Manika Vishwakarma: From Sri Ganganagar to the Global Stage
Born and raised in the border town of Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, Manika Vishwakarma has always carried an air of quiet ambition. Currently residing in Delhi, she is a final-year undergraduate student at University of Delhi (Mata Sundri College), pursuing a degree in Political Science and Economics.
In August 2025 she achieved a major milestone: she was crowned Miss Universe India 2025 at a grand finale held in Jaipur, succeeding the outgoing queen Rhea Singha.
With this title she now officially represents India at the upcoming Miss Universe 2025 pageant, scheduled to take place on November 21, 2025 in Thailand.
Academic & Artistic Roots
Balancing academic ambition with pageant poise, Manika stood out from the very beginning. Her hometown gave her strong academic grounding; after moving to Delhi, she juggled college, class, modelling and pageant preparation.
Beyond studies, she has a rich artistic profile: she is trained in classical dance, a painter whose work has been recognised by institutions like the Lalit Kala Akademi and the Sir J.J. School of Art.
These creative outlets complemented her pageant journey, giving her depth of expression, confidence on stage, and a unique narrative beyond the standard beauty-contest format.
Advocacy & Purpose – Neuronova
What sets Manika apart is her meaningful social purpose. She is the founder of Neuronova, an initiative focused on raising awareness about neurodivergence—especially conditions like ADHD—and reframing them as cognitive diversity rather than deficits.
At the national pageant finale, when asked whether she would choose to prioritise women’s education or provide financial aid to low-income families, she answered decisively: she would opt for women’s education, because she believes education is the transformative lever that breaks cycles of poverty and extends across generations.
Her platform shows that she is not just competing for a crown — she is articulating a mission, linking her pageantry with substance.
The Pageant Journey
Manika’s climb has been strategic and steady. In 2024, she won the title of Miss Universe Rajasthan, which positioned her for the national stage.
She was one among 48 contestants at the Miss Universe India 2025 national finale in Jaipur (Aug 18, 2025). The event featured finalists from across the country and was judged by a panel of industry stalwarts.
Her performance stood out, particularly due to her articulate answers, stage-presence, and the depth of her portfolio that blended academics, arts and advocacy. With her win, she shoulders the mantle of representing India on the global pageant stage.
What Lies Ahead: Miss Universe 2025
In November 2025, Manika will compete in Thailand at the 74th edition of the Miss Universe pageant. India’s track record in the big pageant has been significant: three former winners (Sushmita Sen – 1994; Lara Dutta – 2000; Harnaaz Sandhu – 2021) bear testament to the country’s pageantry calibre.
For Manika, the challenge will be to deliver not just on looks, but on substance — aligning with modern pageant expectations that emphasise advocacy, intellectual voice and authentic storytelling. Industry commentary suggests she is well-placed for this shift.
Why Her Story Resonates
- Small-town beginnings: Coming from Sri Ganganagar, Manika embodies ambition that transcends geography.
- Academic & creative balance: A student of Political Science & Economics, an artist and a classical dancer — she breaks the stereotype of beauty queens.
- Advocacy with impact: Founder of Neuronova, she brings a clear social cause to the fore.
- Ready for global stage: Her preparation, confidence and narrative align with what the modern global pageantry arena seeks.
Final Thoughts
As Manika Vishwakarma steps into the spotlight with the national crown firmly in hand, she carries more than just a sash — she carries a representation of a new kind of pageant winner from India: educated, multidimensional, purpose-driven. If she marries charisma with conviction on the Miss Universe stage, she may well follow in the footsteps of India’s iconic queens and chart her own legacy.
