In a first of its kind, a Sikh-Canadian woman from Vancouver has been crowned Miss Canada 2024.  Tanpreet Parmar said she is incredibly proud to represent Canada on an international platform after recently winning the Miss Canada pageant, held in Montreal since 1946. The beauty pageant is renowned for its celebration of personality, diversity, and the empowerment of women and its focus on inner beauty, values, and purpose, elements particularly resonated with Parmar. “As a South Asian Sikh woman, I’m incredibly proud to represent Canada on this platform. I wanted to break the stereotype of pageantry and promote self-love, individuality, and advocacy – all qualities that Miss Canada champions,” Parmar said.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff With News Files

VANCOUVER - In a first of its kind, a Sikh-Canadian woman from Vancouver has been crowned Miss Canada 2024. 

Tanpreet Parmar said she is incredibly proud to represent Canada on an international platform after recently winning the Miss Canada pageant, held in Montreal since 1946. The beauty pageant is renowned for its celebration of personality, diversity, and the empowerment of women and its focus on inner beauty, values, and purpose, elements particularly resonated with Parmar.

“As a South Asian Sikh woman, I’m incredibly proud to represent Canada on this platform. I wanted to break the stereotype of pageantry and promote self-love, individuality, and advocacy – all qualities that Miss Canada champions,” Parmar said.

Throughout the week, contestants are evaluated on three main criteria:

*General Attitude (50%): Judges observe interactions, participation in activities, and overall positive presence.

*Gala Presentation (35%): This includes the evening gown presentation, showcasing elegance and stage presence, and a potential public speaking segment.

*Public Vote (15%): Fans can vote online for their favourite contestant, contributing to the overall score.

Parmar’s win is the result of years of hard work and dedication. Competing since 2019, she finally claimed the crown after four attempts, including a second runner-up finish in 2020. Her journey is a testament to her perseverance and resilience, reported 604 Now, an online publication.

Parmar is a passionate mental health advocate, with a background in modeling, acting, public speaking, and human resources. She works with the Stigma Free Mental Health Society, promoting self-love and acceptance among Canadian youth. 

Her advocacy is deeply personal, drawing from her own struggles with perfectionism, body image, anxiety, and depression.

Parmar told 604 that winning Miss Canada holds deep personal significance for her. 

“This crown represents the culmination of four attempts, each one a chance to learn, grow, and break down barriers. Looking back, I realize each competition experience, with its share of challenges, ultimately helped me become the best version of myself,” she reflected. 

During her two-year break between her third and fourth attempts, she focused on her mental health, returning stronger and more focused.

“This platform allows me to amplify my voice and the causes I hold dear. For too long, societal and media pressures have dictated unrealistic beauty standards and created a culture of self-doubt. As Miss Canada, I have the opportunity to advocate for self-love, body positivity, and mental health awareness. This isn’t just a pageant; it’s a platform for empowerment,” Tanpreet emphasized.

Parmar hopes to be a role model for young women of colour, encouraging them to break barriers and pursue their passions. 

“Miss Canada celebrates diversity, and I hope to be a role model for young women of colour, encouraging them to break barriers, pursue their passions, and take on leadership roles,” she told 604 Now.

“Being Miss Canada means being a mentor and a role model. I’m excited to inspire others, empower them to chase their dreams, and show them that true beauty lies within,” Parmar said.

You can follow Tanpreet Parma’s journey on Instagram here.

With Files from 604 Now