Under the glittering lights of Jaipur’s Birla Auditorium, 22-year-old Manika Vishwakarma from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, was crowned Miss Universe India 2025 on Sunday night. The political science and economics student, who now lives in Delhi, rose from a small-town upbringing to the national stage, securing her place as India’s representative at the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand this November.
A Contest of Ideas, Not Just Beauty
The competition drew 48 finalists from across the country. In the final round, contestants were asked to weigh in on a pressing social question: Should India prioritize women’s education or direct economic aid for poor families?
Vishwakarma’s choice — women’s education — resonated with the judges. “Education is the force that breaks the cycle of poverty,” she said, underscoring a message that blended conviction with pragmatism.
She edged out Tanya Sharma of Uttar Pradesh and Mehak Dhingra of Haryana, who finished as first and second runners-up, with Amishi Kaushik in third place.
An Artist, a Scholar, and an Advocate
Unlike many of her peers, Vishwakarma has crafted a profile that stretches far beyond the stage. She is a classically trained dancer and painter, with her work recognized by the Lalit Kala Akademi and the Sir J. J. School of Art.
But it is her advocacy that sets her apart. She founded Neuronova, an initiative aimed at reframing how society views neurodivergence, especially conditions such as ADHD. Instead of treating them as disabilities, she argues, India must recognize them as unique cognitive strengths.
Her public service streak has also taken her to global platforms: she has represented India at the BIMSTEC Sewocon, a youth summit organized under the Ministry of External Affairs.
From Rajasthan to the World Stage
Pageantry is not new to Vishwakarma. In 2024, she was crowned Miss Universe Rajasthan and finished in the national Top 20, winning the “Best in Speech” title.
Speaking after her win, she credited her supporters rather than her struggles:
“Rather than struggle, I would give credit to all those who supported me in this journey,” she said.
For Vishwakarma, the platform is not just about glamour. “This is not just a field, it is a world that builds character,” she added. “You get an opportunity to inspire others for life.”
Eyes on Miss Universe 2025
The newly crowned queen will now prepare to represent India at the 74th Miss Universe pageant, scheduled for November 21, 2025, in Thailand. It is a chance for India to reclaim a global crown it has held only a handful of times, most memorably with Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.
For Manika Vishwakarma, it is also a moment to carry the voice of a generation — one that blends art, intellect, and advocacy — onto one of the most watched stages in the world.