Miss India Canada 2004: Parul Sharma

Sharma, a native of Ottawa, was chosen from among the 16 finalists of the 14th annual pageant organised by Canada-India Beauty Quest.

She was crowned by outgoing 2003 Miss India-Canada Sangeeta Virmani.

An undergraduate at the University of Ottawa, Sharma plans to pursue a career in law or business administration.

The group of 16 came down to the top five finalists -- Farah Bhanji, Monika Chandan, Tara Omaid, Dimple Sharma, and Parul Sharma.

Sanjay Agnihotri, director of operations, Canada-India Beauty Quest, said this year's winner will visit the Canadian Cancer Society apart from doing other charitable work. The ceremony that drew some 800 guests, who paid $100 a ticket, was attended by Canada's Minister for Health Ujjal Dosanjh, and Indian Consul General in Toronto Divyabh Manchanda.