DHARAMSALA - The Miss Tibet beauty pageant 2009 commenced on Friday in Dharamsala, the seat of Tibetan government-in-exile.

Only four participants sashayed down the ramp in the show title ‘Spice India Splendour Miss Tibet Pageant 2009.’

According to the pageant director, originally there were seven applicants, but three withdrew later due to personal reasons.

Dolkar from Dehradun, Ngawang Choying from Darjeeling, Tenzin Choezom from Dharamsala and Yeshi Lhamo from Bir in Himachal Pradesh are taking part in the contest.

Tenzin Choezom, the 20-year-old participant from Dharamsala said that she wanted to be an inspiration for other Tibetan women.

“I think, it’s a generation problem in Tibet. I am a Tibetan, I accept that but especially Tibetan girls, they are very shy,” she said.

The contest started with the swimwear round. The pageant highlighted a special message, which read as - “Thank you India for 50 years of help and hospitality” from Tibetans.

Dolkar, another participant, said she wanted to champion the cause of Tibet by taking part in the contest.

“We are in India as refugees. We are here for 50 years in exile. So being a Tibetan girl, it’s my responsibility to do something for my nation,” she said.

The three-day competition that began with the swimsuit round will be followed by intellectual rounds on the art of articulation and other allied talents.

Crowning and presentation of the prize money of one lakh rupees to the winner will be held during the finale on June 7.

The first runner-up will be presented with 50,000 rupees while the second runner-up and would be given 25,000 rupees.

The fourth contestant will receive a token prize of 5,000 rupees. ((ANI)