Rijul Maini, a medical student from Michigan, was recently crowned Miss India USA 2023.
According to American Kahani, the 24-year-old won the crown during a pageant held in New Jersey on December 8. Greeshma Bhat of Virginia was named first runner-up, and Ishita Pai Raikar of North Carolina was the second runner-up.
Maini aspires to be a surgeon after she completes medical school, The Quint reports.
In an Instagram post, Maini thanked her family and friends for their support.
“This could not have been possible without the support of my loving parents and family, Michigan pageant directors @chrysaliscouturemi @msindiamichigan @utsavplanners, and ride or die friends that stuck with me every step of the way. They say it takes a village and that couldn’t be more true!!” she wrote in her caption.
Maini said her mother “curated the most beautiful outfits for me to walk the stage.” She also praised the women she met at the pageant.
“I am especially grateful for the family of amazing, strong, confident women I gained throughout this process. Your light shines so bright, never dim it for anyone,” she wrote.
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