u00a0Dipannita Sharma Atwal, Model

The emphasis on fairness, for both men and women, in India is appalling. I find it pathetic that in this day and age people still value fairness above other attributes and equate it with beauty.

I grew up in the North-east in a matriarchal family and it was not an issue there. It was only when I went to study in Delhi that I realised the bias against the dark-skinned. While the world over olive, and dusky skin is preferred, our country discriminates against them.

I find it hypocritical that we think the West is racist, when we are the biggest racists of all time. That's why I have consciously chosen to stay away from ads related to fairness products. We have to learn to look beyond the colour of the skin.