Second runners-up Baishali Medhi of Assam (left), winner Ashna Mahanti (centre) and first runners-up Ankita Dash in Bhubaneswar. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, Jan. 2: Future Indrani Dasguptas and Carol Graciases walked the ramp in style at the recently concluded Nanhipari Little Miss India beauty pageant hosted at KIIT International School.

The girls came from all over the country to display their talent for modelling and prove their intelligence.

Ashna Mahanti of Odisha won the crown on Monday.

Girls in the age group of 10 to 13 took part in various contests that included 10 rounds based on general knowledge, group discussion, cultural talent, sports and IQ among others.

Apart from showcasing talent, the contest laid importance on the attitude towards learning and goodwill to make friends. The contestants got the opportunity to interact and stay together during the contest.

Nanhipari was launched in the tribal town of Keonjhar, as a state-level event and later moved to Bhubaneswar, as a mega national contest exclusively for young girls.

“The objective of the event is to glorify the girl child,” said event director Malay Mohapatra. “The participant’s academic and extra-curricular achievements apart, their personality, physique and talent are also considered while selecting the top-three awardees out of 10 short-listed contestants,” he said.

Title winner Ashna received a cash award of Rs 1,00,000 besides the crown and the memento. Ankita Dash of Odisha was declared as the first runners-up followed by Baishali Medhi of Assam as the second runners-up.

Ankita received the cash award of Rs 20,000 and Baishali Rs 10,000 apart from the crown and memento.

Seventeen other participants were also awarded on the occasion in various categories such as Little Miss Sukanya, Little Miss Monalisa, Little Miss Mileage, Little Miss Fit, Little Miss Paridhan, Little Miss Congeniality, Little Miss Elegance, Little Miss Beautiful Skin, Little Miss Catwalk, Little Miss Whiz kid, Little Miss Photogenic, Little Miss Nightingale, Little Miss Sukesi, Little Miss Talent, Little Miss Urvashi and Little Miss Personality of the contest.

Maibam Dilesh and Maibam Ongbi Thoi Devi of Manipur were also selected as Best Parents.

“I will try to do my best for girls my age, who do not get the best opportunities to learn and grow. That apart, when I grow up, I want to take part in international pageants and bring laurels for my country and state,” said Ashna.