Sigh. Another day, another sexist comment from an ageing Indian politician. This one may appear mild only when compared to gems like Mulayam Singh's "Boys will be boys" or the President's son's "dented and painted."
This time it's Karnataka governor Vajubhai Vala who, giving the valedictory address at the 103rd Indian Science Congress in Mysuru, said, “Boys have to give up their specific addictions. Girls need to give up their fashion. You come to college for studies and not to participate in any beauty competition. You don’t need to get your eyebrows done, apply lipstick or trim your hair.”
The speech was recorded and broadcast on multiple TV channels. Surpisingly, many in the audience found the 76-year-old's comments entertaining,clapping and laughing in response.
Naturally, there were voices of disapproval. A student present at the event, said, “Who said a fashionable girl is not academic or intelligent? The governor was addressing the valedictory of a Science Congress. Instead of speaking about promoting science, his comments on girls were unnecessary.”
Towards the end of the video above, Vala says, "A fashionable person can never be attractive." Why he was advising women on how to be attractive is anyone's guess.
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