Pallavi Darua crowned first tribal queen in a unique beauty pageant in Odisha capital

Bhubaneswar: Pallavi Darua was adjudged the winner at Adi Rani 2018, a first-of-its-kind beauty contest aimed at the upliftment of tribal communities held at Utkal Mandap, last evening. Organised by the KISS with the support of SC & ST Department, Government of Odisha and the State Tourism Department, participants from about 22 tribes participated in this beauty contest.

The semi-final round held on June 20 witnessed pre-nominated girls from different communities showcase the beauty of their culture.

“Today we are going to create history in Bhubaneswar. This is a first of its kind competition and is not just a fashion show. This is for the upliftment of tribal women worldwide. Beauty has never been about good looks only. It is holistic, comprising of talent, education, and our goal is to see these attributes in women stand out in front of society”, said Dr. Chidatmika Khatua, a member of the organising committee.

The event saw many luminaries in attendance including Odisha DGP R P Sharma, Odisha Women and Child Development Minister Prafulla Samal, with Padmashree Tulasi Munda as the ambassador of the event. The contestants were asked a range of different questions, ranging from topics like beauty in nature, to representing their tribal culture by speaking their language. They kept the audience mesmerised either with some lovely folk dance, or their soothing songs and proudly walked the ramp in their colourful attires.

Panchami Majhi and Rashmi Rekha Hansdah won the titles of the first and second runners-up, respectively. These beauty queens will be cast by a Mumbai-based producer in a short film on tribal culture. Winners of the other sub-contests such as best presentation of ornaments, best tribal attire, best in talent, etc. were also felicitated.