Introduction
The glittering world of beauty pageants witnessed another historic moment on 18 August 2025 as Manika Vishwakarma was crowned Miss Universe India 2025 in a star-studded event held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. More than just a beauty contest, this national pageant has evolved into a platform for empowerment, cultural representation, and advocacy.
Each year, Miss Universe India selects one woman to represent the nation on the global Miss Universe stage, and the 2025 edition has created waves for its inclusivity, grandeur, and the powerful story of its winner.
Pageant Overview & Organization
The Miss Universe India 2025 pageant marks only the second edition under the Glamanand Group, who secured the national franchise in 2024. Partnering with K Sera Sera Box Office, the organization has worked to reinvent the event by combining heritage, modern glamour, and inclusivity.
The finale in Jaipur carried the theme of “Empowerment Through Diversity,” celebrating contestants from across India’s states and union territories. Unlike traditional pageants focused primarily on beauty, Miss Universe India emphasizes:
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Confidence & communication skills
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Cultural representation
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Advocacy platforms
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Fashion and stage presence
This evolving format ensures that India sends not just a representative, but a changemaker to the international Miss Universe stage.
State-Level Championships
Before reaching the grand finale, aspiring queens battled it out at state-level qualifiers. The winners from these rounds captured headlines:
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Smiti Chhabra (Delhi) – admired for her eloquence and confidence.
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Amishi Kaushik (Haryana) – praised for her grace and strong advocacy voice.
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Radhika Singhal (Uttarakhand) – recognized for her poise and leadership qualities.
These regional pageants highlighted the diversity of Indian talent and underlined the rigorous process leading up to the national crown. Contestants were judged on intellect, communication, poise, and personality—marking a shift away from stereotypical beauty standards.
Grand Finale in Jaipur
The royal city of Jaipur served as the perfect host for the finale of Miss Universe India 2025. Known for its palaces and rich cultural heritage, Jaipur added grandeur and elegance to the event.
48 finalists competed at the national stage after months of grooming, mentorship, and advocacy workshops. The evening featured dazzling fashion showcases, traditional attire rounds, and powerful Q&A sessions where contestants expressed their vision for social change.
The finale was not only a celebration of beauty but also a test of intellect and purpose, as contestants addressed issues like climate change, women’s education, and inclusivity in society.
The Crowning of Manika Vishwakarma
The night belonged to Manika Vishwakarma, a young woman from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, who has been making waves in Delhi as a student, dancer, and advocate.
The crown was passed to her by Rhea Singha, Miss Universe India 2024, in an emotional ceremony. The audience erupted with applause as Manika’s name was announced, marking a moment of pride for Rajasthan and India alike.
Her calm confidence, eloquent answers, and poignant advocacy for neurodiversity set her apart from the other finalists.
Spotlight on Manika’s Journey
Manika’s story is inspiring for millions of young women.
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She is a final-year Political Science and Economics student.
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A trained classical dancer and an accomplished artist, her works have been showcased at Lalit Kala Academy and JJ School of Arts.
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She represented India at the BIMSTEC Sewocon, highlighting her diplomatic engagement.
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Most significantly, she is the founder of Neuronova, an initiative that advocates for neurodivergent individuals and reframes conditions like ADHD as cognitive strengths.
Her advocacy reflects a modern vision of beauty—one that values brains, empathy, and leadership alongside glamour.
In her own words:
“This is not just a field, it is a world that builds character, resilience, and the courage to transform society.”
The Road Ahead: Miss Universe 2025
Winning Miss Universe India 2025 is just the beginning. Manika will represent India at the 74th Miss Universe pageant, scheduled for November 2025 in Thailand.
India holds a strong legacy at Miss Universe, with three crowns so far—Sushmita Sen (1994), Lara Dutta (2000), and Harnaaz Sandhu (2021). With her powerful advocacy and unique vision, Manika hopes to bring the crown home once again.
Her preparations will include:
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Intensive training in public speaking
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International fashion grooming
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Cultural representation workshops
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Advocacy amplification through her Neuronova platform
Broader Significance of Miss Universe India
The Miss Universe India pageant reflects a shift in India’s beauty pageant culture.
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Previously managed under the Miss Diva franchise by Femina Miss India, the Glamanand Group’s takeover in 2024 has redefined the event.
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Unlike its earlier versions, the new format ensures participation from all states and union territories, making it more inclusive and representative.
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It has also become a launchpad for advocacy-driven leaders, not just models or actresses.
India’s achievements in global pageants (Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss International, and Miss Earth) demonstrate how pageantry has evolved into a movement for representation, social change, and cultural diplomacy.
Highlights & Anecdotes from 2025
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The curtain-raiser event in Indore showcased 53 contestants, emphasizing mentorship and sisterhood.
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Ghazal Gill and Manju Bangalore, two popular contestants, withdrew before the finale, sparking online discussions.
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The event’s fashion showcases featured leading designers, blending Indian heritage with modern runway trends.
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Social media saw massive engagement, with hashtags like #MissUniverseIndia2025 and #CrownForIndia trending across Twitter and Instagram.
Conclusion
The Miss Universe India 2025 pageant was more than a competition—it was a celebration of diversity, empowerment, and leadership.
With Manika Vishwakarma’s crowning, India has chosen not just a representative of beauty, but a torchbearer of inclusivity, cultural pride, and social advocacy.
As she prepares for the Miss Universe 2025 stage in Thailand, hopes are high that she can bring glory to the nation and inspire the next generation of Indian women to dream big.
