19-year old Thiyam Memi of Chingmeirong Mamang Leikai, Imphal East, has been crowned the Miss Manipur 2003. Memi, who surpassed 26 other contestants in the night long 'beauty with brain' competition had also won the first runners up title in the Miss Kut contest on November 1 this year held at the border township of Moreh.

Talent Promotion Organization (TAPRO) organized the beauty pageant at the Bhagyachandra Open Air Theatre on November 21. The first and second runners up are K. Bidya of Uripok and Nirupama N. of Pungdongbam.

The E-Pao! Sponsored-title "E-Pao! Internet Queen" was claimed by Huirem Tanushree of Uripok Naoremthong by securing a total vote of 10934 out of 43609. She went home richer with cash prize of Rupees three thousand.

Seven others amongst the 26 contestants were also honored with different sub-titles. They are:
M. Ranjana - Miss Beautiful Eyes
A. Sulochana - Miss Beautiful Skin
L. Sonia - Miss Beautiful Hair
K. Bidya - Miss Photogenic
Priety Akoijam - Miss Catwalk
Sanathoi - Miss Pure Gold.

In the interest and enthusiasm of e-pao users who participated in the online poll, Team E-Pao!'s Atom Samarendra spoke to E-pao Internet Queen winner Huirem Tanushree. The excerpts -


E-Pao: Congratulations on winning the E-Pao Internet Queen Contest. How do you feel on being able to win the hearts of 43607 people who voted you as the Internet Queen?
Tanushree: Thanks! and I'm very happy!

E-Pao: Can you tell us briefly on your process of preparations while participating for this event?
Tanushree: Actually, I read many magazines like Femina and practiced a lot.

E-Pao: Can you elaborate on the profile of people who inspired and supported you in this event?
Tanushree: The people who inspired me were my mother and our madam Ranita who have enough knowledge of a beauty contest.

E-Pao: How do you, in your opinion, would compare the Miss Manipur Pageant to other such events the world over in terms of career opportunities to the participants and as a talent-launching platform?
Tanushree: Miss Manipur pageant is also a part of other such events held world over. It can give some career opportunities even though it is minimal.

E-Pao: What would be your priority now after winning the Miss Internet Queen title?
Tanushree: I would concentrate in my studies and would attend modeling classes.

E-Pao: What next after your matriculation?
Tanushree: I will continue general stream till graduation level.

E-Pao: Now, as a celebrity and as messenger of goodwill, what is your message to the youths of Manipur in the light of the current social ailments?
Tanushree: No to drugs, yes to life

E-Pao: A message of goodwill and love to the E-PAO users.
Tanushree: Thanks, God bless you all and stay away from drugs.

E-Pao: What, according to you, would be the best way of paying homage and tribute to Lungnila Elizabeth by the people of Manipur?
Tanushree: Constructing a statue of her and remembering her by publishing a book on her fateful incident.