Beauty with a cause

The Kingfisher Miss Tibet beauty pageant is to be concluded on June 6 at Mcleodganj,where the previous rounds were also held.

“The basic idea behind starting this beauty pageant,now in its ninth edition,is to free Tibet from China and get it the recognition it deserves. We also want to promote Tibetan culture,” says Lobsang Wangyal,director of Kingfisher Miss Tibet. Wangyal,who is also a journalist,feels that the beauty pageant serves as a forum where young Tibetan women can display their skills and talent. “Right now,I have four finalists. The number of participants would be much higher if Tibet was a free country. The pageant did not even have sponsors to begin with,” adds Wangyal.

Tenzin Namchoe,22,is elated to be one of the finalists. “The pageant is a good platform for Tibetan girls to show their skills. My parents were opposed to the concept but my brother supported me throughout. I will be very happy if I win this,” says Namchoe,a student of Social Work in St. Joseph’s College,Bangalore.

Tenzin Norzon,23,wants to see her country become independent. “ If I win this pageant,I will be able to bring my country’s culture to the fore,” says Norzon,who is wiling to act in Tibetan and Indian movies.

The other two participants,Yangchen Metok and Minchen Choden,also wish to see their country achieve freedom. To remain fit,the beauty contestants regularly practice yoga.