Manika Vishwakarma of Rajasthan has been crowned Miss Universe India 2025, a title that now sets her on course to represent India at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand later this year.
The glittering finale of the national competition took place on August 18 in Jaipur, Rajasthan, where Manika emerged victorious. In her emotional winning moment, she credited her success to her mentors, teachers, parents, and friends, emphasizing that their constant support helped her reach this milestone. “This journey has been remarkable. I am deeply grateful to everyone who stood by me. My dream is to make India shine at Miss Universe and bring the crown home,” she said.
Hailing originally from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, Manika had previously won the title of Miss Universe Rajasthan 2024. Reflecting on her path, she explained that pageantry is not about struggle but preparation. “I started in my hometown, moved to Delhi for training, and built confidence step by step. This platform teaches courage and self-belief, and I owe everything to those who nurtured me along the way,” she added.
Speaking about the impact of beauty pageants, she described them as transformative. “These contests are not just about crowns; they shape personalities for life. They give you a stage to inspire others, and that influence lasts forever, no matter what field you enter afterward,” she said.
Earlier on Instagram, Manika shared her thoughts about stepping into this new chapter just as she passed down her Miss Universe Rajasthan crown. She described the experience as a “moment of transition,” saying it symbolized growth, faith, and vision for the future. “Sometimes, growth does not wait for a pause. I chose to honor the past and step boldly into what’s next,” she wrote, thanking her mentors and confidants for their guidance.
The event also crowned other winners: Tanya Sharma from Uttar Pradesh as the first runner-up, Mehak Dhingra from Haryana as the second runner-up, and Amishi Kaushik as the third runner-up.
The ceremony saw Bollywood actor and jury member Urvashi Rautela celebrating both the winner and her own 10-year milestone in the industry. “The competition was extremely tough, but Manika truly deserves this title. She will make us all proud at Miss Universe,” Rautela remarked.
Meanwhile, Roosh Sindhu, who was crowned Miss International India, also expressed excitement, vowing to represent the country strongly on another global stage.
