By Tenzin Dharpo
DHARAMSHALA, Oct. 13: The reigning Miss Tibet Pema Choedon has participated in the Miss Global 2015 currently underway at the city of Manila in Philippines. The beauty pageant that began in 2013 will host women from 44 countries for its third edition.
Pema Choedon, speaking to Phayul, emphasized the importance of participating in a global event describing it as “just like any other campaign for the struggle of freedom”. She says, “This pageant is giving us the platform to show the world that Tibet is not a part of China. It is such a rare opportunity to have a Tibetan competing in a pageant where China and Tibet have entered as different countries.
“It is a tool or acts as a tool of revolution or rebellion against the Chinese Communist Party; to show the world that we have separate identities and cultures,” she said.
Earlier, participation by Tsering Chungtak (Miss Tibet 2006) followed by Tenzin Dolma (Miss Tibet 2007) representing ‘Roof of the world’ in Miss Earth Pageant were objected by China as an assault for its quest for asserting ‘soft power’ in the international arena.
“This (global attention) frightened the Chinese Government to extent that they bought the pageant itself. Miss Tibet was forced either to represent ‘China Tibet’ or quit the pageant. If the government of China fears Miss Tibet this much, then the Tibetans in exile should certainly pay utmost importance to this pageant”, said Pema.
Lobsang Wangyal, the founder of Miss Tibet and Miss Himalaya pageants plays down the effect of such events with a separation of outlook by the overly cautious China and the rest of the world. He said, “For us it’s a social event where Tibetan women who have interest in these matters get exposure, education and experience seeing the world and understanding this aspect of life. China is the one politicizing it.
“Remember that representing Tibet at pageants like Miss Global is an opportunity, not a duty like paying your dues for the green book” added Lobsang.
The Miss Global 2015 will conclude on Oct. 22 after its final rounds.
