In fact it's culture, it's interesting. But a dozen Indian groups opposed to the event don't see it that way, claiming that it degrades women. Neither is it a charity show. It's a beauty contest in which these things have been added on as sops. The hostility hasn't dampened the enthusiasm of the contest organizers, who have been absorbing the Indian culture they are accused of polluting.
Preparations are in full swing to televise the event to two billion viewers around the world.
State authorities have posted 7,000 policemen to keep troublemakers at bay. They promise that those who try to disrupt the show will be taken into custody. We have enough force to deal with any situation. We have enlisted so many vehicles to lift everybody here and send them to jail. With the law and police on their side, organizers are confident the show will go on.