Manika Vishwakarma Miss Universe India

Manika Vishwakarma was born and raised in Ganganagar, Rajasthan — a city far from the traditional modeling hubs of Mumbai and Delhi. From a young age, she dreamed of walking the runway and representing India on global platforms.

After completing her schooling, she moved to Delhi to pursue modeling full-time. There, she received professional grooming, training, and mentorship that prepared her for the rigors of pageant competition. Her journey from a small city to the national stage exemplifies how talent and determination can overcome geographical barriers.

Manika’s path to the national crown was methodical and disciplined. In 2024, she won Miss Universe Rajasthan, which qualified her for the national contest. She then trained rigorously in communication, fitness, and stage presence.

Competing against 50 national finalists, she stood out for her poise, confidence, and articulate responses. Her consistent performance across all rounds — from introduction to evening gown — demonstrated the depth of her preparation.

The grand finale in Jaipur was a spectacular event featuring performances, fashion showcases, and appearances from past winners. The judging panel included renowned designers, industry leaders, and former titleholders who evaluated contestants across multiple dimensions.

The pageant followed a comprehensive multi-stage format:

• Introduction Rounds: First impressions and personality showcase
• Swimwear Segment: Fitness and confidence evaluation
• Evening Gown: Elegance and grace under spotlight
• Question-and-Answer: Intelligence, awareness, and communication skills

India has a rich and celebrated history at Miss Universe, with three crowns that have inspired generations of young women:

• Sushmita Sen (1994): India’s first Miss Universe, who went on to become a beloved Bollywood actress
• Lara Dutta (2000): Crowned at the turn of the millennium, later a successful actress and entrepreneur
• Harnaaz Sandhu (2021): Brought home India’s third crown after a 21-year gap, reigniting national pride

Manika’s win raises hopes for a historic fourth crown for India at the upcoming 74th Miss Universe in Thailand.

The 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand will host contestants from over 80 countries. For Manika, the preparation phase is crucial and will involve:

• High-Level Training: Global experts will guide her in advanced grooming, styling, fitness, and stage skills
• Cultural Representation: Showcasing India’s rich traditions, fashion heritage, and contemporary identity
• Advocacy Platform: Clear articulation of her cause — women’s education and empowerment in rural India
• Mental Resilience: Building capacity to handle international scrutiny and pressure

Given Harnaaz Sandhu’s victory in 2021, expectations are high for Manika to reach the final rounds and potentially bring home India’s fourth crown.

Manika’s victory carries significance beyond the pageant world:

• Small-Town Representation: Coming from Ganganagar, her win shows that opportunities now extend beyond metros. Training, mentorship, and digital exposure allow aspirants from smaller towns to compete at the national level.
• Rajasthan’s Pride: Her success strengthens Rajasthan’s presence in national pageantry and inspires young women across the state.
• Evolving Pageant Culture: Modern pageants test personality, intellect, and social responsibility alongside appearance. Many winners have moved into film, business, or philanthropy.
• Platform for Advocacy: Manika intends to use her visibility to promote education and empowerment for young women in rural India.