Lukanand Kshetrimayum to represent India in Mister International pageant

Guwahati, Aug 9: 18-year-old Lukanand Kshetrimayum of Manipur is all set to represent India in the Mister International pageant this year after winning the title of Mister International India.
In the presence of over 1,000 spectators from all across the Northeastern region, Lukanand Kshetrimayum from Manipur, Jonathan Thangeo from Mizoram and Sonam Paul Tenzing Bhutia from Sikkim were bestowed with the titles of 10th Garnier Men Mega Mister North East 2019 on Thursday evening. Additionally, Lukanand Kshetrimayum also won the title of Mister International India thus qualifying him directly to represent India in the Mister International pageant which will be held later this year.
On winning the title, Lukanand Kshetrimayum, who is a Class XII student, said “I will treasure this moment in my heart forever. I feel proud of myself that I win so many hearts and emerge as a winner. Thanks to Mega Entertainment team for adding me to their family and warm regards to Abhijit Singha, Kavita Keisham and the respected jury members for offering me this stupendous opportunity. I thank God for giving me what I deserved,” said Lukanand who dedicated the award to his family.
“Now, I have a huge responsibility on my shoulders with this title Garnier Men Mega Mister Northeast 2019, and the opportunity to represent my country at an international level with Mister International India 2019 title. I believe it is necessary to think about the bigger picture, especially when we are given such an amazing platform. I will definitely try my best to make a difference”, Lukanand added.
27-year-old Jonathan Thangeo, a law student from Mizoram, said that the winning moment was an unreal mix of emotions for him.
“Words can’t describe how I felt at that time. I was overwhelmed with emotions, I was so excited and yet I felt so calm, it was unreal.” His father is a Court Officer at the Gauhati High Court and his younger brother works with the Indian Navy.
22-year-old Sonam Paul Tenzing Bhutia from Sikkim has just completed his Master’s degree in Commerce. Speaking about winning the pageant, Sonam said, “I feel extremely honoured and privileged on winning the biggest manhunt of North-East India. This opportunity that I have received is something that I have dreamt of since a long time and means a lot for me. I want people to encourage Mega Entertainment because it is giving the youngsters a mission and an opportunity to become a compassionate and confident individual, thus diverting our generation from societal issues like substance abuse, depression and suicidal tendencies, that have been adversely affecting our society. I am also very grateful to the people of my state Sikkim for their immense love and support during the contest.”
Mega Mister North East is the biggest manhunt of North-East India, which has been conceptualized by leading fashion entrepreneur Abhijit Singha, and produced by Mega Entertainment.
The grand finale of the 10th edition witnessed the participation of 50 contestants.
Speaking at the grand finale of the event, Abhijit Singha, founder of Mega Entertainment said, “Starting this year, Mega Entertainment decided to eliminate the concept of runners-up from our pageant. So, all the top-3 contestants are the winners of Garnier Men Mega Mister North East. They have struggled their way to the top, managing to beat the other 47 contestants, hence they are all winners. The winner with the maximum score, Lukanand Kshetrimayum, will represent India in Mister International pageant.”
The three winners will be offered professional representation by Mega Entertainment, a professional grooming session, which would guide them further on how to carry themselves forward in the professional sphere. Besides, the winners also get the opportunity to walk the ramp in various National and international shows, he said.
The judges who sealed the fate of the winners included Mega Miss North East 2016 Meriya Subba, Mega Mister North East 2017 Babul Koch, Fashion & Lifestyle promoter Monika Devi, Hotelier and entrepreneur Bobby Singh, and Fashion Photographer Rahul Biswas.
The pageant organizers were also judged for a series of sub-awards. Pouguilung Abel Golmei from Manipur was awarded Radisson Blue Mister Hospitality; Moathy Longchar from Nagaland won the Shoutout Northeast Mister Congeniality title; winner Jonathan Thangeo from Mizoram was given the Sin Denim Mister Gamechanger subtitle award; Tseteej Shiwakoty from Sikkim won the Garnier Men Look of the Year subtitle; and Paul Paokhothang Haokip from Manipur won the Vodafone SuperNet 4G Mister Popular subtitle.