From scavenging to modelling, `beauty` with a difference

Rescued women scavengers will walk the ramp at an exclusive beauty contest symbolising their liberation and equality in the society.

New Delhi: Rescued women scavengers will tomorrow walk the ramp at an exclusive beauty contest here symbolising their liberation and equality in the society.

Being held on the occasion of `World Toilet Day`, 35 women scavengers within the age group of 18 to 40 years from Alwar and Tonk cities in Rajasthan will participate in a `Beauty Contest` here. The contest is being held by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation for the second time this year. These women were rehabilitated and taught vocational activities like handicrafts, embroidery, boutique work and also given beautician training. Among the women who will walk down the ramp, 28-year-old Laxmi Nanda was rehabilitated from Alwar in 2008 where she had been scavenging since childhood along with her mother. "It is a great feeling that we will display our hand-made sarees and walk the ramp," said Laxmi, who has also received an award from President Pratibha Patil for her poetry. She, now, does boutique work and is also a part time beautician. In 2008, 36 women scavengers from India walked the ramp with top US and Indian models at UN to mark International Year of Sanitation in New York. 21-year-old Dolly is all set to walk the ramp for the second time. "I want to tell other scavengers through this event that it is not difficult to lead a life of dignity. They can also do good work and live a clean life," she said. The winner will be awarded a golden crown and Rs 2 lakh. Rs 1 lakh and Rs 50 thousand will be awarded to the first and second runner up respectively. The event will be attended by Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla and Miss India-2002 Neha Dhupia. PTI