India has crowned its newest beauty ambassador.
Manika Vishwakarma from Rajasthan has emerged as Miss Universe India 2025, winning the prestigious title and the opportunity to represent the country at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand later this year.
She was crowned by Rhea Singha (Miss Universe India 2024) in a star-studded finale.
Among her strong competitors, Tanya Sharma from Uttar Pradesh secured the first runner-up position, Mehak Dhingra from Haryana the second runner-up, and Amishi Kaushik the third runner-up.
Yet it was Manika’s clarity of thought, elegance, and conviction that won the crown.
In the Q&A round, she was asked: If you had to choose between advocating women’s education or providing economic aid to poor families, what would you prioritise and why? Manika chose women’s education, emphasizing:
“Educating women doesn’t just change one life; it transforms the future of families, communities, and nations.”
Her answer not only reflected wisdom but also aligned with her real-life advocacy work. After her victory, she shared a heartfelt message with PTI:
“We always talk about struggles, but I want to highlight the support I’ve received. From my family, my teachers, and my community — they all shaped me. Rather than focusing on hardships, I give credit to those who stood by me. I am so grateful. This journey would not have been possible without them.”
Who is Manika Vishwakarma?
Originally from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, and now based in Delhi, Manika is currently in her final year of a Political Science and Economics degree.
Beyond academics, she is a classical dancer and painter, with her artworks being recognised by prestigious institutions like the Lalit Kala Academy and the JJ School of Arts.
Manika is also the founder of Neuronova, an initiative dedicated to creating awareness about neurodivergence (including ADHD and other conditions), making her a strong advocate for inclusivity and mental health awareness.
India’s Glorious Legacy at Miss Universe
India has long been a force to reckon with at Miss Universe, producing three global titleholders who became household names:
- Sushmita Sen (1994) – India’s very first Miss Universe, who paved the way for generations to dream bigger.
- Lara Dutta (2000) – Known for her sharp intellect and confidence, she secured India’s second crown.
- Harnaaz Sandhu (2021) – After a 21-year wait, Harnaaz brought home the third Miss Universe crown, sparking a revival of India’s pageant legacy.
Apart from these victories, India has consistently produced finalists and semi-finalists, maintaining its position in the Top 10 Miss Universe-winning countries worldwide. With Manika, the country now looks forward to the possibility of its fourth crown.
India’s Journey at Miss World
While Miss Universe gets much attention, India’s journey at Miss World is equally legendary. India has won Miss World 6 times, the most by any country, tied with Venezuela. The winners include:
- Reita Faria (1966) – The first Asian ever to win Miss World.
- Aishwarya Rai (1994) – Went on to become a global superstar.
- Diana Hayden (1997) – Grace and intelligence defined her reign.
- Yukta Mookhey (1999) – The late ’90s brought India two crowns in quick succession.
- Priyanka Chopra (2000) – Now an international icon in film, philanthropy, and business.
- Manushi Chhillar (2017) – India’s most recent Miss World, after a 17-year gap.
Together, these wins across Miss Universe and Miss World make India one of the strongest countries in global beauty pageantry, blending grace, intellect, and social impact.
With Manika Vishwakarma’s crowning as Miss Universe India 2025, she steps into this rich legacy — carrying the hopes of millions of Indians and a dream of bringing the crown back home.
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