It was a glorious moment for India as cheers rang out across the country for the lovely Manushi Chhillar who was crowned Miss World 2017 in the event held at Sanya City Arena in Sanya, China, on Saturday.
Ms Chhillar is bringing home the crown 17 years, after our very own Priyanka Chopra brought us the title back in the year 2000, making her the 6th Indian to win the coveted spot after competing with 118 contestants from around the world.
So, who is Manushi Chhillar?
Manushi Chhillar is the daughter of Dr Mitra Basu Chhillar, a scientist at DRDO, and Dr Neelam Chhillar – the head of the department of Neurochemistry at the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences.
A medical student from Haryana, 20-year-old Manushi took a one-year break from her Bachelor’s Degree course in Medicine and Surgery to represent India in the global pageant.
She studied at St. Thomas School in New Delhi and Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women in Sonepat.
Being a dedicated student of science is not the only feather in Manushi’s cap; she loves outdoor sports and is a huge fan of paragliding, bungee jumping, snorkelling and scuba diving.
A keen lover of performing arts, she is also a trained Kuchipudi dancer and has been professionally trained by the renowned dancers, Raja and Radha Reddy.
From girl-next-door to Miss World 2017, her exciting journey began when she was crowned Fbb Colors Femina Miss India World 2017 in June, and she has been unstoppable ever since.
She believes that her education has given her the confidence to be up there on stage. She dreams of being a cardiac surgeon and her ambition is to open a chain of non-profitable hospitals based in rural areas.
For her ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ project, she spread awareness about menstrual hygiene, visiting 20 villages and touching the lives of 5,000 women; her initiative was called Project Shakti.
Some of the stunning outfits she donned for the events leading up to the Miss World ceremony included creations from Nandita Thirani, Falguni Shane Peacock India, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, and Lulu & Sky.
While winning the judges’ hearts throughout, it was Manushi’s answer in the final round that sealed the deal for her win.
When asked which profession in the world deserved the highest salary and why, she responded: “Since I am very close to my mother, I believe a mother deserves the highest respect. When you talk about salary, I don’t think it’s just about cash, but it’s the love and respect you give to someone. I think my mom has always been my biggest inspiration; mothers sacrifice so much for their kids. It is certainly that one profession which deserves the highest salary, the highest respect and love.”
“The feeling is still sinking in…”, she told Times of India when asked how she felt about her win. “I’m very excited to make India proud. I’m also looking forward to the year ahead. My parents have always been my pillar of support and having them here tonight by my side has only brought me more strength and joy.”
Source: Manushi Chhillar
We congratulate you, Manushi Chhillar, for such an inspiring win! May you be the role model that every young girl aspires to look up to!
