Manipur’s pride, Esme Singh Shaiza, winner of Miss Shirui Lily 2025, has added another feather to her crown after being officially titled Miss Friendship Manipur 2025. She will now represent India at the prestigious Miss Friendship International 2025, to be held in China, with the journey beginning October 15 and the grand finale on November 5, 2025.
The announcement, made by the Miss Shirui Lily pageant organization (@miss_shiruilily), marks another milestone for Manipur’s fast-growing presence on the international beauty and cultural stage.
A Journey of Confidence and Culture
Known for her radiant personality and strong advocacy for peace and friendship, Esme Singh Shaiza embodies the spirit of Manipur’s rich cultural identity and modern womanhood.
In her message following the announcement, Esme said she is “deeply honored to carry the essence of Manipur and India to the world stage.”
“This is not just my journey — it’s a celebration of every young woman who dreams, works hard, and believes in her roots. I’ll be stepping into China carrying the love and spirit of Manipur,” she said.
The Miss Friendship International pageant, which celebrates global goodwill, diversity, and mutual understanding, will feature participants from over 50 countries.
From Shirui to the World Stage
Esme rose to prominence earlier this year after winning Miss Shirui Lily 2025, a pageant held annually in Ukhrul that celebrates Manipur’s iconic Shirui Lily — the state flower symbolizing purity, resilience, and unity.
Her victory there, followed by months of preparation, mentorship, and community engagements, paved the way for her latest recognition as Miss Friendship Manipur 2025.
Organizers praised her poise, humility, and communication skills, noting that she “perfectly embodies the friendship and harmony that define the spirit of the competition.”
Manipur’s Growing Footprint in Global Pageantry
Over the years, Manipur has become a powerhouse of emerging talent in national and international beauty contests — known for contestants who blend grace with purpose.
Esme’s selection as Miss Friendship Manipur further highlights the cultural soft power and diversity of the Northeast region, with increasing representation on the global stage.
The Road Ahead
As preparations begin for the Miss Friendship International event, Esme is expected to undergo training in etiquette, public speaking, stage presence, and cultural presentation before departing for China.
Supporters across Manipur have taken to social media to congratulate her, flooding timelines with the hashtags #MissFriendshipManipur and #EsmeSinghShaiza, calling her “Manipur’s blooming Lily on the world stage.”
A Symbol of Friendship and Faith
The Miss Friendship International pageant is known for emphasizing cultural diplomacy over competition, promoting friendship among nations through representation and shared values — a philosophy that resonates with Esme’s own advocacy for community harmony and women’s empowerment.
“Friendship, for me, is the bridge between cultures. It’s what connects hearts beyond language or borders,” Esme shared in a pre-event interview.