Little Miss Galaxy World Arpita Behera back home to rousing reception

Sambalpur: In one of a kind achievement for the State, Arpita Behera was crowned 'Little Miss Galaxy World 2018' in an international talent and beauty pageant held in Bulgaria recently.

Arpita arrived home to a rousing reception in Sambalpur and expressed her gratitude to the people of the city for showering love and blessings on her.

Arpita, a class 7 student at Saint Joseph Convent School, was crowned the Little Miss Galaxy 2018 for her performance in category of 12 and 14 years age group.

The little girl was given a ceremonial welcome by the friends and other students of her school at the railway station.

Earlier, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had also congratulated the little champion after her return yesterday.

"Congratulated Miss Arpita Behera from Sambalpur on being crowned Little Miss Galaxy World 2018 at an international pageant in Bulgaria recently. She has made our state proud. Wished her the best for the future," tweeted Patnaik.

"We are extremely happy with the achievements of our daughter. We thank the people of Odisha, Bangalore, Mumbai and New Delhi to have supported her on social media," said Arpita's father Rajesh Behera.

Not only Aripta, earlier Padmalaya Nanda from Cuttack had won three titles at Little Miss Universe pageant held at the port city of Batumi in Georgia in 2017.

Nanda was the first Indian girl to have won the honour at the prestigious beauty pageant.