by India Post, forwarded by Nisha Rodrigues Toronto

TORONTO, Aug 2: The 16th annual Miss India-Canada Pageant in July was a event of entertainment, prestige and glamor. Organized by Canada-India Beauty Quest in association with Movado, the sold-out event was truly a memorable experience.

Simran

At the end of the evening, Simranjit Singh of Ancaster, Ontario won the esteemed title of Miss India-Canada 2006. For the first time ever, Rogers and Sunsilk presented two new awards. Other sponsors included: Air India, Om Financial and Payal Convention Centre.

The Second Runner-up was Nisha Ravindranath and the First Runner-up was Yamini Shinghal. India's High Commissioner to Canada Shyamala Cowsik was on stage to crown Simranjit Singh, who won over $10,000 in prizes.

The 19 year old native of Ancaster, ON is entering her final year of her undergraduate degree at McMaster University. She has aspirations of becoming an optometrist. During her reign, she wants to try her luck in the entertainment field, and simultaneously, she wants to be a role model to young Indo-Canadians by becoming involved in more community events.

Yamini and Nisha

Earlier, the 16 contestants began the evening with a high-energy dance sequence that captivated the audience and kept them in their seats for the remainder of the evening.

Kush Agnihotri, president of Canada-India Beauty Quest presented Hollywood writer, producer, actor, and director, Kavi Raz with the 'Special Achievement Award' for his growing contribution to international cinema. Following the award presentation, Sanjay Agnihotri, Director of Operations called upon Cory Boisselle, COO / CFO, Movado Group of Canada, and presented him with a plaque of appreciation.

Following this presentation, Kush and Sanjay Agnihotri called upon the Chief Guest of the evening, Shyamala Cowsik, High Commissioner of India to Canada, to say a few words.

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 Bharat Agnihotri, MLA from Alberta.

The opening host, Aashish Rajhans introduced the emcees for the evening, Karen Johnson, and Suneel Joshi. Suneel introduced the distinguished Panel of Judges: Pathik Baxi, Barrister & Solicitor; Rahul Bhardwaj, President, Om Financial Inc.; Cory Boisselle, COO/CFO, Movado Group Of Canada Inc.; Dr. Pam Gill, Family Physician; Tosh James, Model Scout, Elmer Olsen Model Management; Pallan Katgara, Director TCI: Travel Corporation (India) Pvt. Ltd.; Cuckoo Kochar, President, DCR / Phoenix Group; Kass P., On Air Personality, "The Groove", Flow 93.5; and Shylee Someshwar, President, Visual Rhythms.

Each contestant went through the first three segments: Indian Dress, Evening Gown, and Talent. Prior to introducing the finalists, the emcees announced that Sonia Singh won the Rogers People's Choice Award. Susan Gordon, Senior Director, National Marketing, Rogers Wireless presented Sonia with a bouquet of flowers. She also received a Pink Razr.

The Sunsilk Miss Beautiful Hair Award went to Nisha Ravindranath. Jillian McLaughlin, Brand Building Manager Hair Care presented Nisha with a bouquet of flowers. She also received a gift basket filled with SunSilk products.

Rajminder Aujla of Toronto, ON won Miss Congeniality and Kamel Bains of Surrey, BC won Miss Photogenic.

The top five finalists were then introduced in random order: Nisha Ravindranath of Mississauga, ON; Simranjit Singh of Ancaster, ON; Yamini Shinghal of Montreal, QC; Kam Bains of Surrey, BC and Angelie Sood of Unionville, ON. The final segment of Question & Answer involved asking each contestant a different question on stage before 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 by a Japanese Drum Group - Kiyoshi Nagata Ensemble.

After the pageant, Sanjay Agnihotri, Director of Operations remarked that this year's winner will also assist in promoting the goals of a very important organization: the Canadian Cancer Society. When asked what he thought of this year's pageant, Agnihotri replied, "The hard-work and dedication that our team and volunteers put into this year's event has truly been remarkable. I am also overwhelmed with the support we received from the community this year.

The contestants have made this 16th annual event, one that we will all remember."

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