‘Winning Miss India was a dream’: Thounaojam Strella Luwang

Lifestyle: A moment of closure, a sweet farewell, and a new beginning New Beginnings, is where Thounaojam Strella Luwang stands, as she prepares to hand over the crown that defined her reign as Femina Miss India 2023 – 2nd Runner-up. As the glitz and glamour of the upcoming Femina Miss India 2024 grand finale draws closer, Strella reflects on a journey that has been nothing short of extraordinary. The crown may soon be on a new head, but the memories, growth and transformation it has brought with it will remain immortal forever.

“I still feel like I am living a dream,” Strella says with a mix of old memories. “Even after one and a half years, if I really understood that I won the crown, I would still be wondering if it was a dream or if I got the crown. So, with this glory came a lot of changes. Firstly, now I am more connected to the world of fashion and glamour. However, with it came a lot of responsibilities. I saw those changes myself, but I used to be a homebody in terms of my own growth. I was very motivated to study and work while staying at home. Now, I have a wider scope to move forward. All this came with the crown, and I am very grateful.”

Strella’s humility shines through as she credits her mother for supporting her throughout her journey. When asked who she would give credit to for her journey and success, she replied, “Oh, I have so many people who have helped me in this journey. From helping me put on my shoes to teaching me how to walk and talk. But this might sound clichéd, I would say my mother deserves all the credit,” she smiles. “When I first expressed my desire to compete, we didn’t know where to start. My mother would literally flip through newspapers, let me tell you, there were small ads in the newspapers. When I was attending my classes in school, she would call them and go there and get more information. So yes, I would definitely give my mother credit for everything that I have and who I am today.”