Some have been judged for their body type, others for the way they dress. And the students of Sarojini Naidu College for Women and St. Paul’s Cathedral Mission College decided to step forward and narrate their experiences of embracing confidence and rejecting judgement at Parachute Advansed Body Lotion Confident Aami, held in association with t2. Actress Parno Mittra selected the three most inspiring stories at Sarojini Naidu College for Women, while actress Sayantika picked three at St. Paul’s Cathedral Mission College. The winners received Parachute gift hampers.

SAROJINI NAIDU COLLEGE FOR WOMEN

Girls get judged every day! But why should anyone judge a girl for the length of her clothes, her skin colour or her physicality? These shouldn’t be the parameter to judge anyone, in fact. Her personality and behaviour are much more important than her appearance. I am short and people often make fun of that. But I am confident enough to not get fazed by such comments.

— Tanmayee Baruah, first year, Psychology

While travelling by train I saw a guy clicking photographs of a woman on the sly. It disturbed me, so I went up to him and snatched his phone away and slapped him. Why take such photographs in the first place? Even if he was in awe of her, why couldn’t he just take her permission? It felt great that I could stand up for that woman and be her voice.

— Atreyee Biswas, first year, Bengali 

A skinny girl wants to put on weight. A chubby girl wants to lose some. A fair-complexioned girl thinks dusky is sexy, whereas a dusky girl wants to get fairer. No one seems to be happy with what they have been gifted with. I feel one should be happy with oneself and do what one likes, and feel confident.

—  Paromita Paul, first year, Sociology

Judge Speak

I have been at the receiving end of various comments at the beginning of my career. Since I have a dusky complexion, I was told that I wasn’t glamorous enough to be in the film industry. I was asked to try other professions, not films. I believe that one has to be focused, accept challenges and rise above these petty judgements.

— Parno Mittra

Text: Nandini Ganguly

Pictures: Arnab Mondal

ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL MISSION COLLEGE

Often I have been insulted and laughed at for my short stature. I have been called various names and mocked at by many. However, I never let that affect me and remained confident. My ex-boyfriend, too, body-shamed me and had issues with whatever I wore, be it a short dress or a kurta. I refuse to let someone dictate what I will wear and how I will carry myself.

— Sucheta Mitra, second year, Bengali

Last year during Kali Puja, I had gone to my aunt’s place, where we stayed with relatives. A close relative tried to molest me. I was extremely scared and rushed to my mother and broke down. My mother always supports me and she asked me to confront him with confidence. When I did so, he blatantly denied it and said that no one would believe me as I had no proof. I then narrated the entire incident to everyone and my father, too, took my side. I feel it’s during these moments that our confidence is tested.

— Nivedita Saha, first year, Microbiology  

A teacher molested and abused me for two years but I did not have the confidence to speak out because he was also a family friend. However, one day it got unbearable and I threw a clipboard at him and rushed downstairs. I told my best friend about it but she blamed it on my shorts, which apparently ‘provoked’ him. Finally I gained the confidence to tell my mother and she took my side and fired the teacher.

— Shreyashi Dey, first year, English

JUDGE SPEAK

In spite of establishing a name for myself, things are never really easy. Every day I have to prove myself in terms of my performance on screen. My parents have been my biggest support and taught me that it’s your self-confidence that will see you through. Once, after a movie, I was ridiculed by critics for looking fat. However, I didn’t take it to heart and remained confident.... It’s lovely to see how these young girls have come forward to share their stories. I think it’s really important to talk about these issues.

 — Sayantika 

Text: Isha Lahiri.

Pictures: Pabitra Das