India's Manushi Chhillar wins Miss World crown

India's Manushi Chhillar won the coveted Miss World 2017 title on Saturday, ending 16 years of drought for India at the international pageant. Priyanka Chopra was the last winner from India in 2000.

Manushi, 21, looked emotional as the crown was placed on her head by Miss World 2016 winner, Puerto Rico's Stephanie Del Valle. She competed against 108 contestants from various countries at the pageant.

Miss Mexico Andrea Meza was the first runner-up, while Miss England Stephanie Hill was declared the second runner-up at an event held at Sanya City Area. Manushi Chhillar, born to doctor parents from Haryana, studied at St. Thomas School in Delhi, and Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women in Sonepat.

In an interview during her grooming, she said,

The only thing I believe is certain in life is uncertainty, and this is what is amazing about the pageant.

In the question and answer round, Manushi was asked: "Which profession deserves the highest salary and why? To this, she replied,

I think a mother is of highest respect. I don't think its just about cash but love and respect she gives to someone. She is the biggest inspiration in my life. Mother should get highest respect.

As many as 108 beauty queens from different parts of the world participated in the prestigious pageant.

Apart from the Miss World title, Manushi also won the Beauty with Purpose award. She had, earlier this year, won the Femina Miss India 2017. India, England, France, Kenya and Mexico grabbed the top five spots at the pageant.

With inputs from IANS

Do you have an interesting story to share? Please write to us at [email protected]. To stay updated with more positive news, please connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.