Beauty pageants censured
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 03, 2013:
With a number of speakers highlighting unwanted incidents during beauty pageants, a seminar organised today by different civil society organisations at Manipur Press Club resolved that prevailing socio-political environment in the State is not yet conducive for beauty pageants.
The seminar was jointly organised by AMKIL, Chituwa, Kanglamei, PLMPAM and Wacak with Manipur University's Prof (Retd) Ksh Bimola Devi as the moderator.
As resource persons, Dr Priyadarshini Gangte of Damdei Christian College (Motbung), theatre personal ity Makhonmani Mangshaba, Sitara Begum of All Manipur Muslim Women Organisation, Assistant Public Prosecutor A Sushila, Life Watch chief administrator Angomcha Araba, Kakomlunglu Kamei of Kabui Mothers' Association, social activist Dr Dhanabir Laishram Dr.AK Bimol of Jawaharal Nehru University (Delhi) and film maker Ningthouja Lancha Presented detailed account on the pros and cons of beauty contest and its relevance in Manipur.
|
Inspite of slight variations in their respective opinions on the seminar theme, the speakers strongly criticized scantily-clad female contestants becoming a regular feature of beauty pageants.
While some expressed that indecent attires at these contests have the potential to mislead the audience mainly comprising of youngsters and lead to misconception that women are gullible and easy prey, many were of the view that problem-prone Manipur do not deserve such extravaganza.
With beauty pageants undoubtedly a western cosmopolitan concept and parade by scantily-clad contestants seldom evoking controversies, womenfolk paraded similarly has no place in a comparatively conservative society like Manipur, they conveyed.
Conceding that it would be against the law to storm beauty pageant venues and foil shows, many of the speakers were unanimous that parents should discourage their daughters from being a part of such programmes.
They also suggested that the Government of Manipur work out an effective policy to not only monitor activities and intentions of beauty pageant organisers but also ensure that commercial ventures do not subjugate Manipur's culture and traditions.