Munish Sood
Mandi
In a unique blend of elegance, achievement and women empowerment, an excise officer from Himachal Pradesh stepped into the spotlight of the glamour world as Mrs. Universe Organization hosted a grand felicitation and launch ceremony at a local Hotel in Mandi, recently .
Shailja Sharma, serving as Assistant Commissioner in the Central Zone, Mandi, was crowned with the prestigious title of “Divalicious Ms. Senior India Universe 2026” during the event. The crowning ceremony marked her formal induction into the Mrs. Universe Organization, celebrating not only beauty and confidence but also professional excellence and leadership.
The event also witnessed the official launch of the Himachal Pradesh chapter of the upcoming beauty pageant, “Divalicious Mrs. India Universe Himachal Pradesh,” aimed at providing women across the state with a platform for personality development, confidence building and national exposure.
Adding further prominence to the occasion, international hockey player and Assistant Sales Tax Officer Poonam Parmar was announced as the Brand Ambassador of the Himachal Pradesh edition of the pageant. She was also honoured with a ceremonial crown during the programme.
Poonam Parmar, who represented India in hockey at the international level, began her journey through the Sports Authority of India and has earned recognition through several sporting achievements and medals. Organisers described her appointment as an inspiration for women balancing professional careers and personal aspirations.
The crowning ceremony was conducted by Naresh Madan, CEO of Mrs. Universe Organization, who said the initiative is designed to empower women by giving them a dignified and inspiring platform in the fields of fashion, personality development, glamour and social leadership.
He stated that winners from the Himachal Pradesh-level contest would get direct entry into the prestigious national finale of “Divalicious Mrs. India Universe,” which is held outside the state at the national level, offering participants wider recognition and opportunities.
Speaking on the occasion, Shailja Sharma and Poonam Parmar expressed their commitment towards promoting women empowerment, confidence and social awareness in Himachal Pradesh. They said their goal is to encourage women from all walks of life to step forward, believe in themselves and create their own identity.
Several distinguished citizens from Mandi were also honoured with “Token of Love” mementos during the ceremony in recognition of their contribution to society.
The event concluded on a celebratory note with guests appreciating the initiative as a positive step towards encouraging talent, self-confidence and women leadership in Himachal Pradesh.
