Earlier, Ananya (13) entered into Top 3 along with two other girls – Nithyashree Venkataramanan from Chennai and Nahid Afrin from Tezpur, Assam. But, thanks to massive public campaign in favour of Ananya, she won the title by a huge margin, leaving her competitors way behind.
Ananya received a cheque of Rs 10 lakh for winning the title. She also won Rs 5 lakh towards different awards and gift vouchers and a Yamaha Bike too. Ananya became the first Odia person to win Indian Idol title.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has congratulated Ananya and wished her all the best for future. “She has made the state proud”, said the CM.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Tourism Minister Ashok Panda and PCC President Prasad Harichandan were among others, who congratulated Ananya. People in Odisha have erupted into joy and celebration following Ananya’s victory.