To realise a long standing dream and advance the noble cause of women empowerment, Dehradun-based jour-nalist and entrepreneur Devendra Singh Negi has conceptualised and is all set to launch ‘Mrs. India Times — Saluting Womanhood’ — a beauty pageant with a difference in the state of Uttarakhand (pop. 8.5 million). Anguished by the pitiable condition of women in conservative Indian society and ascribing this to lack of opportunities for them to pursue education, Negi hopes this movement will make married women realise their self-worth and capabilities. Selected women achievers will tour the interiors of Uttarakhand to spread the message of woman power and also provide financial, educational and emotional assistance to women of the state.
“I have dedicated this event to the cause of women empowerment. I wish to reach out to the remotest villages of Uttarakhand so that women there receive sufficient inspiration to empower themselves,” explains Negi, proprietor/chairman, India Times Group, an umbrella organisation which publishes the monthly magazines India Times, The Perfect Package and the weekly Samay Ka Sach.
“Through my magazines and newspaper I lash out at inconsistencies, blind faith, superstition as well as issues such as corruption, casteism, oppression of women and child abuse,” says Negi, an alumnus of Jaswant Modern School and a graduate in science from Sri Guru Ram Rai College, Dehradun.
Describing the forth-coming women’s pageant, scheduled to be staged in Dehradun in March 2010, Negi says it will evaluate women on presentability and ability to focus on substantive women’s issues. “I believe that linking popular events to social causes is a good strategy to highlight important issues and attract support from famous personalities. This event focuses on women of substance who will become role models for other women,” says Negi.
If all goes according to plan, the pageant and the entire programme, spread over four months, will be telecast on national television. The final round will be judged by eminent women personalities such as Kiran Bedi, Shahnaz Hussain and Vandana Luthra.
Wholly committed to women’s uplift and empowerment, Negi wants to take in a broad sweep for this cause. “We are working on plans to adopt entire villages in which we will establish vocational centres and schools, and assist NGOs working for the advancement of women and the girl child. This is my primary mission in life,” says Negi.
Wind in you sails!
Natasha Pathak (Dehradun)