New Delhi, May 13: Northeast India emerged as one of the standout regions at the Miss Grand India 2026 finale, with Assam’s Mrigashree Baruah securing the first runner-up position and contestants from Meghalaya, Sikkim and other northeastern states making a strong impact on the national stage.
The fourth edition of Miss Grand India concluded on Tuesday at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi, where Tamil Nadu’s Lakshita Thilagaraj was crowned the winner. The 22-year-old computer science engineer from Chennai will now represent India at Miss Grand International 2026 scheduled to be held in October.
Thilagaraj, who had earlier won the titles of Miss Universe Tamil Nadu 2024 and Miss Grand Tamil Nadu 2026, received praise throughout the competition for her poise and stage presence.
Meghalaya’s Tanvi Marak secured the second runner-up position, while Saanjh Khurana of Uttar Pradesh, Reshmi Deokota of West Bengal and Sneha Tamang of Sikkim finished in the third, fourth and fifth positions respectively, highlighting the strong representation of contestants from the Northeast in the top rankings.
The pageant, held from April 29 to May 12, featured around 29 contestants representing states and Union Territories across India. Participants competed in multiple rounds, including talent, swimsuit, national costume and a Bollywood-themed gala segment.
This year’s edition also marked the debut participation of several states on the Miss Grand India platform, including Manipur, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Uttarakhand.
The final question-and-answer round drew attention for several socially relevant responses delivered by contestants from the Northeast.
Assam’s Mrigashree Baruah spoke about inclusivity and the need for greater openness in society. “We are not here to accept things but only here to present our opinions,” she said, while calling on Indians to remain “open to knowledge, open to people, open to newness of life.” She also invoked Article 21 of the Constitution, referring to the right to life with dignity.
Sneha Tamang of Sikkim addressed discrimination faced by people from the Northeast, stating, “We, the people of northeast, have been searching for equality for ages now, and this topic never ends. We are questioned about our skin. We are questioned about where we belong. We belong right here. We are from India.” She urged the government to take the issue more seriously.
Tanvi Marak of Meghalaya highlighted the issue of sexual violence and called for stronger laws. “Crimes such as rape do not deserve a second chance. The policy makers should make stricter laws because in crimes such as rape, justice and humanity must come first,” she said.
Winner Lakshita Thilagaraj advocated the inclusion of peace and empathy education in schools. “India’s diversity is not its weakness — it is its heartbeat,” she said. “Hatred is not born, and neither is compassion. That is why I would like to teach peace and empathy to young children so that they can grow up and teach others.”
Saanjh Khurana of Uttar Pradesh also raised concerns over women’s safety, stating that genuine empowerment cannot be achieved unless women feel secure in society.
Thilagaraj succeeds Rajasthan’s Vishakha Kanwar, who held the Miss Grand India title in the previous edition.
