Pema Cheodon wins 'Miss Tibet 2015' crown

Aiming to become a role model for the young generation of Tibetans, 24-year-old Pema Cheodon has won the Miss Tibet Pageant 2015 at McLeodganj near this Himachal Pradesh town, an event organiser said on Monday.

"Pema Cheodon was crowned Miss Tibet during the 13th edition of the pageant that concluded last (Sunday) night," the event's director-producer Lobsang Wangyal told IANS.

Well versed in Hindi and English, Cheodon said: "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."

She said she would remain committed to the Tibetan cause.

Lobsang Kyizom, 21, was judged the first runner-up, while Tsering Dolma, 23, was declared the second runner-up.

Kyizom and Dolma, both from Nepal and who participated in the pageant to highlight the plight of the Nepalis after a strong quake hit the Himalayan nation in April, received Rs.50,000 and Rs.25,000, respectively.

The three contestants went through five competition rounds -- talk, talent, gown, traditional costume and interview.

Choedon, who is from Dehradun in Uttarakhand, did her post-graduation in English (Honours) from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi and is planning to pursue a doctorate.

Outgoing Miss Tibet 2014 Tenzin Yangzom crowned the new Miss Tibet.

Two former Miss Tibets -- Tenzin Yangkyi (2011) and Tenzin Dolma (2007) -- were also present during the coronation ceremony.

Many Tibetans opposed the pageant, saying it does not adhere to the principles of the Tibetan culture.

Even the Tibetan government-in-exile, based in this hill town, has condemned the pageant, saying it is not part of their tradition.