Raj Bhavan hosts Miss World 2025 winners as Telangana celebrates Formation Day with cultural splendour

The Hindu

02-06-2025

The stately Raj Bhavan transformed into a vibrant celebration venue on Monday evening as Telangana marked its Formation Day with a special honour, the presence of the recently crowned Miss World 2025 Opal Suchata Chuangsri and continental winners of the global beauty pageant. The evening blended tradition and international glamour, as Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and Governor Jishnu Dev Varma welcomed the beauty queens who have spent the past month touring the State.
The gathering, held over high tea, was steeped in Telangana's cultural spirit, with the guests of honour receiving traditional performances that showcased the region's artistic diversity. The ceremony began with each of the contestants invited to share their reflections on their month-long stay in the State.
Ms.Chuangsri, representing Thailand, expressed deep gratitude for the hospitality extended by Telangana and spoke fondly of her experience. 'From the very first step in Telangana, I felt the warmth, not just from the sun, but from people's smiles. To me, Telangana is a place where tradition blends beautifully with innovation. It is a State that represents beauty, progress and world-class healthcare, which is close to my heart.'
Continental winner from Africa Miss Ethiopia Hasset Dereje, the first runner-up, echoed the sentiment, describing Telangana as her home for the past month.
Second runner-up and Continental winner from Europe Miss Poland Maja Klajda, visiting India for the first time, called the experience unforgettable. 'Telangana is full of celebrations, traditions and, most of all, beautiful people,' she said, asserting that it would not be her last visit.
Continental winner from the Americas Miss Brazil Jéssica Pedroso, third runner-up, reflected on India's diversity and the unity she witnessed in Telangana. 'I have learned something very special here: despite our differences, we can be united. Telangana has shown us that diversity is a strength,' she said.
Continental winners from Caribbean Miss Martinique Aurélie Joachim called her visit a dream come true, while Miss Philippines Krishnah Gravidez, representing Asia, celebrated the State's resilience and sense of community. Miss Australia Jasmine Stringer, representing Oceania, lauded the hospitality and vowed to spread the story of Telangana's warmth across the globe.
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, addressing the gathering, said the event was a reflection of Telangana's inclusive spirit and deep-rooted cultural ethos. 'Telangana is a place where everyone feels they belong. It is a shining example of how development and heritage can go hand in hand.'
He noted that the Miss World delegates had explored historic and modern landmarks across the State, from the Ramappa and Thousand Pillar Temples to the dynamic tech hub of Hitech City. Highlighting the evening's eco-conscious touch, the Governor drew attention to the leaf plates used for serving high tea, handcrafted by tribal communities. 'These plates are not just sustainable, they represent our belief in thinking globally and acting locally,' he said.
Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, and Director General of Police Jitender were among the dignitaries present. The event concluded with the felicitation of the beauty queens by the Governor, Chief Minister, and Tourism Minister. In a symbolic gesture, Miss World presented a garland to the Governor, explaining that in Thai culture, garlands signify love and respect.