Tenzin Yangkyi is a Tibetan student from Zurich, Switzerland. She was born in 1993 and has just completed Class 10. She can speak Tibetan, German, and English, and likes singing, dancing, travelling, and sports.
In her opinion, "Miss Tibet can help the Tibetan issue in a great many ways. Being Miss Tibet means representing Tibet, and the name itself only gets the attention of the media. The media is the ultimate way to raise Tibet's voice to the world. Specially, Miss Tibet can help raise awareness of the Tibetan issue within the youngsters."
Yangkyi aspires to make modelling her career. She has already done modelling a few times and was appreciated by her mentors. Fortunately for her, she is from one of the more liberal Tibetan families who support her in her endeavours.
When the judges asked her how she would contribute towards the cause of Tibet?
Yangkyi said, "Tibetan women are educated and beautiful but role models are needed to ensure their effective participation in Tibet cause and Miss Tibet can be the role model to spread awareness."
The first of the seven rounds of the competition, the Swimsuit Round was held on 3 June. The Talk and Talent Rounds were held on the 4th. The Finale Night, had the Introduction, Evening Gown, Traditional Costume, and Interview Rounds.
The Finale Night was held at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA), McLeod Ganj. Coronation for the new Miss Tibet, the 10th winner of the pageant, took place on the Finale Night with the presentation of 100,000 rupees (2,250 USD approximately). The first runner-up received 50,000 rupees and second runner-up received 25,000 rupees.
Kelsang Dolma, who came from Pondicherry, presented two belly dance presentations to entertain the audience. Shakuntalam Creative Centre from Dharamshala and seven-year-old child artiste Yang Dolma presented an item each.
The Free Spirit Award 2011 was also announced on the occasion. It was presented to Russel Norman, a member of Parliament in New Zealand, for his call for freedom and democracy in Tibet when the Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping was visiting the country last year.