Muskan Sharma, a 23-year-old from Rishikesh, India, defiantly confronted men who criticized her clothing during a beauty pageant rehearsal and subsequently won the Miss Rishikesh 2025 title, turning a moment of confrontation into a symbol of resistance against moral policing.
On October 3, during rehearsals for the Miss Rishikesh contest, Raghavendra Bhatnagar and his group from the Rashtriya Hindu Shakti Sangathan interrupted, objecting to the skirts and western dresses worn by contestants. Bhatnagar declared modeling “over” and against local culture, but Sharma retorted by questioning why he didn’t target shops selling such clothes or address more serious social issues like alcohol and cigarette sales. Her spontaneous reaction was driven by fear that her dreams were shattering, but she firmly asserted that everyone has the right to choose their clothing. Supported by other contestants and organizers, the argument escalated until the hotel manager escorted the men out, allowing the rehearsals to continue.
The next day, October 4, the pageant proceeded as planned, and Sharma was crowned Miss Rishikesh. She described feeling shocked but elated, considering it a “double victory” for standing up for herself and winning, which made her feel “like Miss Universe” despite the contest’s local scale. This outcome highlighted her personal triumph and the resilience of the participants in the face of intimidation. The viral video of the incident amplified her story, drawing national attention to the issues of gender equality and personal freedom.
Rishikesh, a holy city in Uttarakhand known for ashrams and yoga, typically sees tourists in western attire without issue, making this incident unusual. Sharma noted that such heckling is unheard of there, highlighting the selective enforcement of cultural norms. This event underscores the broader context of moral policing in India, where women’s clothing often becomes a focal point for debates on morality and tradition. The city’s reputation as a spiritual hub contrasts with this isolated act of censorship, revealing underlying tensions in societal attitudes.
Beauty pageants have been hugely popular in India since Sushmita Sen and Aishwarya Rai won international titles in 1994, often seen as a ticket to success, especially for women from small towns. Figures like Priyanka Chopra have reinforced this belief, inspiring generations to pursue such opportunities despite societal pressures. These contests provide a platform for empowerment and career advancement, challenging stereotypes about women’s roles in conservative communities. Sharma’s experience reflects this trend, as she aspired to model from a young age with her parents’ support.
Moral policing of women’s clothing is common in India’s patriarchal society, where western clothes are often linked to “moral degradation.” Examples include dress codes in schools, village bans on jeans, and extreme cases like a teenager murdered for wearing jeans, as reported by the BBC. Commentators like Namita Bhandare argue that the issue is not about clothing but about freedom and aspiration, questioning why young women are targeted when they aspire to larger platforms. This backlash often ignores similar events for men, such as the Mr. Rishikesh contest, where participants wear minimal clothing without objection.
Sharma credits her mother for teaching her to stand up for what’s right and dedicated her crown to her. She hopes her story encourages other women to speak against injustice, emphasizing that the crown was secondary to empowering women. Her defiance has sparked discussions on gender equality and the need for more women in leadership roles in India, where female representation in politics and judiciary remains low. By sharing her fears and motivations, she aims to normalize resistance and build confidence among others facing similar challenges.
Looking ahead, Sharma plans to compete in Miss Uttarakhand and then Miss India, viewing her experience as a step towards larger goals. Her story serves as an inspiration for many, demonstrating that courage in the face of adversity can lead to personal and symbolic victories. It also prompts reflection on how societal norms evolve, with young women increasingly challenging outdated restrictions to claim their space in public life.