The thirst of India came to an end after the 17-year long wait, as Ms. Manushi Chhillar from Haryana won the international pageant ‘Miss World 2017’. The 21-year-old, who had won Femina Miss India 2017 earlier this year, also bagged the Beauty with Purpose award.
Ms. Chhillar is the sixth Indian woman to win the coveted title of Miss World. Reita Faria was the first Indian woman to claim the title back in 1966, followed by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in 1994, Diana Haydon in 1997, Yukta Mookhey in 1999 and Priyanka Chopra in 2000.
For supermodel Alesia Raut, who had trained Chhillar for a brief duration this news is a return gift to her hard work.
Ms. Chhillar has studied from St. Thomas School, New Delhi and Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women, Sonepat.
After reaching the top five, Ms. Chhillar was asked during the Question and Answer round, which profession she thought deserved the highest salary and why.
Answering the question, she said, “I think a mother is of the highest respect. I don’t think it’s just about cash but love and respect she gives to someone. She is the biggest inspiration of my life. A mother should get the highest respect.”
According to Ms. Chhillar’s profile on the Miss World website, Ms. Chhillar aims to be a cardiac surgeon and has plans of opening non-profit hospitals in rural areas.
Ms. Chhillar’s profile also says she is a trained classical dancer and has a passion for outdoor sports like scuba diving, snorkeling and bungee jumping.
The winner of last year’s title, Puerto Rico’s Stephanie Del Valle passed on her crown to Ms. Chhillar.