TRU student a finalist for Miss India-Canada

Thompson Rivers University student Roopam Plawn is days away from learning whether she will be crowned Miss India-Canada for 2014.

Roopy, as she goes by, is one of 16 finalists and the only B.C. contestant.

She’ll find out Saturday in Toronto after she participates in three events: evening gown, talent showcase, and question and answer. She made the final 16 after passing an application process and phone interview. Judges are looking for a strong role model for young Indian and Indian-Canadian women.

Plawn, who is a first-generation Indian-Canadian born and raised in Kamloops, created an on-campus Bollywood dance club. The club has performed on-and off-campus, with one of its campus performances during TRU’s International Days. Plawn has also helped fundraise and organize events for the on-campus UNICEF club. She has also gained practical work experience through TRU’s Co-op work program run through the Career Education department.

She’s going into her final year of a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

“You should know where you come from. We live in a multicultural society so you should show off your culture and be proud of it,” Plawn told the TRU website’s Newsroom.

“I have taken the initiative at school by stepping out of my comfort zone and starting my own dance club, which reflects my passion, drive, leadership and ability to positively affect others,” said Plawn.

“I want to become an entrepreneur and give back to the community by building strong support systems with a focus in mental health,” said Plawn. “I am striving for success and believe I am moving in the right direction.”