It is an honour that India is understandably going overboard about – the Miss World crown comes back after 17 long years! It has prompted even PM Narendra Modi to tweet, “Congratulations @ManushiChhillar! India is proud of your accomplishment.”
https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/931941419480072193
It was definitely a highlight of a year that hasn’t been one of our brightest yet, as India’s Manushi Chhillar was crowned Miss World 2017 from among 118 contestants from various countries at a grand event held at Sanya City Arena, China. The event, held yesterday, saw her pipping first runner-up Andrea Meza, Miss Mexico; and second runner-up Stephanie Hill, Miss England, to bag the top honour.
https://twitter.com/priyankachopra/status/931922437050191874
Priyanka Chopra, who had last brought the crown home in 2000, was among the thousands who were delighted by young Manushi’s win. Chopra tweeted, “And we have a successor! Congratulations @ManushiChhillar on becoming #MissWorld2017…cherish and learn, and most importantly enjoy it. Bravo.” Nice bits of advice there, coming from one who has personally lived the experience.
Incidentally, Manushi, a medical student from Haryana who dreams of being a cardiac surgeon, is the sixth Indian to be crowned Miss World. Speaking after her big win, she said, “The feeling is still sinking in... 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.” Manushi won two more titles that evening - the 'Head to Head' challenge and the 'Beauty With A Purpose' segment.
Her answer in the final round not only helped her clinch the crown, but won her fans aplenty. Asked which profession in the world deserved the highest salary and why, she replied that since she was very close to her mother, she believed 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.”
With Bollywood sure to roll out the red carpet for this charming stunner, we wonder how long Manushi will be able to hold on to her cardiac surgery dreams!
