Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Dec 18: The grand finale of the Miss Orissa beauty contest will be held Sunday in the city, with the winning model getting a chance to act in a Bollywood movie along with appearing in a television commercial.
From about 100 aspirants selected from across the state for the second round of the contest, 20 were shortlisted for the final event after a six-month long exercise.
The Jyotsna Routray Memorial Charitable Trust, which is organising the pageant, said the increasing number of girls signing up to participate in the beauty contest is an indicator of changing mindsets of people in the state. Organisers said it is laudable on the part of the girls to have overcome challenges such as the lack of training and grooming institutes in the state while preparing for the pageant.
Participants will be judged not just on the basis of their appearance but also on their knowledge of local culture, persona and intelligence among other things.
Suvasmita Jena, a contestant hailing from Gada Malipada village on the outskirts of the city, said she was happy that girls are coming forward to take part in such events defying conservative mindsets. “Times are changing. Parents are becoming supportive of their children’s aspirations. Mine are waiting eagerly for the outcome of the finale,” she said.
“The contest is not just about wearing short skirts. It means cultivating an all-round personality, improving your general awareness, communication skills, and dance skills,” said the two-time Miss Catwalk winner.
For Sonika Roy, it is about telling the rest of the world that Orissa has a strong, vibrant youth who can achieve their dreams.
“I once appeared for an audition in Bangalore. The organisers spoke to me very politely till they came to know I was from Orissa.
Their behaviour changed to condescending and flippant after that,” said Sonika.
Sonika has also qualified for the Femina Miss India 2015 contest as a finalist. “It’s my honour to participate in Miss Orissa contest. Having qualified to participate in Femina Miss India is also a privilege. I want to earn fame for my state on the national and international level,” Sonika added.
Swikruti Satpathy, a contestant from Balasore, said she got her fashion tutorials through television. “I’ve groomed myself through watching fashion channels.
I have my parents to thank for this who are very supportive,” said the self-confessed Kangna Ranaut fan. “She’s a supermodel. I try modeling my ramp-walking skills on hers,” said Swikruti who looks at the beauty pageant as a wonderful opportunity to make a mark in Bollywood circles.
A father of one of the participants said he was proud to see his daughter holding her own among the other participants. “I hail from an orthodox Brahmin family, but I firmly believe girls should be given the freedom to choose their careers,” said Itikant Mohapatra.
Khadi board to conduct fashion show
The Orissa Khadi and Village Industries Board will be organising a ‘Khadi Fashion Show’ on its premises in Kharavelnagar December 19, 21 and 23 as part of its Khadi Haat – 2014.
Celebrated Ollywood stars including Orissa Khadi brand ambassadors Akash Das Nayak, Sabyasachi Mishra, Archita Sahoo and Anu Choudhury apart from other models will walk the ramp.
