New Delhi: India is all geared up to be the proud host of the 71st edition of the world’s oldest existing beauty pageant Miss World this year.
The ambitious global event, which has reached the country after a long gap of 27 years, is being seen as a perfect opportunity for displaying the soft power of this nation of 1.4 billion. However, at the same time, it reminds us of the infamous incidents that dented India’s global image back in 1996 when the event was being hosted in the country for the very first time.
Rewinding the clock 27 years back we are going to take you to the time when holding Miss World’s 46th edition in India triggered violent protests across the nation.
Miss World 1996
The year was 1996 and the country was hosting the beauty pageant for the first time with garden city Banglore being the venue, and Big B’s production house Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Ltd (ABCL) taking charge as host of the event.
However, things didn’t go too well for the actor and other stakeholders of the global event as violent protests and roadblocks were witnessed throughout the city by a number of folks who were opposing the event.
The protesters, that were mainly comprised of militant women and other activists saw the pageant as a disgrace to women’s modesty and accused the organizers of disrespecting countries 5000-year-old Heritage. Intensifying things to another level, many protesting women were seen giving threats to set themselves ablaze if the event is not thrown out of the country.
Amitabh’s take
Speaking on the violent outcry, to a Sunday newspaper editor the actor stated, “Obviously, I don’t agree with the protestors. But this is a democratic country, they have freedom of speech. At the same time, we have the right to host the contest. We’re not doing anything illegal or unconstitutional. All permissions have been sought and granted. Ideally, both sides should respect the other’s point of view. That’s not happening. Violence is being threatened.”
He further went on to tell about how terrified he is after witnessing the violent recourse taken by the protesters and made an appeal to the State government of Karnataka to take action against the culprits. The actor lso added that he will seek security if needed.
Irene Skilva crowned Miss World
However, ignoring all the outcry, criticism, and protesters, the JH Patel-led government of Karnataka backed up the event and went on holding it under tight security measures.
The pageant was won by 18-year-old Greek model Irene Skilva who was crowned with the title of Miss World with Cambodian model Carolina Argango finishing second as the runner-up.
Miss World 2023
The exact dates of the 71st edition of the much-awaited beauty event have not been unveiled yet. However, it is speculated that the event will take place during the fall of the year in December. With Participants from over 130 countries, the glamorous event will be consisting of numerous exciting competitions.
The event would stream live on youtube and can be watched for free.
