manipur is blessed with a history of over 2500 years, he described as a privilege for the Times Group to get the opportunity of organising the beauty pageant event in the state.
Manipur is one of the leading states in terms of gender equality and women empowerment, he said, while adding that Manipur is also powerhouse of sports in India and women sportspersons of the state brought many laurels for the country.
Vineet Jain continued that the grand finale of the 59th edition of Femina Miss India would be a historic event as it would be the first time to be held in Northeast India.
He maintained that through the partnership, the endeavour of Miss India Organisation is to capture the essence of the state as the backdrop to the finale.
The association would complement the objective of inclusivity and diversity and Manipur's objective of reaching out to the nation as a destination of culture and beauty, he added.
"Women in Manipur are a strong force behind its economy.
The percentage of working women in the state is double the national average.
Manipur has given India the powerhouse of women in sports, like Mary Kom, Saikhom Mirabai Chanu, Kunjarani Devi and Laishram Sarita Devi to mention a few names.
What more can Miss India, that celebrates women, ask for in a partner?" .
He stressed that the finale of the 59th Femina Miss India in Manipur will be historic as it will be the first to be held in Northeast India.
Miss India Organisation spokesperson and Times Group's Brand & Operations Head Natasha Grover said, "We are excited to bring our iconic event to the people of Manipur, and we will pull out all stops to make it an inspiring and entertaining event the city has seen" .
"Miss India has transformed the lives of many Indian women, giving them empowerment, employability, opportunity and a strong voice in the community.
The state of Manipur also believes in empowering its women to be equal partners in development, hence this partnership is a natural culmination of ideologies and vision," Grover further added.
The Miss India Organisation envisions creating an ecosystem of global influence and social impact through strategic partnerships that enable women to realise their full potential as role models and ambassadors, bringing honour and recognition to India worldwide.
Since its inception, the household name of Miss India has been a launchpad to million dreams, having scripted iconic success stories and hall of fame.
In addition, India is among the few countries to have won six Miss World titles.
MAHUD minister Yumnam Khemchand, works minister Govindas Konthoujam, water resources minister Awangbow Newmai, health minister Dr Sapam Ranjan, CAF & PD minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei, social welfare minister Heikham Dingo, education minister Thounaojam Basanta Kumar, MP Maharaja Leishemba Sanajaoba, Tourism Corporation of Manipur Limited chairman Karam Shyam, Mao MLA Losii Dikho, chief secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar, officials of state government and Times Group also attended the MoU signing programme held at CM secretariat.