THIRTY-three-year-old Chetna Chauhan created history after being crowned the first-ever Lady Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North 2012 in front of a jam-packed Subrail Park in Labasa.
Representing Viti Vanua Holdings Limited, an emotional Mrs Chauhan could not suppress her tears when her name was called out on Wednesday night.
She was among three lady contestants that vied for the festival title in the Lady Category this year.
"This is absolutely a surprise because I didn't expect to win the title and to create history is a big achievement for me," Mrs Chauhan said.
"I joined the carnival to increase awareness on the safety of our children and I believe my message has been related to the public."
The mother of two said she hoped to see more developments take place in the north because it would create opportunities for children.
"The journey of being a dedicated and responsible citizen of the north now begins for me and my only wish is for children to get good education so they can help develop the north when they get employed," she said.
"I would also like to encourage young women to take part in this sort of carnival because it's a platform to heighten awareness on issues that impact our beloved nation," the beautician said.
Miss Cakaudrove Hardware Merita Simmons was crowned the first-runner up.
Today
* 6.30pm-7pm: School entertainment; n7pm-8.30pm: Elegant Night-Queen and King Contestants second public judging; n8-30pm-10pm: Village group entertainment, school entertainment
Tomorrow
n1pm-3pm: Float Procession through Labasa Town to Subrail Park; nFloat procession winner; nCrowning of Miss Personality; nEntertainment; n7pm-10pm: Global Night-Crowning of Miss Photogenic, Mr and Miss Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North 2012; nEntertainment