Little Miss Talent with a heart of gold

From walking the ramp and actively participating in charity events to clinching a prestigious international title in a pageant in the US, ten-yearold Cien Jacob – who is the pride of the Malayali diaspora in the UK – has stardust on each step she takes towards achieving greater heights

- CIEN JACOB

Whenever UK-settled Malayali couple Manoj Jacob and Reshmi go out shopping or attend social events, they face this question – “Are you the parents of Cien Jacob?” – which brings a smile to their face. The reason? Their ten-year daughter, Cien, is the cynosure of all eyes in Gloucester, where they reside, especially among members of the Malayali diaspora. From ramp walks, fashion shows, and community service to endorsing charities and winning titles in prestigious global pageants, this Class V student has more feathers to her hat than one can imagine.

She became the talk of the town literally last year when she represented the UK at the Pure International Pageants in Florida, USA, last year and won the Pure International Little Miss title 20192020. She effortlessly blazed her way through the 12 rounds, including the gruelling interview session before winning this celebrated title. It was the crowning achievement of this student of St Peter’s School who has an array of titles and honours under her belt.

Cien’s first encounter with fame goes back to the time when she was a toddler. “She was just two when we made her take part in a photo contest organised by a local daily. Out of 900 participants, she was one among the 20 to be shortlisted,” says her mother. “When she was five, she won the Little Heart competition and there has been no looking back.”