Manika Vishwakarma, crowned Miss Universe India 2025, represented the country at the 74th Miss Universe pageant held in Thailand—where she emerged as one of the most admired contestants despite not making it to the Top 12. The 22-year-old from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, impressed global audiences with her golden finale gown, symbolic national costume, confident blue monokini walk and thoughtful interview performances.
Backed by strong academics, artistic achievements and meaningful advocacy, Manika entered the competition as a well-rounded, purpose-driven representative of modern India. Even though she did not advance further, her journey has been widely celebrated for its grace, authenticity and conviction. Her story continues to resonate deeply across India, reflecting the evolution of pageantry toward intellect, leadership and social impact.
Key Takeaways: Manika Vishwakarma’s Biography, Journey and Miss Universe 2025 Highlights
- Manika Vishwakarma impressed at Miss Universe 2025 with her golden gown, national costume, blue monokini and red embroidered gown.
- Her national costume, “The Birth of Enlightenment,” honoured Buddha’s enlightenment through symbolic design elements.
- A Political Science and Economics student, she combined academic clarity with refined stage presence.
- Founder of Neuronova, her advocacy for neurodivergence—especially ADHD—gained widespread respect.
- Though she missed the Miss Universe 2025 Top 12, her journey remains celebrated for its message-driven impact and cultural representation.
Early Life and Family Influence: The Foundation of Her Journey
Born in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, Manika Vishwakarma grew up in an environment that valued education, discipline and creative expression. Her parents, teachers and community played a significant role in nurturing her confidence and curiosity. Their support enabled her to balance two demanding paths—academics and pageantry—without compromising on either.
After completing her schooling in Rajasthan, she moved to Delhi, where she began shaping her future with greater focus and vision. Her family’s encouragement allowed her to participate in competitions, develop leadership skills and sharpen her artistic interests. She has consistently said that whatever she achieved—national or international—was rooted in the emotional and moral support she received at home.
Academic Excellence: A Dual Foundation in Political Science and Economics
Manika studied at Nosegay Public School in Sri Ganganagar, where she built strong foundations in academics and extracurriculars. She later enrolled in Mata Sundri College for Women, Delhi University, where she is currently completing her final year with a dual focus on Political Science and Economics.
Her academic training strengthened her public speaking, critical thinking and understanding of societal issues—elements that enhanced her performances at Miss Universe India and Miss Universe 2025. Judges at the national competition appreciated her clarity, especially during the decisive Q&A rounds. Her academic grounding remains one of her strongest assets as a modern representative of India.
Career, Awards and Advocacy: A Purpose Stronger Than the Crown
Outside academics, Manika is the founder of Neuronova, an initiative that works toward reshaping conversations around neurodivergence. Her focus is especially on ADHD, which she reframes as a form of cognitive strength rather than a limitation. This advocacy aligned seamlessly with Miss Universe’s emphasis on transformational leadership and gave her journey a deeper purpose.
Manika is also a trained classical dancer and painter, recognised by the Lalit Kala Academy and JJ School of Arts. These artistic achievements reflect years of dedication to creative disciplines.
In addition, she represented India at BIMSTEC Sewocon under the Ministry of External Affairs and completed NCC training—highlighting her multifaceted personality and commitment to service.
Pageant Rise: From Miss Universe Rajasthan to Miss Universe India 2025
Manika’s pageant journey began with her winning Miss Universe Rajasthan 2024, which introduced her to national pageantry platforms. Her strong stage presence, articulate answers and composed personality helped her stand out during the Miss Universe India 2025 competition.
On August 18, 2025, she won the national title at a grand finale held in Jaipur, where outgoing queen Rhea Singha crowned her. Among 48 contestants, she impressed the jury with her nuanced answer when asked whether she would prioritise financial aid or women’s education. She chose education, explaining that it breaks generational poverty cycles and empowers communities.
Tanya Sharma from Uttar Pradesh and Mehak Dhingra from Haryana were declared the first and second runners-up.
