Miss Nagaland 2023 Neiketuno Sechü (center) with first runner-up Vimgha Sheqi (left) and Ilihika Aye second runner-up (right). (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | December 8
Standing 5’8, 19-year-old Neiketuno Sechü, who is currently pursuing B.A in Social Work took home the coveted Miss Nagaland 2023 title and crown on Friday night at a glittering ceremony held at Capital Cultural Hall, Kohima. 20-year old Vimgha Sheqi and 19-year-old Ilihika Aye were adjudged first runner-up and second runner-up respectively.
During the final round of questions, Neiketuno Sechü was asked why she chose to compete in the Miss Nagaland Beauty Pageant and how she would use the title to benefit others wherein she responded by saying that, “if I win this title tonight I want to share my transformative journey as an example that our voices are invaluable in making our world change.”
With every step, she had articulated that, “we can work together and bring out the best version of ourselves.” Further citing the need for change in perspective and bringing change in the society, she said if she won, she would “take it further more by addressing bullying, depression, mental health issues that are needed in the society today.”
Miss Nagaland 2023 walked away with a cash prize of rupees one lakh, and will receive direct entry to Miss Grand India 2024 and Miss Northeast 2024 respectively. Besides these, she was also awarded gift hampers worth rupees one lakh and twenty six thousand.
The first runner-up, Contestant No.3 Vimgha Sheqi was awarded Rs 70,000 and also received a gift hamper worth Rs 10000 and a direct entry to Miss Northeast.
The second runner-up, Ilihika Aye, Contestant No. 10 received a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and gift hampers worth Rs 10,000.
Earlier, Abraham Lee, Managing Director of Atomy India spoke about his personal goal which is “beautiful India and healthy Indians through Atomy” and also told the audience to “Keep your dream, and look beautiful.”
Director of Glamanand Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., also said they have been getting a lot of queries in the past one year while putting across that he sees a lot of potential in the BASN organisation, which has been organising the beauty pageant for the last 32 years. Expressing one of Glamanand’s visions to provide opportunity to girls right at their doorstep, he also exuded hope to see participation from the Northeast or Nagaland representing India in the near future. He further told the girls to focus on the result while adding that the most important quality for the contestants of Miss Nagaland is being “relatable” by illustrating that audience should be inspired by “If she can do it, why can’t I?”
Mention may be made here that Miss Nagaland 2023 was presented by Antodya Skills Foundation and initiated by the Beauty and Aesthetic Society of Nagaland (BASN) in collaboration with Atomy India. Several artistes also performed during the occasion.
Host of the evening was Ruopfüzhanuo Whizo while the panel of judges were Amjad Ali Khan Pathan, Director NE Glamanand Supermodel India, Nunui Rualhleng, fbb Femina Miss India, Mizoram, Imlibenla Wati Neinu, Miss Nagaland 2012, and Tokatoli Sohe, Miss Nagaland 1998.
Subtitle Winners
Miss Beautiful Skin- Keziah Mero, Contestant No.4
Miss Multimedia - Vimgha Sheqi, Contestant No. 3
Miss Beautiful Smile- Tsiawavi Nyuwi, Contestant No.2
Miss Talent- Flora Kent, Contestant No. 7
Miss Photogenic -Ilihika Aye, Contestant No. 10
Miss Perfect 10- Neiketuno Sechü, Contestant No. 5
Queen of Hearts- Katienla P Longchar, Contestant No.8
All the subtitle winners were awarded with a cash prize of Rs 10,000 each besides other benefits from several title sponsors.
