Post by : Bianca Qureshi
Jaipur, August 18:
Manika Vishwakarma, a 22-year-old from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, has been crowned Miss Universe India 2025 at a glittering ceremony held in Jaipur on Sundayevening. With this victory, she will represent India at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant in Thailand later this year.
The crown was presented to her by outgoing titleholder Rhea Singha, Miss Universe India 2024. The annual national competition was organised by the Glamanand Group for the second consecutive year in Jaipur.
The Competition
The contest witnessed participation from 48 finalists representing different states across India. After several rounds of evaluation, the top honours went to Manika, while Tanya Sharma of Uttar Pradesh secured the position of first runner-up. Mehak Dhingra of Haryana and Amishi Kaushik were declared second and third runners-up respectively.
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The jury panel for the evening included fashion designer Ashley Rebello, film director Farhad Samji, actress and Miss Universe India 2015 Urvashi Rautela, and social activist Rajiv K Shrivastava, among others.
Early Life and Education
Born in Sri Ganganagar, Manika is currently based in New Delhi, where she is completing her final year in Political Science and Economics. She entered the national spotlight after winning the title of Miss Universe Rajasthan 2024, which paved her way to the national stage.
Talents and Recognition
Beyond pageantry, Manika is a trained classical dancer and an accomplished artist. Her artistic works have received recognition from premier institutions such as the Lalit Kala Akademi and the JJ School of Arts.
She also represented India at the BIMSTEC Sewocon, an international youth programme organised under the Ministry of External Affairs.
Advocacy and Social Initiatives
Manika has actively spoken about neurodivergence, advocating for a broader understanding of conditions such as ADHD. She is the founder of Neuronova, an initiative aimed at changing public perceptions of neurodiverse individuals. Her campaign emphasises viewing these conditions as unique strengths rather than disabilities.
Statement After the Win
Speaking after her victory, Manika expressed gratitude to her mentors, family, and supporters. “My journey started from my hometown, Ganganagar. I came to Delhi and prepared for the competition. We need to inculcate confidence and courage in ourselves. Everyone played a big role in this. I thank all those who helped me and made me what I am today. Competition is not just a field; it is a world of its own that builds the character of a person,” she said in an interview.
With the national crown secured, Manika will now focus on preparing for the Miss Universe 2025 pageant to be held in Thailand later this year. Her win has not only brought pride to Rajasthan but has also drawn attention to her efforts in promoting art, culture, and social awareness.
As India awaits its representative on the international stage, Manika Vishwakarma’s story reflects the combination of talent, determination, and social responsibility that continues to inspire young aspirants across the country.
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