GANGTOK: Kenei Ritse, hailing from Nagaland, achieved an extraordinary feat as she was crowned the coveted title of Miss Northeast 2023 during the grand finale held at Saramsa Garden in Gangtok, Sikkim on Sunday.
The event, a spectacular showcase of grace and beauty, was organized under the banner of the North East Beauty Pageant Organization and was proudly hosted by the Government of Sikkim.
Assam's Anamika Borah was declared the first runner-up, while Mizoram's Jennifer Renthlei was honored as the second runner-up. The reigning Miss Nagaland, Hikali Achumi, was not to be outdone, capturing the subtitle of Miss Beautiful Smile.
Kenei Ritse, a 21-year-old with a passion for advocacy, represented the Beauty and Aesthetics Society of Nagaland (Miss Nagaland Organization). Hailing from Pfutseromi Village in the Phek District of Nagaland, Ritse held the title of Miss Nagaland 1st runner-up and had previously secured the crown of Miss Phek in 2022.
Balancing her royal pursuits with academics, Ritse is a psychology student at Tetso College and has consistently excelled, earning the distinction of being a university topper. Yet, her commitment extends beyond the classroom, as she passionately champions social work, particularly advocating for mental health awareness.
Participating in beauty pageants, Ritse found a powerful platform to share her message of mental health awareness. Her genuine passion for the cause is evident, as she endeavors to remove the stigma surrounding mental health issues in society.
Ritse has launched two impactful projects under the Beauty With A Purpose (BWAP) initiative. Both projects were conducted in Pfutsero town, Phek district, and successfully reached out to approximately 200 participants from various educational institutions. These projects were accomplished with the dedication of her team, Team Afti, and the expertise of esteemed resource persons.
With her sights set on enhancing collective understanding of mental well-being, Ritse aspires to take her advocacy to the next level, creating opportunities for even more impactful projects that can reach a wider audience.
The triumphant beauty queen, along with her fellow royalty, is set to return to Nagaland on November 8, where a grand welcome reception awaits them, celebrating their remarkable achievements and the noble causes they stand for.
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