I will try to keep this short, and sweet.
Women Empowerment is such an important tool, yet the way it is used and thrown around just aimlessly, I often get confused which events or phenomenon actually empower women and which ones are merely a facade. That is the reason, I have stopped judging a book by its cover. I see, I study, and then form an opinion.
3 months back, my wife Suruchi told me she wanted to participate in Mrs India New England and asked my opinion. As a couple, who fiercely believes in "better regret for things you did than for things you didn't", she didn't really have to ask my opinion, I was already planning on how this would go.
I entered the event hall with my 4 year old. There were glitz and glamour all around and the judges looked fab in their attire and charm oozed out of the judges table. While a few were previous winners, some were business tycoons, movie stars and the likes.
The winners were to be crowned out of three different categories, Miss India, Mrs India and Miss Teen New England. Needless to say this was my first rendezvous with a beauty pageant, I was just rooting for Suruchi, who, anyways looked ravishing as usual
But when the women started with their ramp walk, everyone was stunned with the poise, the elegance and the charisma these women carried. As they began their introduction, it was rather fascinating to notice how multi-faceted each one of these women were. They looked all very charming in their evening gowns
There were a few segments of talent showcase and performances which completely raved the audience. The next round in the event was of ethnic Indian dress. As the girls walked out amidst waves of applause, it was rather fascinating to see how Suruchi had completely transformed into a queen from a princess.
It was at this moment, that I realized, this is real women empowerment. For decades people have argued of the relevance of beauty pageants, when that day I realized in reality, these pageants give these women the confidence, the stage and the platform to be themselves, show their best side to the world, and achieve whatever they want to once this night is over.
Suruchi performed well in the Q&A round as well, and while I always knew her to be a queen without a crown, this time, she did actually win it.
While the ladies add sparkle to the evening and rightfully take away all the glee of the viewers and the glam, the organizers should be given special credit as they are the ones who help realize the dreams and ambitions of these wonderful ladies while they remain as an active background.
Ruchika Arora, the brains behind the pageant should be given all the credit for the success of the event. She almost single handedly helped get the ladies their walk right, the choreography of the event, the arrangement everything. More power to her.
Special mention to Vidhi Dalia of Flawless Creations as being the sole person behind the enigma of the beautiful ladies and their hairdo.
And finally, a special mention to Monika Gill, Dharmatma Saran, and many more who graced and blessed the event.
Needless to say, it was a completely new learning experience just witnessing the event, I am sure for Suruchi, it has been life changing.
Women Empowerment is such an important tool, yet the way it is used and thrown around just aimlessly, I often get confused which events or phenomenon actually empower women and which ones are merely a facade. That is the reason, I have stopped judging a book by its cover. I see, I study, and then form an opinion.
3 months back, my wife Suruchi told me she wanted to participate in Mrs India New England and asked my opinion. As a couple, who fiercely believes in "better regret for things you did than for things you didn't", she didn't really have to ask my opinion, I was already planning on how this would go.I entered the event hall with my 4 year old. There were glitz and glamour all around and the judges looked fab in their attire and charm oozed out of the judges table. While a few were previous winners, some were business tycoons, movie stars and the likes.
The winners were to be crowned out of three different categories, Miss India, Mrs India and Miss Teen New England. Needless to say this was my first rendezvous with a beauty pageant, I was just rooting for Suruchi, who, anyways looked ravishing as usual
But when the women started with their ramp walk, everyone was stunned with the poise, the elegance and the charisma these women carried. As they began their introduction, it was rather fascinating to notice how multi-faceted each one of these women were. They looked all very charming in their evening gowns
There were a few segments of talent showcase and performances which completely raved the audience. The next round in the event was of ethnic Indian dress. As the girls walked out amidst waves of applause, it was rather fascinating to see how Suruchi had completely transformed into a queen from a princess.
It was at this moment, that I realized, this is real women empowerment. For decades people have argued of the relevance of beauty pageants, when that day I realized in reality, these pageants give these women the confidence, the stage and the platform to be themselves, show their best side to the world, and achieve whatever they want to once this night is over.
Suruchi performed well in the Q&A round as well, and while I always knew her to be a queen without a crown, this time, she did actually win it.
While the ladies add sparkle to the evening and rightfully take away all the glee of the viewers and the glam, the organizers should be given special credit as they are the ones who help realize the dreams and ambitions of these wonderful ladies while they remain as an active background.
Ruchika Arora, the brains behind the pageant should be given all the credit for the success of the event. She almost single handedly helped get the ladies their walk right, the choreography of the event, the arrangement everything. More power to her.
Special mention to Vidhi Dalia of Flawless Creations as being the sole person behind the enigma of the beautiful ladies and their hairdo.
And finally, a special mention to Monika Gill, Dharmatma Saran, and many more who graced and blessed the event.
Needless to say, it was a completely new learning experience just witnessing the event, I am sure for Suruchi, it has been life changing.
