Sushmita, Aishwarya, Diana and now Yukta. This is where it all began for these beautiful damsels in the world.

Over a span of three decades Femina Miss India has evolved from being just a pageant to launching the face of the Indian woman on the world's glamorous map. Indian girls seem to have a reputation of being beauties with brains, personifying the adage `beauty with a purpose' to the T.

They come from different parts of India - Mumbai, Dehra Dun, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chandigarh. Enjoy a wide range of interests from love for the environment to aircraft, to the catwalk. And simply can't get enough of the professionalism that they are being exposed to.

Gone are the days when entering a pageant was a hobby -- something pretty young girls did on the side between a degree and matrimony.
Today it means a launch-pad to a successful career. Hence, it involves immense preparations.

It all begins in the month of August when women within the age group of 18-23 send in their applciations to the Times of India.

Among the 800 odd entries received this year from 40 centers across India, only 300 were selected for the preliminary rounds. However, 26 talented young ladies were short-listed for the finals.

To smoothen the uneven edges, the young ladies were put through a month long rigorous training. Throughout November, Mickey Mehta, fitness guru, kept the belle on their toes with tough work-outs. Dr.Jamuna Pai, cosmetologist's expertise added further glow to their skin. While Sabira Merchant, an expert in personality development worked on their communication skills.

Trained by a line-up of the best in the business, these women are now ready for the finals to be held January 15, 2000 at the Poona Club, Pune. And from there the winners will be ready to take on the Asia-Pacific region, World ... or the Universe!