22-year-old Manipur girl crowned ‘Mega Miss North East’

A student of psychology department at CT Group of Institutions, Sarangthem Nirupama has been crowned the winner of the 19th edition of Mega Miss North East. The 22-year-old from Manipur will now represent her state as Miss Universe Manipur 2025 at the upcoming Miss Universe India pageant.

Nirupama’s win comes after a difficult personal journey marked by violence in her home state, mental health struggles and backlash for speaking out.

“When the conflict broke out in Manipur, I was deeply affected—mentally and emotionally. There was fear, anxiety and a constant sense of helplessness,” she said. “Studying psychology helped me understand what I was going through, and also gave me the language to talk about it.”

Before winning the regional crown, she had participated in Miss Manipur but did not find a place. Speaking out on issues such as gender-based violence and child rights invited online harassment and trolling. But she says the criticism only made her more determined.

“I was told to stay silent, to stop talking about peace or children’s trauma. But I couldn’t. If people like me don’t speak, who will,” she asked.

She said that her participation in the Mega Miss North East pageant was not just about personal ambition. “I wanted to stand for those who’ve lost their voice—those who are still living with the trauma of conflict,” she said.

Now preparing for the national stage, Nirupama says she plans to use the Miss Universe India platform to highlight the importance of mental health, especially in conflict-affected regions.

“I’m not here just to wear a crown. I’m here to talk about healing, about empathy. That’s the message I’m taking with me,” she said.