Munish Sood
Mandi
In a proud moment for Himachal Pradesh, Sujanpur-based supermodel Shreya Thakur delivered an outstanding performance at Femina Miss India 2026, securing a place among the Top 8 finalists and bringing national recognition to the state’s emerging talent in the fashion and pageant industry.
Competing against some of the finest contestants from across the country, Shreya impressed the judges with her confidence, elegance, and articulate presence throughout the competition. Her consistency across multiple rounds established her as one of the strongest contenders on the national stage.
Hailing from a small town in Himachal Pradesh, Shreya’s journey to one of India’s most prestigious beauty pageants reflects determination, resilience, and ambition. In an industry often dominated by metropolitan representation, she has broken barriers and proven that talent from smaller regions can shine at the highest level.
Before entering Miss India, Shreya had already built a strong profile in the modeling world. She has won several regional and state-level titles, including Miss Himachal and other prominent competitions, gaining valuable experience in ramp walk, grooming, and public engagement.
Beyond modeling, Shreya is known for her well-rounded personality. She completed her schooling at DAV Public Senior Secondary School, Alampur, and pursued higher education at Chitkara University. A former NCC cadet who has represented at national-level camps, she is also a state-level silver medalist in yoga, reflecting discipline, fitness, and mental strength.
Her journey has not been without challenges. Coming from a modest background, she navigated societal expectations and limited exposure to create her own path in a highly competitive field. Her success is now inspiring young women, particularly from smaller towns, to pursue their aspirations with confidence.
The achievement has sparked widespread appreciation across Himachal Pradesh, with many calling it a defining moment for the state’s representation on national platforms. Observers believe her Top 8 finish will open new avenues for emerging talent from the region in the fashion and beauty industry.
The grand finale marked a night where elegance met aspiration, as the 61st edition of Femina Miss India 2026 concluded on April 18, 2026, at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Goa’s Sadhvi Sail was crowned Femina Miss India World 2026, while Rajnandini Pawar from Maharashtra was declared first runner-up and Sree Advaita, representing the Union Territories, finished as second runner-up in a closely contested finale.
