Bhubaneswar: Lavanya Das, the Class IX student of Unit-8 DAV School here, has made Odisha proud by winning ‘Miss Tourism Ambassador Universe Teen 2018’ title at Miss and Mister Tourism Ambassador Universe 2018 in Malaysia on Sunday.
Her costume, which depicted Odisha’s rich culture, was also awarded the best national costume.
The contest saw 35 contestants from 25 countries.
Director of Global Pageant Hub, a talent hunt agency, Amar Shamu had spotted Lavanya’s work and approached her to participate in this contest.
“She has won many awards in the pre-teen and teen categories of competitions, held both nationally and internationally. She works hard managing her time between studies and modelling career. Her principal and teachers have been very supportive allowing her to participate, and granting her leave,” informed her mother, Lipika Das.
Lavanya, who wants to become an IAS officer, plans to study sincerely and also attend more prestigious international pageants and wishes for support from the state government.
Lavanya Das had earlier won laurels for the state by winning 3 awards, Best Fantasy National Costume, Best Outstanding Achiever 2018 and Best Folk Dancer, at the recently concluded ‘Prince and Princess International’ in Thailand.