Itanagar, Mar 3: In a remarkable blend of beauty and responsibility, contestants of the Miss AAPSU 2025 pageant rolled up their sleeves to clean a stretch of the Yagamso River inside IG Park here on Monday, removing approximately 1,700 kilograms of waste.
The cleanup drive, organised in observance of World Wildlife Day, was a collaborative effort by the Youth Mission for Clean River (YMCR), the Miss AAPSU organizing team, and Itanagar Smart City.
Addressing reporters at the site, AAPSU women cell general secretary and Miss AAPSU organizing chairperson Khoda Yallam, emphasised the importance of hands-on learning for the 28 contestants, who represent diverse tribes from across the state.
“We wanted these young women to experience the real challenges of environmental conservation firsthand. By actively participating in cleaning the Yagamso River, they are not just pageant contestants but advocates for a cleaner and greener Arunachal,” she said.
She further highlighted that the initiative serves as a meaningful precursor to the upcoming AAPSU inter-tribe festival, reinforcing the union’s commitment to both cultural celebration and environmental stewardship.
“Beauty queens have a powerful platform, and through this initiative, we are showing that grace and responsibility go hand in hand,” she said adding, by linking environmental conservation with pageantry, we are proving that small efforts can lead to significant change.
AAPSU Art & Culture secretary and YMCR convenor Kanku Kabak, lauded the Miss AAPSU team for prioritising sustainability in this year's competition.
“We are truly encouraged by this progressive step, integrating environmental responsibility as a key judging criterion sets a new benchmark for pageantry,” she said.
Kabak also urged contestants and the community to embrace sustainable habits in daily life.
“Practicing cleanliness, following the principles of reuse, reduce, and recycle, and segregating waste at home are crucial steps toward mitigating pollution and protecting our environment for future generations,” she emphasised.
The event also saw the presence of AAPSU women wing cell president Ponung Darang and convenor Techi Tannu, further underscoring the union’s commitment to environmental advocacy.
By stepping beyond the stage and into real-world action, the Miss AAPSU 2025 contestants are proving that their influence extends far beyond the crown, inspiring a movement where beauty and purpose unite for a cleaner, greener future.