Film activist asked to avoid sleeveless dress for Bishop's function

 Film activist Shruthi Namboothiri, one of the key organisers of Vibjyor Film Collective and director of World Music Festival Foundation was shocked when she was asked not to come in sleeveless for a programme in connection with Women's Day. Even more shocking was the reason provided by the organisers: Our bishop will be there for the function and he may not like it! 

Shruthi took to Facebook with the screenshots of the WhatsApp message by the office-bearers of Kottappuram Integrated Development Society,(KIDS) a charitable society in Thrissur who sent the strange request. She decided to boycott the function as she felt that the restrictions put on her choice of dress amounted to the infringement of her personal choice and freedom.

She had been invited by the KIDS as the chief guest at the programme and had printed the notice with her name. When the organisers requested her to send her photograph for using in the publicity material.  Shruthi was in a sleeveless attire in the photo she posted them. 

A few days later, the organisers contacted her with the strange request. Our Bishop (Joseph Karikkassery) will be coming for the function, the message said. He is a bit orthodox. So please don't come in sleeveless, the organisers requested. 

• Sleeveless
• dress code
• women's day