23-year-old Jentiren Jamir is pursuing her master’s in sociology with an aspiration of becoming a prominent social activist. She was crowned as 2nd runner-up at Miss Nagaland 2022 after which in the same year she launched her “Beauty with a Purpose” project on the theme “Kindness Seed”.
By Imna Longchar, TFM Nagaland Correspondent
When it comes to fashion and styling, Nagaland has always been far ahead with their counterparts and off late, the Naga girls are making waves and making a mark in the pageantry industry both nationally and internationally in recent years.
With many avenues opening for them to participate and compete in beauty pageants not only in the state, region or national level but beyond, the recent success of Ruopfuzhanuo Whiso bagging the 4th runners-up title at the Miss Universe India 2024 held at Jaipur, Rajasthan, has added another feather to Naga beauties who have brought laurels to the country as well as the state in different pageantry.
Another Naga beauty to share the national stage by representing the scenic hills of Nagaland state at the Femina Miss India 2024 to be held on October 16 in Mumbai is 23-year-old Jentiren Jamir pursuing her master’s in sociology with an aspiration of becoming a prominent social activist.
Embracing her homeland’s vibrant festivals and rich cultural heritage, Nagaland, Jentiren approaches life with an unwavering sense of optimism and decisiveness, always searching for the silver lining in every challenge.
She was crowned as 2nd runner-up at Miss Nagaland 2022 after which in the same year she launched her “Beauty with a Purpose” project on the theme “Kindness Seed”.
She believes that beauty pageants hold more than just superficial value; they possess the potential to drive significant societal change and reshape narratives as her motto is to continually “learn” towards her goals each day and upon achieving one goal, she sets another that not only benefits her but also positively impacts the society.
When asked for her advice for the young generation, she said that although it might sound like a common sentiment, she genuinely believes that authenticity, determination, and consistency are unparalleled qualities. To achieve anything significant, one must cultivate a deep belief in oneself first.
Later, she also shared that a social cause that is truly dear to her heart is working for the less privileged and amplifying the voices of marginalized and unreached individuals in the society through advocacy, direct support, working behind the scenes, and raising awareness.
Jentiren said it was through this that she learned the true essence and beauty of life and understand how she ought to be grateful.
This 23-year-old beauty from Nagaland has done her schooling from Jubilee Memorial School, Mokokchung, Higher Secondary from B Borooah College, Guwahati, and did her bachelor’s degree from Tetso College, Sovima, Chumoukedima.
As she prepares for the prestigious national contest, she will be the eight candidates from Nagaland to represent the Nagaland state since 1975 where in Angelina Kevichusa was the first Naga girl to have participated at the Femina Miss India 1975 and bagged the 1st runner-up title.
Others who represented the state through open category and state level auditions at the Femina Miss India included Akonuo Khezie (2007), Kaheli Chophy (2017), Marina Kiho (2019), Zuchobeni Tungoe (2020), Lovi Awomi (2022), and Ezhotou Keyho (2023).
Late Engelina Kevichusa: The forgotten beauty queen from Nagaland
As most of the beauty queens from Nagaland have represented the state and yet is all set to take the prestigious stage on October 16 at the Femina Miss India 2024 by 23 years old Jentiren Jamir, a 22 years old girl from Nagaland, Engelina Kevichusa, was crowned as the first runner-up at the Femina Figurite Miss India 1975 in Mumbai then Bombay.
The prestigious title went to Meenakshi Kurpad, while Ishrat Yusuf bagged the 2nd runners-up title.
When contacted, a family source said that she was only 22 years old pursuing her studies in Shillong, she reluctantly entered the contest despite her older sisters were more enthusiastic about her participation.
She held a Master’s Degree in History from NEHU, Shillong, Meghalaya.
Engelina Kevichusa after settling in the US decades back, she died in a car accident in Dallas, Texas, USA, when she was only 42.
The family source also said that late Engelina Kevichusa’s body was buried in Sparkman/Hillcrest Cemetery, Dallas, Texas.