Miss Tibet - Women with Wisdom from the Roof of the World

Tibet beauty contestants wish to make a point

The Tribune, India

Published in:
The Tribune

By Vibhor Mohan

MCLEODGANJ, India, 1 October 2004 (Tribune) – "I want to show to the world that Tibetan girls are smart and educated, capable of winning beauty contests. This is why I'm here," said Tashi Yangchen, one of the five contestants for the Miss Tibet pageant who arrived here today. The three-day pageant begins on October 8.

In an interview with The Tribune, the contestant, said more than the crown, they were aiming at making people aware of the issue of Tibet and mobilising public opinion. "No doubt, Tibetan girls are usually shy and feel uncomfortable with the idea of strutting around in a swimsuit but all this is due to lack of exposure and opportunities to show their worth," said Thinlay Dolma.

"I did not know so many things about Tibetan history and culture before I started preparing for the contest. I'm sure that the number of contestants would increase every year," said Tashi Yangchen from Sikkim. "I have got a chance to stay in metropolitans in India and there people hardly know about the Tibetan issue. So, I thought I would make a difference by taking part in the contest and my parents have been very supportive," she added.

Dhoudup Wangmo of Dehra Dun, a graduate from Delhi University, said she was here for sheer fun and taking a break from her job. "I agree that we contestants are trying to send a message that the issue of Tibet should be better understood. Although India has given us freedom and a democratic set-up, we would still want Tibet back as we continue to be refugees," she said.

Sonam Dickey and Kalsang Dickey, both from Nepal, said there was no feeling of competition among them and all of them were winners for having shown the courage to become a role model for the Tibetan youth. "I was born in Lhasa in Tibet and had my schooling in McLeodganj before my family moved to Nepal. I want to prove that I am educated and confident and capable of winning beauty contests," she said.

Thinlay Dolma from Bir in Dharamsala is the only local participant. "I was inclined to walk the ramp from my childhood and it is like a dream come true for me," she said.

Lobsang Wangyal, director of the pageant, said although this year, too, the swimsuit round would be closed-doors, they eventually wanted to make it open to public. "Some sections of the Tibetan community have to still come to terms with the idea of this contest and we are willing to give them time," he said.

The contestants would go through a week's training programme wherein they would be given lectures on Tibetan ethics and patriotism. This would be followed by make-up and personality development sessions.

On October 8, the swimsuit round would be held, which would be followed by presentation and talent display on October 9. There would be four rounds on the last day, including introduction, interviews, evening gown round and Tibetan traditional costume round. "All judges would be non-Tibetans," said Wangyal.