By Tenzin Monlam
DHARAMSHALA, June 14: Miss Tibet 2016 Tenzin Sangnyi who has been at the receiving end of criticisms for her spoken Tibetan has come out in the public in defense of her title.
A statement posted on her Facebook page said, “Lately, I have been receiving criticisms for my imperfect Tibetan. Moreover, I have been bullied (cyber-bullied) and made a mockery of — not just for my lack of fluency, but also for my appearance”.
A nurse by profession, she stated that she would like to assure every Tibetan, especially her ‘critics’ that she is a ‘Tibetan by blood and heart’. She also vowed to work on her language fluency and put in more effort to improve the language.
The 21-year old added that being brought up in a tough environment, she had minimal chance of interacting with Tibetans and only after her visit to Dharamshala had she got the opportunity to socialize with other Tibetans.
“I am more determined than ever to do something for my country. I am young and enthusiastic. So, I hope you can all see the dedication instead of blaming my family and me,” the girl from Manali said, adding that her weaknesses don’t make her less Tibetan.
However, in midst of harsh criticisms, she also had many who defended her, like Jigmee Thinley who wrote, “Tibetan language can be learned and one can even master in few years. It’s a shame that we are too good in pointing mistakes and criticizing rather appreciating one’s effort and intention.”
She was crowned Miss Tibet 2016 on June 5 at the TIPA ground in McLeod Ganj after three days of talent round, swimsuit round and the Finale. She had previously participated in Miss Himalaya pageant last year where she was the first runner-up.
