Look who's on the ramp!

Whether it’s fresher’s or graduation, beauty contests are a common thing at colleges. Much as it’s fun, the participants are mostly judged for their looks. Take, for instance, the fresher’s party at a college in the city. Students who were on the plumper side   didn’t make it as the winner! Failing in such contests dents the self-confidence of young girls. Educational institutes in Tamil Nadu do not hold beauty contests, following a ban by the Madras high court last year. Should we follow suit? We spoke with students from colleges to get their view on this.

Ayesha Farheen, Shadan Institute
I  participated at the fresher’s contest recently, and many discouraged me because I was a little on the heavier side. The audience was not at all encouraging, and they cheered only the ‘thin’ models on the ramp. The contest had talent-based rounds, so it’s not just the college’s fault. But yes, it’s totally wrong to judge young girls solely by their looks.

Rachel Priyanka, St. Joseph’s Degree & P.G. College
At the college level at least, girls shouldn’t be judged on their looks. Even at my college, there are many other rounds organised apart from the ramp walk, but even then, a student who doesn’t make it to the top, may develop an inferiority complex. In fact, we have another contest coming up soon.

Aishwarya Madapu, Amity Global Business School
I was the ‘Miss Amity’ recently. Winning in the competition is based on a voting system, where popular students of the college are voted for by other students. Even if plus-size students make it to top three, they never win the title. The situation was the same at Villa Marie College for Women, where I was studying earlier.

The colleges usually want nice-looking people to represent them. Having said that, I don’t think colleges should stop conducting theses pageants altogether, because it can be a platform for students who are interested. These students should be judged overall — their confidence, communication and talent should also be considered.

Shweta Sachdev, St Francis College for Women
Yes, students shouldn’t be judged for how they look. I’ve heard about some who were depressed over not winning the competition. They may develop an inferiority complex. I think, these contests should be conducted, but a student’s overall personality must be considered.

Premika Reddy, CMR College of Pharmacy
At our college, it’s also about how you answer, but it’s mostly based on one’s looks. These pageants can be a great platform for students, who want to enhance their communication skills and confidence. So, they must be conducted, but beauty should not be the winning criteria.

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