IndiaPost.com - Meher Pavri crowned Miss India-Canada 2007

It was a night of entertainment, prestige and glamour all rolled up into one; the 17th annual Miss India-Canada event had it all! Organized by Canada-India Beauty Quest and proudly supported by Movado and Rogers, the sold-out event was truly a memorable experience.

At the end of the evening, Meher Pavri of London, Ontario won the esteemed title of Miss India-Canada 2007. Other sponsors included Air India, Om Financial and Payal Convention Centre. The evening began with a video tribute dedicated to the founder of the pageant, Kush Agnihotri, who passed away on December 25, 2006.

Although he was best known for launching one of the most prestigious South Asian events in North America, the Miss India-Canada Pageant, Agnihotri garnered many awards for successfully promoting Indian culture within the Canadian mainstream.

Following the presentation, the 16 contestants began the evening with a high-energy dance sequence that captivated the audience. Sanjay Agnihotri, CEO of Canada-India Beauty Quest then presented Bollywood actor Aftab with the 'Special Achievement Award' for his growing contribution to Indian cinema.

Other notable attendees were Satish Mehta, Consul General of India; Ujjal Dosanjh (former Health Minister of Canada); Gurbux Malhi, Member of Parliament; Dr Ruby Dhalla, Member of Parliament and John Tory, Member of Provincial Parliament.

During his speech, Dosanjh spoke of his relationship with Kush Agnihotri and reminded the audience of the gentle soul that he was. The final speaker of the evening, Dr Dhalla presented Sanjay Agnihotri with a certificate of appreciation for establishing the Kush Agnihotri Cultural Foundation, a non-profit organization that will promote and celebrate cultural heritage and achievements within the Canadian South Asian community.

Soon after, the opening host, Aashish Rajhans, introduced the emcees for the evening, Suneel Joshi (CTV) and Pooja Handa (Global TV). Suneel commenced the evening by introducing the distinguished Panel of Judges: Hina P. Ansari, International Fashion Shoot Producer; Suby Bhardwaj, Barrister & Solicitor; Cory Boisselle, COO/CFO - Movado Group Of Canada Inc.; Susan Gordon, Vice President National/Regional Marketing - Rogers Wireless; Sunil Jagasia, CEO - Total Logistics Group; Tosh James, Model Scout - Elmer Olsen Model Management; Rupinder Nagra, Actor Each contestant did the first three segments: Indian Dress, Evening Gown, and Talent. Prior to introducing the Top 5 Finalists, the emcees announced that Loveleen Gill of Markham, Ontario won the Rogers People's Choice Award. Susan Gordon, Vice President National/Regional Marketing, Rogers Wireless presented Loveleen with a bouquet of flowers. She also received a video phone.

Chandhana Raju of Saint-Hubert, QC won the Miss Congeniality award and Sunpreet Bains of White Rock, BC won Miss Photogenic. The top 5 finalists were then announced in random order: Uppekha Jain of Brampton, ON; Eva Khondaker of Edmonton, AB; Meher Pavri of London, ON; Sunpreet Bains of White Rock, BC; and Poonam Sandhu of Vancouver, BC.

The final segment of Question & Answer involved asking each contestant a different question on stage by the panel of judges. As the audience waited for the representative from the accounting firm of Sharma Kanish and Associates to approach the stage, the audience was treated to an entertainment piece of FlamenKathak - a cultural mix of Flamenco and Kathak dancing. As the audience waited in complete silence, Pooja and Suneel announced the results.

The Second Runner-up was Sunpreet Bains and the First Runner-up was Eva Khondaker. Pooja and Suneel then went on to call upon the Chief Guest, Aftab on stage to facilitate in the crowning of Miss India-Canada 2007 - Meher Pavri. Meher Pavri, 19, is currently a student studying Music (Vocal Performance) at the University of Western Ontario.

After finishing her undergraduate degree she plans to do her Masters in Vocal Performance to pursue a career in Opera and private vocal teaching. She is actively involved in charitable work in her own community of London, Ontario and wishes to further that with the title of Miss India Canada.

After the pageant, Sanjay Agnihotri, CEO remarked that this year's winner will also assist in promoting the goals of a very important organization: the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

When asked what he thought of this year's pageant, Agnihotri replied, "The hard work and dedication that our team and volunteers put forth into this year's event has truly been remarkable.

This show was dedicated to the founder of the pageant, my father, Kush Agnihotri. I am also overwhelmed with the support we received from the community this year. The contestants have made this 17th annual event, one that we will all remember!"