My name is Tenzin Yangzom. I am 23 years old, and live in Gantok in Sikkim, and this year was the winner of the Miss Tibet – 2014 contest.
During the contest, I was asked to introduce myself, and then walked the ramp in an evening gown and in full traditional Tibetan costume. I played the yangchin, which is a Tibetan musical instrument and for the talent round I sang a traditional Tibetan song as a tribute to His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
I was asked to give a short talk at the Coronation Ceremony. I spoke on “Women’s Empowerment”, saying that women should first know their sense of self-worth. Women should not only have the ability to control their lives at home but outside as well. The only way women can be empowered is when equal opportunities are given to both men and women in terms of economic, social and political empowerment. Women should have the right to make financial decisions and to fulfil their own personal ambitions.
There were originally eight applicants for Miss Tibet – 2014, and five had confirmed they would take part. But when I reached Dharamsala, I was disappointed to learn that none of the others could come and I would have to face the press alone! However, I did not back out as the organisers had made all the arrangements for the pageant.
I feel that the Miss Tibet contest is important because through it we can draw the attention of the world to the Tibetan issue and seek support. Tibetans inside Tibetans are undergoing unbearable sufferings. More than 130 of them have been driven to self-immolation, which is unparalleled in the history of the world. Miss Tibet can seek avenues to voice the worsening human rights situation in Tibet through national and international forums. I will try and contribute whatever I can do for the cause of Tibet.
Recently, I was invited to the North East Women’s Association seminar on “Womens Empowerment” that was held in Gangtok. It was a great experience for me, and we exchanged our views on the position of women in general. It was an inspiring and motivating workshop and I hope to participate in such gatherings in future and raise the issue of Tibet whenever the opportunity arises.
I also feel young girls should take on challenges in life. We can not progress unless we come forward, though we may face obstacles and discouragements. Let us hope there will be more participants for the Miss Tibet Pageant in future.
This year was the first time that I had the opportunity to take part in the contest as I have been studying during the past few years. I did my schooling in Gangtok, followed by a BA degree in English, Psychology and Sociology at Christ University, Bangalore and later gained my BEd degree at the same university. I would like to pursue school management for further studies.
I think that the biggest gift that the parents can give to their daughters is education! The status between men and women is not biologically determined, but socially determined. Therefore, the notion that women are considered inferior should be removed and, most importantly, the mindset of people should change. Fortunately, Tibetan women are in a better position when compared to women in many other countries.
Both my parents work in education. My father is also a former member of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile and my mother is ex-President of the Regional Tibetan Women’s Association in Gangtok. I owe my achievements so far to my parents’ support, and right from my childhood they have always encouraged me to take an interest in Tibetan culture and the Tibet cause.
My hobbies are singing, painting, travelling, photography, basketball, driving and trying new things in life. I take an interest in modelling and beauty pageants. I donated the prize money from the Miss Tibet Contest (one lakh rupees) to an old peoples’ home, two schools in McLeod Ganj, and to the Miss Tibet Pageant to show my support for such a good cause.
Print
Email
