Manika Vishwakarma from Rajasthan has been crowned Miss Universe India 2025, earning the opportunity to represent India at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand this November. The 23-year-old student and model captured the crown not only with her poise and presence but also with a powerful final answer that won the admiration of both judges and audience.
This year’s national finale, organised by the Glamanand Group, brought together 48 contestants from across India in a dazzling evening of glamour, talent, and confidence. Alongside Manika’s victory, Roosh Sindhu from Gujarat was crowned Miss International India 2025, and will represent India at Miss International in Tokyo later this year. The runners-up included Tanya Sharma (Uttar Pradesh) as first runner-up, Mehak Dhingra (Haryana) as second runner-up, Amishi Kaushik as third runner-up, and Sarangthem Nirupama as fourth runner-up.
Crowned by outgoing queen Rhea Singha, who placed in the Top 30 at Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico, Manika now carries India’s hopes of reclaiming global glory on the Miss Universe stage.
This Answer Earned Manika Vishwakarma the Crown
For the final round, Manika faced a thought-provoking question:
“If you had to choose between advocating for women’s education or immediate economic aid for impoverished families, which one would you prioritise and why? How would you address the counterarguments?”
Balancing compassion with vision, Manika answered with clarity:
“Two sides of the coin. On one side, where we have seen that women have been deprived of basic rights, such as education, for as long as we can remember. On the other side, we see the result of this deprivation: impoverished families. Fifty percent of our population has been denied the basic amenity that could change their lives. If I have to, I would choose the option of women’s education.”
She further defended her stance, adding:
“I would advocate for it because it would not just change the life of one person; it would change the entire strata of the future of this country, of this world. While both issues are important, it is about taking actions that can help in the long run.”
Her thoughtful response, coupled with her elegance, set her apart and secured her the national crown.
Manika Vishwakarma originally from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, and currently based in Delhi, Manika is in her final year of a Political Science and Economics degree. Beyond academics, she is a trained classical dancer and an accomplished artist, with accolades from the Lalit Kala Academy and the JJ School of Arts. She has also represented India at the BIMSTEC Sewocon, an initiative under the Ministry of External Affairs.
Passionate about inclusivity, she founded Neuronova, an initiative to raise awareness around neurodivergence, particularly ADHD, with the aim of reframing it as a strength rather than a limitation.
Reflecting on her journey, Manika shared:
“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.”
With her intelligence, artistic achievements, and advocacy for education and inclusivity, Manika now prepares to take India’s voice to the world stage in Thailand. Her victory has not only brought pride to Rajasthan but has also reignited hope for India’s next big win at Miss Universe.
