With Jyoti Brahmin, a beauty from the town, making it to the list of 29 finalists, the hills are alive with expectation like never before.

Twenty-three-year-old Brahmin has created history of sorts by becoming the first hill girl to make a name for herself in the world of modelling and glamour. Her entry into the list of finalists for the Femina Miss India Contest 2004 follows an impressive showing at other contests. Brahmin had earlier clinched the Sananda Tilottama 2003 title, which is widely viewed as the Miss Bengal crown.

Brahmin’s dreams of making it big at the national level could now come true if she strikes a chord with the judges at the Miss India contest scheduled for March 27 in Mumbai.

For an introvert who received her schooling at Loreto Convent and went on to do her B.Com from St Jospeh’s College, a leap into the world of glamour was the last thing anybody expected.

Hemlata Brahmin, her mother, said: “She was a shy girl and had only a few friends. In fact, I literally pushed her to participate in beauty contests in the beginning. After she went to Calcutta to study MBA, she came into her own and realised that she had the potential to achieve something.”

Speaking about her daughter, who is currently training for the contest in Mumbai, Hemalta Brahmin said: “The only worrying factor for me is her height. She stands tall at 5ft 7in, but carries herself well. I am confident about her chances of winning.”

The Miss India winner is judged on a number of parameters and the ideal contestant is considered to be one who has the right mix of beauty, brains and Indian cultural values.

Jyoti Brahmin’s father initially objected to his daughter’s “unconventional” career choice, but has now become more supportive.

“I came to know about her participation in the Miss Bengal contest through the newspapers. I have slowly come to accept that she belongs to a new generation with different aspirations, therefore, my blessings are with her,” said Subash Brahmin.Apart from pursuing her MBA, Brahmin has modelled for various fashion magazines. Film offers have also poured in. Brahmin, however, has turned them down to concentrate on winning the country’s most prestigious beauty crown.