Daily Dose — Nelson Woman Heads to Miss Universe Canada Pageant
By Ari Lord
Jaspreet Kaur Batra of Nelson is travelling to Windsor, Ontario this month to compete in the 2024 Miss Universe Canada (MUC) pageant.
“I was looking for a stage where I could go and talk about compassion, inspire and promote compassion in people. I feel like I am getting a stage. I’m really excited. This is my very first pageant,” says Batra.
One of her main motivations to getting involved is to give more to her community and the broader world.
“I do a lot of volunteering within our community, and I was thinking, I have so much capability to give more, to serve more people. What can I do?” she says.
In the fall of last year, Batra sent in an application to MUC and received positive feedback from the selection committee.
She then had an interview and was selected to be one of the 66 women in the competition. She was chosen by MUC for her courage, compassion, holistic mindset, and dedication to personal growth and development.
The winner of Miss Universe Canada will head to the Miss Universe International pageant.
Miss Universe (MU) is a global, inclusive organization that celebrates cultures, backgrounds and religions while creating a safe space for women to share their stories and drive impact personally, professionally, and philanthropically.
Run by women for women, MU aims to break stereotypes and create opportunities for women.
“Miss Universe Canada or Miss Universe International is about your involvement in the community,” says Batra. “Then there are other rounds. Where you have to walk, the evening gown round, the swimsuit round, and the Canada theme round, where you show Canadian culture through your eyes.”
As Batra’s first pageant, preparing has been quite a process. She has had to learn how to be a public speaker and walk on the stage.
A year ago, Batra moved to Nelson for her husband’s work, after living in Dawson Creek and Kelowna. Nelson has been a great fit for the couple.
“We ended up loving the community. It showed so much love and compassion to us and we have so many friends already and we feel part of the community. So we decided to have our permanent roots here,” says Batra.
Batra took a lot of initiative to build community here, for example by serving on the board of the Nelson and District Women’s Centre.
“I want to give in the community I live in,” she says.
During the past 12 years, Batra has volunteered for causes like women’s empowerment, food insecurity, tree planting drives, mental health, and facilitating personal and professional development. Batra is currently establishing support services for educated immigrants.
Batra’s inspiration for her community involvement was prompted by the gender oppression she has experienced in her life.
“I need to remember I’m doing it for purpose. I need to look presentable, but my main motive is what my core is, and that’s compassion. I have meaning and clarity,” says Batra.
Currently a Public Servant in B.C. Public Services, Batra was born in India. She came to Canada in 2017 as an international student. Today, she has Canadian Citizenship.
Batra was a dental surgeon in India, and while in Canada, has pursued roles in business management, health administration, and business analytics.
She trained in technical communication at the University of B.C. and has played a key role in driving the success of five local businesses across the province. She is planning to complete a Masters in Business Administration in 2024.
It’s been quite a process to prepare for the 2024 Miss Universe Canada pageant for Nelson’s Jaspreet Kaur Batra, set for later this month in Windsor, Ont. — Submitted photo
Batra enjoys the forests walks and hikes in this area with her husband, and being by the water.
For 72 years, the MUC pageant was limited to women between the ages of 18 and 28. Many pageants, like Miss America, still don’t allow older women, married women or mothers to participate. Before last year, Batra, who is married and 32 would not have been allowed to participate in MUC.
This year, the oldest participant ever is joining MUC, 59-year-old Lorraine Peters from St. Stephan N.B.
The pageant will commence on July 25th. The Nelson area can support Batra by voting for her as part of the Audience Choice Awards.
Her plan is to show up at the competition with an open mind and heart.
“I think everybody has a story to share and we need to listen to it. The pageant does that for people, it gives the platform,” says Batra.
“I know I have this strong message to share. With everything happening around the world, [compassion] is the only solution I see. That’s something I want to inspire.”
