Mingkeng Osik
Pasighat, Apr 21: The first edition of the Mrs Siang pageant concluded with the grand finale held on Sunday, recognising the achievements and stories of participating women from the region.
Jenny Pingam Gaduk was declared the winner of the inaugural event, securing a cash prize of Rs 1.5 lakh.
Amoni Diru Pullom and Bisonti Lego Tayeng were adjudged first and second runners-up, receiving Rs one lakh and Rs 50,000 respectively.
Nine contestants took part in the competition, with five finalists qualifying for the final round. The pageant aimed to highlight personal journeys and the resilience of participants under the motto “Beauty Beyond the Years.”
In her acceptance speech, Gaduk acknowledged the logistical and personal challenges she faced during the pageant. She shared that she had travelled from Itanagar and commuted daily from Ngorlung to Pasighat for practice, covering a distance of 48 kilometres, often leaving her child behind. She expressed gratitude to the organisers and urged other women to embrace their individuality.
Pullom, the first runner-up, called on women to speak out against crime and utilise the protections available under the law. She stressed the significance of awareness and empowerment in addressing women’s issues.
Tayeng, who secured the second runner-up title, spoke about her participation while managing responsibilities as a mother to a one-year-old. She recalled learning about the event while in hospital and underscored the importance of balancing personal life and aspirations.
Organisers of the event stated that the Mrs Siang pageant sought to provide a platform for women to express themselves and share stories of perseverance. The event was marked by community participation and was seen as an encouraging step in promoting women’s representation in public and cultural spaces.
