India's Manushi Chhillar on Saturday won the coveted 'Miss World 2017' title at a glittering event here, ending 17 years of drought for India at the international pageant. <br />Manushi is the sixth Indian to win the title and the first since Priyanka Chopra won the crown in 2000. <br />"The feeling is still sinking in and I am very excited to make India proud too. I'm also looking forward to the year ahead," Manushi said in a statement after the win. <br />All of 20, Manushi was born to doctor parents in Haryana, which once ranked the worst among all states in sex ratio in India. <br />"My parents have always been my pillar of support and having them here tonight by my side has only brought me more strength and joy. <br />"My final answer also came to me by having them here with me in front of me," said Manushi, whose family members, including a brother and a sister, were present at the gala. <br />Also See: Manushi Chhillar brings Miss World 2017 crown to India after 17 years <br />In the question-and-answer round after she was shortlisted among the top five, Manushi was asked: "Which profession deserves the highest salary and why?" <br />She said a mother deserves it most. <br />Manushi was ecstatic and emotional when she was announced the winner from among contestants from 118 countries. She was crowned by Miss World 2016 winner, Puerto Rico's Stephanie Del Valle. <br />Miss Mexico Andrea Meza was announced the first runner up, while Miss England Stephanie Hill was declared the second runner up at the event, held at Sanya City Area. <br />Apart from the main title, Manushi also won the 'Beauty with Purpose' award. <br />Soon after, congratulatory messages poured in. <br />Priyanka was joyous about having a "successor". <br />"And we have a successor! Congratulations Manushi Chhillar on becoming Miss World 2017. Cherish and learn, and most importantly enjoy it. Bravo," she tweeted.
