In a poignant turn of events, Rinky Chakma, who rose to fame as Femina Miss India Tripura 2017, succumbed to her battle with cancer at the tender age of 29. Initially diagnosed with Malignant Phyllodes Tumor, a rare form of breast cancer, in 2022, Rinky underwent surgery in hopes of curbing the disease. Despite her efforts and medical intervention, the cancer aggressively metastasized to her lungs and later advanced to her head, forming a brain tumor.
Known for her vibrant presence on Instagram, Rinky often shared glimpses of her life and struggles with her followers. A snapshot from Rinky Chakma’s Instagram captures the vivacity and resilience that marked her persona, even in the face of her grueling fight against cancer.
During her treatment, Rinky underwent chemotherapy. However, the severity of her condition led to a rapid decline in her health. In her final week, Rinky Chakma was admitted to Max Hospital Saket, where she was placed under intensive care on a ventilator, fighting for her life.
In an outpouring of support, Rinky’s close friend and Femina Miss India 2017 runner-up, Priyanka Kumari, made an impassioned plea on social media to raise funds for Rinky’s treatment. Kumari shared poignant medical reports of the beauty queen and called upon the goodwill of the community to provide financial support during Rinky’s most vulnerable moments. Prior to her hospitalization, Kumari expressed the dire need for assistance writing, “We are raising funds for our friend Rinky Chakma, who has been battling cancer for the past two years.” She detailed the plight Rinky faced as her illness metastasized and her inability to sustain further chemotherapy without the necessary support.
The Miss India organization also paid homage to Rinky on its official Instagram handle. Their tribute depicted Rinky as “a remarkable woman” and “truly a force to be reckoned with,” acknowledging her embodiment of grace and the purpose she brought to the organization and her community. As the Miss Beauty with a Purpose during the 2017 pageant, Rinky had been acknowledged for her impact and her compassionate spirit. The post shared deep condolences for her grieving family and friends and intoned a desire that her soul may find eternal peace.
Rinky’s legacy at the Miss India pageant extended beyond the triumph of the crown. She also secured sub-titles including Miss Congeniality and Beauty With a Purpose during the same season that witnessed Manushi Chhillar taking home the Miss World title.
The tragedy of Rinky Chakma’s demise resonates beyond her immediate circle, affecting fans and anyone moved by her courageous public battle with cancer.
As we report with heavy hearts, we remember the legacy Rinky Chakma leaves behind—a legacy punctuated by her indomitable will, her purpose-driven life, and the beauty she both possessed and inspired. Her contributions to her state as an emissary of goodwill, to the world of beauty pageants, and to the social fabric of India will indelibly remain a testament to the light she carried within her.
Her journey, marked by accolades, bravery, the love of her friends, and her resonant spirit, draws to a close, but the memories she’s etched in the hearts of many endure. Today, we bid farewell to a phenomenal woman whose life, however truncated, was interwoven with the spirit of a fighter and the empathy of a healer. Rinky Chakma, Miss India Tripura 2017, will be remembered for her vibrant spirit and the unwavering purpose she embraced until her last breath.
