Senapati lad to compete in Rubaru Mr India
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, July 17 2022:
Banner Lanamai James of Manipur is all set to be in the race for India's biggest men's pageant crown.
Banner is among the finalists for the Rubaru Mr India scheduled to be held later this year.
Banner Lanamai James, son of Karaiba Pungdina and (L) James Lanamai, is from the Poumai Naga tribe of Senapati district.
The 22-year-old Banner is 6 feet tall and is a freelance model.
He is pursuing his master's degree in English literature and linguistics.
The Senapati lad's selection is remarkable as he will be vying for Manipur back-to-back title in the Rubaru Mr India competition.
In the previous year, Songashim Rungsung of Ukhrul district was named as the winner of the prestigious competition held in Goa.
This year, Banner will aim for the crown.
It is learned that Banner had to go through 6 rounds before getting selected for the national finals.
During the 6 rounds of selection process, the contestants were reportedly judged on various parameters like confidence, personality, communication skills, fitness and many more.
More than 30,000 candidates from all over the country applied for the contest.
Banner James was one of the very few candidates who cleared all the 6 rounds and made his way to the national finals, which will take place at the end of this year.
Rubaru Mr India is India's biggest and oldest running pageant for men.
The contest was reportedly launched in the year 2004, and the current year is going to celebrate its 18th edition.
The event was founded by Sandeep Kumar with Mumbai-based Pankaj Kharbanda as the vice-president of the organisation.
Rubaru Mr India holds the record of being associated with the maximum number of international modelling competitions across the globe.
The top placers of the event go on to represent India at various international cham-pionship based in different men's pageant sector and is the largest contributor to international men's pageant industry.
It is also regarded as the biggest and most celebrated national level men's pageant in the world.
Rubaru Mr India contest has produced the maximum number of international male pageant award winners and title holders of Indian origin.
finalists for the pageant is a dream-come-true for him as he always wanted to become a part of the pageant ever since he was a kid.
The finalist mentioned that he has been working really hard as he would not only be representing himself but for his family, his community and his state.
Banner also stated that he is very excited.