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

Training and Workshops:
Excursion to the Tibetan Government in Exile

by Kirsten Hyde

4 October 2004 – The five aspiring Miss Tibet contenders visited the offices of the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamsala yesterday to learn more about the parliament, its structure and processes.

The girls were shown around the parliament hall and centre of Tibetan administration, briefed on the processes of its seven departments, and met with the deputy speaker of the exiled Tibetan parliament, Dolma Gyari.

Gyari gave her views on the beauty pageant saying that all five girls were champions by taking part, but ultimately there will be only one winner who will represent Tibet if she goes on to participate in international pageants. As Miss Tibet will be asked about the Tibetan issue it is important the girls pay attention over the next few days, she advised.

The girls also visited the Nechung Monastery and the Norbulingka Institute, a centre of Tibetan art and culture.

The excursion is part of a week-long initiative in which the contestants are learning more about Tibetan culture, history and current affairs. The training will prepare the girls for the presentation round of the contest, where they will be asked to give a speech on a Tibetan topic lottery-drawn half an hour before.

The contestants are also training in body fitness, catwalk and choreography, and began their day with a two-hour yoga session. This was followed by a trip to Jigyasa, an institute for personality development run by Sangeeta J., a former groomer and make up artist to Miss World contestants, where they practised catwalk and carried out voice and sound checks. The contestants are gearing up for a number of rounds, including a talent contest where they will act, sing, dance or tell a story of their choice. Both the presentation round and talent contest will be held on October 9.

For more details click on 'Schedule'.