Intelligentsia backs Beauty

Quoting from the Ramayana, Shah advised the Bajrang Dal activists to emulate Bajrang Lord Hanuman. 8220;Though I am against objectification of women, Dal8217;s fight against the so-called vulgarism is very wild, vulgar and obnoxious,8221; he said.

The Bharatiya Janata Party government at Gandhinagar and even the Union Government in New Delhi should realise that their allies are not only damaging democratic values, but are tarnishing their image as well, Khakkar said. 8220;They have repeatedly done it with artistes. That it continues unchecked is the irony,8221; he claimed Even nationally known art critic, Dr Sunil Kothari, who has penned acclaimed books on classical dances, rapped the rampage.

8220;If they want to check vulgarity, they should first start with television shows,8221; Dr Kothari said.

Meanwhile, various groups in the field of fashion 8212; like the COPS Group which has decided to hold the contest again 8212; are determined not to let the vandalism affect them.

Anjali Karolia, reader in the city8217;s renowned M S University8217;s Home Science department, who runs a course in fashion textile and clothing, said she did not foresee any trouble during the university8217;s annual fashion shows.

Even Monita Mohite, senior faculty member for the fashion designing course of National Institute of Professional Courses, echoed the same optimism. 8220;Activists should also see the art and craft involved in such shows,8221; Karolia reasoned.

Though the All-India Mahila Sanskrutik Sangathan condemns beauty contests, even it did not approve of the vandalism.