India’s Manushi Chhillar crowned Miss World 2017

India’s Manushi Chhillar on Saturday won the coveted Miss World 2017 crown at a grand event in China, bringing to an end the country’s dry spell of 17 years at the top pageant contest.

The 20-year-old from Haryana, who is a medical student, edged out top five contestants from England, France, Kenya and Mexico at the event, which saw participation from 118 countries.

Chhillar was presented the crown by Stephanie Del Valle, the last year’s Miss World winner from Puerto Rico at an event held at a resort in the coastal city of Sanya.

“Thank you, everyone, for your constant love, support, and prayers. This one’s for India,” Chhillar wrote on her official Twitter handle.

Miss World 2016 Stephanie Del Valle (top) crowns on India’s Manushi Chhillar. ( AFP Photo )
The first and the second runners-up were Miss England Stephanie Hill and Miss Mexico Andrea Meza at the event, which was televised live globally.

In the top five round, Chhillar was asked which profession according to her deserved the highest salary.

“I think a mother deserves the highest respect and when you talk about salary it’s not always about cash but I feel it’s the love and respect that you give to someone. My mother has always been the biggest inspiration in my life.

“All mothers sacrifice so much for their kids. So, I think it is the job of a mother that deserves the highest salary,” Chhillar said to a wide-applause.

Chhillar is the sixth Indian to win the coveted crown, which was first won by Reita Faria back in 1966.

Aishwarya Rai had bagged the title in 1994, followed by Diana Haydon in 1997, Yukta Mookhey in 1999 and Priyanka Chopra in 2000, the last for India.

Chhillar’s win brings India at level with Venezuela as the countries with most victories in the history of the pageant.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated her for the Miss World 2017 crown.

“Congratulations @ManushiChhillar! India is proud of your accomplishment,” he said in a tweet.