KalingaTV News Network
Bhubaneswar: Pallavi Durua of Koraput was crowned as the first Tribal Queen (Adi Rani) at the Adi Rani Kalinga Tribal Queen competition held at Utkal Mandap here Sunday.
Panchami Majhi of Titlagarh was declared as the first runners-up while Rashmirekha Hansdah of Mayurbhanj was the second runners-up of the beauty pageant.
Winners were also declared in seven different categories in the first of its kind of beauty contest in India which was organised by Kalinga Gaurav.
Expressing her happiness, Pallavi Darua, said, “I had never expected that I will be the winner of the event. I am extremely happy that I am crowned as the first Tribal Queen of the country.”
“I thank Kalinga Gaurav for organising this event where I got an opportunity to represent my tribe here in the presence of many dignitaries and huge gathering” she added.
Panchami Majhi, who was declared the first runner-up, said, “It is one of the best platforms for us, the tribals, to come forward. I will never forget my tribe, tradition, language and culture wherever I may go and whatever I may become as it is because of them I am here.”
Over 150 participants from 25 states participated in the competition, which was meant to uplift the tribal women across the country.
Padmashree Awardee Tulasi Munda was the brand ambassador for the competition. Odisha DGP Dr. Rajendra Prasad Sharma was felicitated during the programme, which was attended by Odisha Women & Child Development Minister Prafulla Samal and other dignitaries including many Ollywood stars.
The prime objective of the event was to promote tribal art and culture.