Tsurila Jankhiungru has made history by becoming the first woman from Nagaland to reach the finals of Miss Grand India and secure the title of 3rd Runners-up at the prestigious national beauty pageant. Her achievement not only marks a significant milestone for the state but also highlights her efforts to empower youth and initiate positive social change in Nagaland and beyond.
Aged 28 and hailing from Chümoukedima, Tsurila Yimkhiung holds a BA in Economics from Mount Mary College, Chümoukedima. She is a passionate entrepreneur and community health advocate whose work has taken her to all 17 districts of Nagaland.
In an interview with Nagaland Tribune, Tsurila shared, “I am an entrepreneur by profession, and my interest lies in community health. My work has given me the privilege to travel extensively across the state.”
She is the only woman entrepreneur among eight siblings, and credits her strength to her mother, whom she describes as the “cornerstone” of their family. “Ever since my parents’ divorce, we have lived with our mother. She is a true embodiment of grace and strength,” she said.
Reflecting on her historic win, Tsurila remarked, “Winning the title of 3rd Runners-up at Miss Grand India 2025 has given me immense pride. I’m honoured to be the first Yimkhiung woman to win a national title and bring recognition to the Nagas and the Yimkhiung community in particular. It’s a moment I will cherish for a lifetime.”
Talking about her preparation and diet ahead of the pageant, she said she adopted a strict health regiment and lost 9 kilograms by avoiding red meat, oily food, carbonated drinks, packed food, bakery items, sugary drinks and sweets and instead consumed a diet rich in green vegetable, lean proteins, fruits, nuts, detox juices and apple cider vinegar for better metabolism and gut health.
She said, “I decided to join Miss Grand India as I strongly stand by the 4Bs: Beauty, Brain, Body and Business, which is the core of Miss Grand International platform. I believe that everyone must possess or acquire these qualities in a world full of opinions. It is important to understand where you stand and what you stand for.”
“A person must be beautiful in and out and he/she must be intellectually smart to navigate through the adversity of life, as health is greatest wealth. So it is a must to maintain strong, healthy body and maintain a source of income to gain financial independence regardless of gender,” Tsurila further said.
Her pageant journey began in 2015, when she was encouraged by her brother and his colleagues to compete in the Silver Jubilee of Yimkhiung Students’ Union Kohima, where she won the Miss YSUK title. In 2016, she became the first-ever Miss Yimkhiung, and for the next four consecutive years, she won several regional and Northeast titles including Oriflame Face of Northeast 2017 and Sunsilk Mega Miss Northeast 2018. After a 7-year break, she returned to the pageant world with Miss Grand India 2025.
Among her fondest personal memories, Tsurila shared her joy in becoming an aunt, calling the birth of her niece and nephews a “blessed experience,” adding, “It gives her great joy to be in their company.”
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Tsurila said she is committed to using her title and platform to launch a statewide campaign, travelling every district of Nagaland to provide personality development and lifestyle coaching. “I, myself as a personality development and lifestyle coach, will upskill the youths by using my experience and knowledge to empower and uplift the society,” she affirmed.
“The biggest challenge I faced at Miss Grand India was not being able to get sufficient sleep. Our schedule was so packed that we could barely sleep for 2 to 3 hours. Sleep is most important thing that a person needs in order to function properly and to be sleep deprived was a challenge I had to overcome,” she said.
For aspiring pageant contestants, she advised them to carefully do their homework on what the pageant stands for. “There are many platforms today, but it is important to know, how it will contribute to your personal growth and visibility,” she added.
In her message to the Naga youth, she said, “Carry courage and believe in your qualities. Life will throw curveballs at you, but be prepared to rise after every fall. Perseverance and faith in the Lord hold immense power.
In her message to the Naga youth, she said, “Carry courage and believe in your qualities. Life will throw curveballs, but be prepared to rise after every fall. Perseverance and faith in the Lord hold immense power.”
