Lepcha body objects to attire misrepresentation at Miss India event

<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">GANGTOK,:</span></b><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;"> Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association has objected to the alleged misrepresentation of Lepcha traditional attire during the Femina Miss India pageant.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">In a statement issued on Tuesday, the association said that traditional Lepcha attire carries deep cultural and spiritual significance, particularly for followers of the Mun-Bongthing faith, and should not be treated as a mere clothing. It added that the version showcased lacked authenticity and failed to reflect proper cultural understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">“While we acknowledge the intent to showcase the cultural richness of Sikkim, the execution has caused significant hurt to the sentiments of the Lepcha community,” the SLYA said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The body noted that if representation was intended, culturally important elements such as Thokro or Dumbun could have been incorporated appropriately.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">The SLYA further informed that they have submitted a memorandum to the State government seeking clear policies on cultural representation, mandatory consultation with concerned communities, mechanisms to ensure authenticity and respect, and a prohibition on the misuse of traditional attire as items such as tablecloths, cushion covers or chair covers in government offices.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p> </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-IN" style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Meanwhile, the association acknowledged an apology issued by Sikkim Glamour World and the concerned individual, Deekila Sherpa, and appealed to the community to accept it in a spirit of dignity and forgiveness. “At the same time, this incident must serve as a serious lesson, and such lapses must not be repeated in the future.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>

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