Dharamshala -- Miss Pema Choedon, 24, from Dehra Dun was crowned the 13th Miss Tibet on Sunday evening, [8 June] in a modest coronation ceremony held in the hill town of McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Northern India.
"I am very overwhelmed at the moment because I didn't expect to win this stage. I think more young Tibetan women should come and join this pageant. It is a very precious opportunity to empower women in our society," Pema told reporters after the crowning.
"The Tibetan society should support Lobsang Wangyal, the director of Miss Tibet," she added.
Lobsang Kyizom was judged the First Runner-up while Tsering Dolma was declared the Second Runner-up. Choedon received one lakh rupees (100,000) as prize money. Lobsang and Tsering received rupees 50,000 and 25,000 rupees each.
According to organisers, "the three contestants went through five competition rounds including Talk, Talent, Gown, Traditional Costume, and Interview."
Monika Nataraj, a globe-trotter who leads women's empowerment, sacred dance, and yoga teacher trainings and retreats worldwide, and Shawn Shaw, also a globe-trotter who leads retreats in Europe, Central America, and the United States, judged the five rounds.
At least 3000 people in the audience witnessed the show, which was the 13th Pageant since its inception in 2002.
Outgoing Miss Tibet 2014 Tenzin Yangzom crowned the new Miss Tibet Pema. Two former Miss Tibets Tenzin Yangkyi 2011 and Tenzin Dolma 2007 were also present during the coronation ceremony.
Tenzin Dolma entertained the audience with a ramp show. Local Tibetan and Indian artistes entertained in between the rounds.
Director Lobsang Wangyal said that "they had left out the glamour parts of the event, with no fire crackers as well as no new suit for himself, to express solidarity with the Nepal earthquake victims."
