TNR News Network
Shimla: The spotlight at the Shimla Winter Carnival 2025 firmly rested on Dr Priyanka Thakur of Mandi, who clinched the Miss Winter Queen 2025 title during the grand finale held at the iconic Ridge Ground in the Himachal Pradesh capital. The final event of the carnival witnessed an enthusiastic turnout as residents and tourists gathered to watch the high-voltage contest.
Contestants from different parts of Himachal Pradesh competed in the final round, which concluded with a question-and-answer session to test confidence and perspective. Priyanka impressed the jury with her poise and responses, earning her the top honour.
Kanishka Chauhan from Sirmaur was declared first runner-up, while Neha Thakur from Chopal finished as second runner-up.
Earlier in the evening, a ramp walk segment helped the jury shortlist the top five finalists. Actor and model Vikram Mehta motivated the contestants by presenting gold coins to those who made it to the final stage. The concluding round then determined the winner and runners-up.
Apart from the top three, Ishita Sood of Shimla and Launya Verma of Mandi also featured among the top five, securing third and fourth positions, respectively. The winner was presented with a crown, sash and a silver ring, while the runners-up were felicitated with sashes and silver rings sponsored by a local jeweller.
Speaking after her win, 23-year-old Priyanka Thakur, a final-year student of Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), said she plans to pursue higher studies in dentistry. Her father Hemant Thakur is a civil engineer and her mother Kamla Devi is a homemaker. She shared that she aims to contribute to social causes and hopes to motivate young people through her journey in modelling.
Priyanka has previously participated in the Miss North India pageant, where she was honoured with the Miss Humanity title, further strengthening her presence on the pageant circuit.