Miss Universe 2025 Appearance: Defining Looks That Captured Attention
1. Golden Finale Gown
Designed by Vietnam-based label Nhà Mốt 9192, Manika’s finale gown featured sheer fabric, detailed gold and silver beadwork, a high neckline, long sleeves, and a daring thigh-high slit. The open back and handcrafted detailing gave the impression of flowing liquid gold.
2. “The Birth of Enlightenment” National Costume
Her national costume paid tribute to Buddha’s enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Crafted in saffron and gold, the ensemble included temple-inspired structures, Bodhi leaf motifs and a Dharma Chakra at the centre. As she posed in Anjali Mudra, many viewers described her look as majestic and deeply symbolic.
3. Blue Monokini Swimsuit Look
In the swimsuit round, Manika stunned in a royal blue one-piece featuring a deep V-neck, high-cut sides, halter straps and an open back. Fans praised her walk for its grace, subtle elegance and confidence.
4. Additional Outfits
She also appeared in:
- A deep-red embroidered preliminary gown
- A bottle-blue saree with diamond accessories for the interview round
- A black-silver zari lehenga with a blazer blouse
- A pastel mini dress showcasing her youthful charm
Miss Universe 2025 Performance: A Strong Journey Despite Missing Top 12
The 74th Miss Universe pageant, held in Bangkok/Nonthaburi, welcomed contestants from more than 130 countries. Although Manika did not reach the Top 12, her journey was widely appreciated for its authenticity, advocacy and presentation. Her preliminary answer to the iconic “essence of a woman” question was praised for being contemporary and impactful.
Her exit from the competition did not overshadow the admiration she earned from global pageant fans, Indian supporters and pageant analysts who viewed her as one of India’s strongest contestants in recent years.
India’s Miss Universe Winners: A Legacy Manika Carried Forward
India has produced three Miss Universe winners:
- Sushmita Sen (1994) – India’s first Miss Universe, a milestone that redefined Indian pageantry.
- Lara Dutta (2000) – Known for her historic 9.99/10 final answer score, one of the highest in Miss Universe history.
- Harnaaz Sandhu (2021) – Brought the crown back to India after 21 years, marking a celebrated cultural moment.
Manika walked the Miss Universe stage carrying this legacy forward with pride, dignity and purpose.
A Journey That Continues Beyond the Stage
Manika Vishwakarma’s Miss Universe 2025 journey reflects the evolving face of Indian pageantry—one that blends intellect, social impact, cultural pride and artistic depth. Even without a Top 12 placement, her influence extends far beyond rankings. Her national costume, strong advocacy, elegant performances and grounded personality make her one of India’s most inspiring representatives in recent years.
Her story stands as a reminder that impactful representation is not defined by the crown but by the message, grace and conviction with which one walks the global stage.
FAQs on Manika Vishwakarma’s Miss Universe 2025 Journey
1. Who is Manika Vishwakarma?
Manika Vishwakarma is Miss Universe India 2025, a Rajasthan-born student, artist and neurodiversity advocate who represented India at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand.
2. Why didn’t Manika Vishwakarma enter the Miss Universe 2025 Top 12?
Despite strong performances in gown, swimsuit and interview rounds, Manika did not score high enough to advance into the global Top 12 finalists.
3. What was special about Manika Vishwakarma’s national costume?
Her national costume, “The Birth of Enlightenment,” symbolised Buddha’s enlightenment with temple-inspired structure, Bodhi leaf motifs and a Dharma Chakra.
4. What is Manika Vishwakarma’s advocacy?
She founded Neuronova, a platform promoting awareness about neurodivergence, encouraging people to view ADHD as a cognitive strength.
5. What are Manika Vishwakarma’s major achievements?
She won Miss Universe India 2025, Miss Universe Rajasthan 2024, represented India at BIMSTEC Sewocon, and earned recognition from Lalit Kala Academy and JJ School of Arts
