A student of Delhi University’s Daulat Ram College alleged that she was prevented from coming on stage to facilitate the arrival of the Union Minister, who was the chief guest at the event due to her attire.
In a video on Instagram, Sarah Sharma claimed that she was not allowed to go on stage because of her “sleeveless” outfit. The event, titled ‘Nari Shakti: Viksit Bharat ki Awaaz’, was held at Shri Ram College of Commerce on April 12 and was organized by Meera Yuva Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
In the video, Sharma is seen wearing the same outfit that she wore at the event, which is a sleeveless suit.
Explaining the ordeal, she said that although she was chosen to congratulate the minister, she was stopped by officials at the last minute, who pointed out that there was a problem with her “sleeveless” outfit. Sharma described the experience as “disgusting”.
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“Yeh ek purely women’s conference, MATLAB yahan Saare women’s portfolios ko diye gaye. Yahan chief guest ki roob mein dr mansukh mandavia ji khud aaye, aur mujhe felicity ke liye bulaya gaya tha. Jab main wahan pahunchi, ministry officials toh ne mujhe dekha aur kaha ki aapne sleeveless pehna hai, aap unko felicitate nahi kar saktiShe said.
She added that the situation became more embarrassing because she was “publicly summoned” in front of everyone present. Sharma went on to explain that a dress code was provided to all the volunteers – who wore a traditional suit or sari. She also explained that she wasn’t the only girl wearing sleeveless.
Sharma expressed her dismay and said it was particularly frustrating that such statements were directed at one woman by another woman.
She also narrated an incident that occurred after the event ended. While she and her friends were taking photos, she claimed that three male officials approached them and suggested that the reason the country was not progressing was because “the women of the nation are busy taking their photos for more than an hour.
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She also criticized the bills that claim to empower women by saying that they will not work unless people’s mentality changes. She concluded the video by saying: “I hope this change will come in the future. I am speechless.”
Some support, others deny discrimination
However, some users, who were present at the event, described the incident differently, saying that no discrimination occurred against her because of her clothing.
A comment under her post claimed that officials did not have a problem with her clothing. Instead, the caption explained that one of the girls later volunteered to congratulate the minister. “Since Sharma had already gotten the opportunity to appear on stage thrice, once to deliver her speech, then to present the bill proposal, and also for congratulations. This matter was discussed with her, and she herself agreed to leave out the congratulations. It is convenient for you to forget that.”
“Also, if there had been a problem, they wouldn’t have let you get on stage three times, and that’s also for the most important part of the event: passing the women’s resolution (does that ring a bell?),” the caption concluded.
