Manika Sheokand becomes third girl from Haryana to bag a title at the coveted Miss India pageant in four years

As part of her homecoming in Chandigarh, Manika Sheokand was given a glorious reception by her alma mater, and Haryana chief minister. Manika is the third woman from Haryana to bag a title at the Miss India pageant since 2017. Crowned VLCC Femina Miss Grand India 2020, Manika joined ranks with Manushi Chhillar, who went on to win Miss World 2017, and Meenakshi Chaudhary, first runner-up at the Miss Grand International 2018. Like her predecessors, Manika was also welcomed by Haryana CM, Manohar Lal at his residence.
Manika quipped, “That makes me the third 'M' to carry forward the legacy of Haryana girls in the pageant for four years. Coincidentally, all three winners in this pageant are also 'M'- Manasa and Manya, besides me!” Interestingly, Manika is also relaying the inheritance of Manushi in her crusade for the environment. Aligning with her interest in finding biodegradable options for sanitary pads, the chief minister announced, “We will designate you the brand ambassador for our campaign, ‘Mera Pani Meri Virasat’ and like Manushi, you can assist us in sensitising people about climate change.” With more Haryanvi girls winning the pageant, the hitherto held orthodox imagery associated with women from the state is changing. “Till five years ago, Haryana made headlines for female foeticide, skewed gender ratio etc,” said Manohar Lal, adding, “Now, the state is headlining sports and beauty events because of our girls. We should initiate the title ‘Beautiful Haryana’ after Manika.”
Her visit to her alma mater, KBDAV School, and Panjab University, Chandigarh left her with emotional memories. Her school lined up students holding placards in the honour of their now famous alumna. “The distance I covered from the gate to the entrance was overwhelming,” said Manika. “When I studied here, I never thought much about this little walk, but today it was different,” she added. Her school teachers recalled Manika as “radiant, soft spoken and charming.” Pooja Prakash, Principal, said, “We are proud that our alumni will be an ambassador for protecting the environment and influence people as the national figure.”
At the UICET department of Panjab University (PU), from where she graduated in chemical engineering, Manika was felicitated warmly by the faculty. “Everyone has one childhood dream that seems unattainable. Mine was to become Miss India. But, it was from my department that I began actualizing my dream and realised that I can achieve it,” said Manika who landed her first job in Delhi through campus placement from PU. Her professors remembered how Manika would be so keen on modelling even though she was “exceptionally bright at academics.” Manika attributes her resilience to being a student here. “This department moulded me into a strong person and nudged me towards my dream. It will always be a part of my life,” she said.