CHRONICLE NEWS SERVICE

IMPHAL: Winner of the Miss Shirui Lily-2025 title, Esme Singh Shaiza, is all set to participate in the Miss Friendship International pageant in Chengdu, China from October 15 to November 5.

Briefing the media at Fairyland (opposite ISBT) on Wednesday flanked by Miss Shirui Lily 2025 Organising Committee chairman AC Raising and Shirui Lily Festival 2025 director Phapha Guchui, Esme Shaiza stated that she, along with another participant from Assam, will represent India at the Chengdu pageant.

Expressing gratitude to the Department of Tourism and her well-wishers for their generous support in her preparation for the international event, she said that a cultural exchange programme will also be held as a component of the Miss Friendship International.

Esme also appealed to the people to encourage her through social media and expressed confidence of winning a title at the pageant, which aims to promote cultural exchange and foster friendship between China and countries worldwide.

During the presser held hours before her departure for Delhi en-route to Cheng du, she expressed heartfelt gratitude on being selected to represent the country at the 2025 pageant and expressed excitement at the opportunity to compete on an international stage.

“I am immensely proud to announce that I will be rep resenting my state, Manipur, and my nation, India, at the upcoming international beauty pageant. As a daughter of both this state and this country, I earnestly appeal to my brothers and sisters for your good wishes, moral support, and prayers,” she said.

A native of Ukhrul district, Esme highlighted that coming from a land renowned for its diversity, rich culture, and traditions would be an asset as she prepares for the glob al stage. She believes these qualities will be prominently showcased while representing her state and country inter nationally.

Acknowledging the heroic contributions of the women of Manipur to nation-building, the reigning Miss Shirui Lily titlist, expressed her gratitude for being born a woman on this soil.

“I wish to become that woman who is a beacon of hope, peace, and harmony. As we are all aware, the state was shaken by ethnic conflict in the past years, and I feel we should all rise above our differences and work concertedly to foster greater understanding among us. We need to rise stronger with unconditional love and forgiveness to achieve the desired recon ciliation,” she said.

She added, “Let us all re member that it is now time to walk the path of healing and recovery.” Esme also thanked renowned fashion designers from the state and the local weavers of Shirui village for helping bring her vision to life in preparation for the global stage.

Esme Shaiza emphasised that she chose to collaborate with designers from Manipur because she would be rep resenting the state internationally, and she wanted to highlight the local culture and craftsmanship on a global platform.

She also revealed that Songashim Rungsung, Rubaru Mr India 2021, is serving as her facilitator for Miss Friend ship International 2025 and expressed her gratitude for his continued support and guidance.   (With inputs from EastMojo)