MCLEOD GANJ, India, 9 June 2009 — Tenzin Choezom, a 20-year-old student from Dharamshala, was crowned the new Miss Tibet for 2009 amidst a roaring crowd of over 2000 people gathered at TIPA from all across the world. Dr BK Modi, one of the most famous industrialist in Asia, crowned the new Miss Tibet and presented the cheque of rupees 100,000.00 (around 2,000 USD).
Ngawang Choying, was adjudged the first runner-up, receiving rupees 50,000. Dolkar was awarded the third prize with an amount of rupees 25,000, while Yeshi lhamo, the final contestant received a consolatry award of rupees 5,000.
A four-member jury — Natasha Mendez (belly dance instructor), Neelima Kanwar (lecturer at the Himachal Pradesh University), Ram Swaroop (former President of Indo-Tibetan Friendship Association) and Thierry Dodin (Director Tibet Infonet) — decided the winner.
The chief guests present were Dr BK Modi and Mr Bhishm Agnihotri, former ambassador of the NRIs to the United States of America.
The event kicked off with a customary ramp walk by Lobsang Wangyal, the director of the Spice India Splendour Miss Tibet pageant 2009. Dressed in a traditional Khampa dress with a sword in his hands, he walked along the stage and performed a sword-play demonstration.
Along the lines of eight years of Miss Tibet pageant's tradition, he also gave his speech, touching on subjects ranging from the cause of Tibet, the future Kalon Tripa (exile Prime Minister) and the need of a harmonious society in exile. He also thanked the older generation of Tibetans, recognising them for their long standing work in establishing a successful exile society.
Lobsang Wangyal saluted the martyrs in Tibet, without whose sacrifices, the cause of Tibet would never have received the attention it received in the recent times. He also thanked India for for hosting Tibetans for the last 50 years. He said, "Thank you India for 50 years of help and hospitality."
Another four rounds of competition were conducted to ascertain the final winner for the pageant.
The first round began with the introduction of each contestant.
Second round was the gown round. Dressed in various beautiful gowns, the contestants walked the ramp with an aura of beauty and elegance. Three of the gowns were designed by Ms Kelsang Tsomo of Lakar Designs.
The third round was traditional costume round where each contestant, dressed in various costumes of different regions of Tibet walked the ramp.
During the final round of the pageant, the four judges asked one question each to the contestants.
The winner of Spice India Splendour Miss Tibet 2009 pageant, Tenzin Choezom was asked: "What is your message to the Tibetan youth in exile?"
"Education, I believe is the most essential thing for a Tibetan youth in exile. It is the only tool and the only weapon that would carry us through this period of struggle and ultimately help the cause of Tibet," answered Tenzin Choezom.
Performances by traditional Tibetan musicians, kathak dancers and a body building show by a professional body builder were other line-up of the show.
The pageant concluded when Dr BK Modi, global chairman for Spice, crowned Ms Tenzin Choezom and awarded her with the winning cheque.
Confetti at the stage and fireworks in the sky gave a beautiful closing to one of the most anticipated event in the exile Tibetan community.
The pageant director said the next Miss Tibet Pageant will be held from 4 to 6 June 2010.
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