Rajasthan's Manika Vishwakarma to Represent India at Miss Universe 2025

Jaipur, Aug 19 (PTI) - Rajasthan's Ganganagar has given India its Miss India Universe 2025, with Manika Vishwakarma poised to represent the nation at the upcoming 74th Miss Universe competition in Thailand later this year.

At just 22 years old, Vishwakarma claimed the coveted title during an elaborate ceremony on August 18, hosted at Zee Studio in Jaipur. Crowned by Miss Universe India 2024, Rhea Singha, Vishwakarma emerged victorious in a competition that persisted into the early hours of Tuesday. Tanya Sharma, also 22, from Uttar Pradesh, was named the first runner-up, while 19-year-old Mehak Dhingra from Haryana took the title of second runner-up. Additional honors went to Amishi Kaushik, 23, also from Haryana, and Sarangthem Nirupama, 24, from Manipur, who secured the third and fourth runner-up positions, respectively.

In the wake of her triumph at the pageant, Vishwakarma expressed heartfelt gratitude towards her family and community for their unwavering support.

"To be honest, we always speak about struggle. But I would like to talk about the support that I have gotten. Even though I come from a normal small-town family, I have received a lot of support from my family and community. I think I got a great education. My teachers played the most amazing role in it. So, rather than struggles, I would give credit to all those who have supported me in this journey. I am so grateful to all of you. It wouldn’t have been possible without your support," she shared in an interview with PTI.

During the final round, Vishwakarma faced a choice between advocating for women’s education and providing economic aid to poor families.

Her choice was clear: women’s education.

"Educating women doesn’t just change one life, it transforms the future of families, communities, and nations.”

The jury panel for the event was comprised of notable personalities, including Miss India Universe owner Nikhil Anand, actor and former pageant winner Urvashi Rautela, designer Ashley Robello, and filmmaker Farhad Samji.

"It was a tough competition. We are very happy that Manika emerged as the winner. It's truly special for us. She will surely make the country proud at Miss Universe," Rautela said, expressing her confidence in Vishwakarma's potential.

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