Himachal’s Suryansh Chandel, Ashima Kanwar win Mr & Miss Northern-2025 title

Event organised in Shimla by Feet on Fire Foundation and powered by Arni University

TNR News Network
Shimla: Ashima Kanwar from Solan was adjudged as Miss Northern and Suryansh Chandel from Sundernagar Mr Northern as the duo emerged victorious from among 45 finalists of the ‘Mr & Miss Northern 2025 – Season 2’, a regional talent pageant organised by the Feet on Fire Foundation and powered by Arni University.

The event, which was organised at the Woodville Palace hotel in Shimla, brought together a fusion of fashion, heritage and youthful energy, establishing itself as a platform not just for glamour, but also for promoting Indian culture and hidden talent from Northern India. The two winners were lauded for their talent, confidence, and representation of regional values.

Finale sees participation from across northern states

The 45 finalists, including 22 male and 23 female contestants, were chosen from among 200 applicants from Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu and Chandigarh. The multi-round competition tested their confidence, stage presence and cultural representation.

From modern walks to traditional expressions, participants showcased a unique blend of poise and personality. A major highlight of the evening was the Himachali Folk Culture round where contestants walked the ramp in traditional hill-state attire, evoking deep regional pride. The audience applauded the seamless integration of heritage into fashion.

The National Costume Round followed where contestants donned traditional dresses from various Indian states, symbolising the spirit of “unity in diversity”. The vibrant hues and state-specific ensembles captivated the gathering.

Adding a spiritual dimension, the Devotional Round featured contestants dressed as mythological figures, including Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, Ram-Sita and Krishna-Radha, infusing the atmosphere with a sense of devotion and reverence.

Celebrity presence elevates the event

The finale was judged by Miss Universe India-2024 Riya Singha, who graced the event as the celebrity judge. Dr Vivek Singh, Director of Arni University, was present as the chief guest.

Other notable guests included IAS officer Vivek Bhatia, folk singer AC Bhardwaj and several influencers and personalities from fashion, academia and media. Among them were Prince Bhatia, MK Bhatia, Dr Shikha Sharma, Pranjal Singh, Dr Yogendra Lal, Karan Rana, Jitesh Malhotra, Raja Singh Malhotra, Kimi Sood and Mitu Grover.

Empowering youth through culture and confidence

Speaking on the occasion, Amit Bhatia, CMD of Feet of Fire Foundation and Northern Modeling Agency, emphasised the vision behind the event: “Our mission is to give hidden talent from small towns and remote regions a powerful stage. We aim to uplift youth through confidence-building and cultural awareness. At the same time, we want to steer the younger generation away from substance abuse and help them reconnect with their roots.” He said such events not only build careers but foster responsible and grounded future citizens.