The Beauty and Aesthetic Society of Nagaland (BASN) on Saturday expressed growing concerns over the rise of national beauty pageants and the experiences of young Naga participants in recent years.
Addressing media persons, BASN president, Mele Pucho highlighted the rapid expansion of the beauty pageant industry in India, particularly over the last three to four years, noting that along with growth, “there has also been a mushrooming of national beauty pageants,” many of which lack credibility.
He stated that the industry has attracted both positive and negative feedback, but issues of fairness and financial exploitation have become more prominent.
Founded in 1991, BASN is a non-profit organisation that has served as the state’s central pageantry body for 35 years. The Society crowned its first Miss Nagaland, Lipokla, in 1989, and has since maintained consistent operations, missing only one year during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pucho described BASN’s annual Miss Nagaland competition as “the most prestigious in the state,” further stating that district visits have shown “a high level of quality” among local partners.
“Our focus has always been to empower our girls and support them genuinely,” he said. “At the state level, we organise everything fairly. But at the national level, many beauty pageants are not organised fairly, we have experienced this for more than 30 years.”
Pucho expressed concern that Naga youths are increasingly being misled by pageants bearing titles that include “India” or “International,” despite lacking legitimacy. He cautioned participants to “study the platform carefully before joining.”
Pucho mentioned that over recent years, Nagaland has seen the introduction of several new titles such as Miss Universe Nagaland, Miss Grand Nagaland, Miss Era India, and Miss Glorific India. Another national pageant scheduled for 2026 had approached BASN for partnership, but the organisation declined.
“The beauty pageant industry is becoming like a business,” he said, explaining that Northeast states are being heavily targeted because pageants are extremely popular.
Citing financial exploitation especially the requirement for state organisers to purchase costly franchises, BASN announced that it will discontinue participation in certain national pageants.
“Many people may not know, but state teams spend a lot of money to buy franchise rights. It does not come free of cost,” Pucho explained. “We have realised that this system is not good for us, and we are against platforms where money determines opportunities.”
He confirmed that BASN and district partners will no longer send contestants to platforms such as Miss Grand and Miss Universe Nagaland.
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“We will continue to participate in genuine platforms like Miss India,” Pucho said. “BASN is the official talent platform for Miss India and no money is involved. We scout and groom our girls purely on talent.”
Pucho also highlighted the success of its candidates at Miss Northeast describing it as a “genuine and competitive platform.” Pucho recalled that Kenie Ritse from Phek won the Miss Northeast title two years ago, bringing pride to the state. The next Miss Nagaland winners will once again be sent to participate in Miss Northeast this coming January.
Pucho expressed concern over the negative experiences of some Naga contestants at national platforms, including strict contracts that prevent them from speaking out against organisers. “As district and state organisers, it is our responsibility to guide and protect our girls,” he said.
Pucho maintained that BASN has held consultations with district partners and collectively decided that until certain national platforms reform their systems, Naga girls will not be encouraged or officially recognised if they participate independently.
“If any girl goes against the wishes of state and district organisers, she will be participating at her own risk. She will not receive recognition at the state or district level,” Pucho clarified.
The President also appealed to the public to support its decision, reiterating that the aim is not a permanent ban but a protective measure. “When the system changes, we will gladly participate in many national and international platforms,” Pucho said. “But for now, we must safeguard our girls.”
He criticised practices such as contestants being asked to sell votes. “We do not want to encourage our girls to be involved in such business-like systems.”
Miss Nagaland 2025 announced
Pucho also informed that this year the Miss Nagaland contestants are from official district winners from 12 districts , Miss Peren , Miss Mon , Miss Sumi , Miss Mokokchung , Miss Wokha, Miss Kohima , Miss Dimapur, Miss Chümoukedima , Miss Kiphire , Miss Phom, Miss Tseminyu and Miss Phek .
He also added that BASN had selected four runners up contestants from Miss Sumi Organization, Miss Mokokchung and Miss Wokha and Miss Kohima. A total of 16 contestants for will be vying for Miss Nagaland 2025, he noted.
Pucho informed that starting this year entry to Miss Nagaland will be only through the district partners.
Pucho further said that earlier there were open auditions as well because most districts were not conducting beauty pageants.
“From this onwards since most districts are having district pageants entry to Miss Nagaland will be only through the district partners and winners,” he cited.
Pucho encouraged that any girls looking to enter Miss Nagaland even next year has to first go to district pageants and participate and join to Miss Nagaland.
Pucho also informed that four districts Shamator, Meluri , Noklak and Tuensang are yet to district beauty pageants .
Pucho added that the 12 district winners got direct entry to Miss Nagaland 2025 however the rest of the runner ups (1st and 2nd ) were called for auditions
Miss Nagaland 2025 will be held on December 4 at RECMPA.
Pucho also encouraged young girls interested in beauty pageants to register under BASN or district organization.
