From College Fresher to Miss Universe India 2025: The Inspiring Journey of Manika Vishwakarma

A few years ago, the auditorium of Delhi University’s Mata Sundari College for Women was buzzing with excitement during the annual Ms. Freshers event. Among the nervous first-year students preparing to introduce themselves on stage, one young woman caught everyone’s attention with her confidence and grace — Manika Vishwakarma.

Today, that same young woman has been crowned Miss Universe India 2025, and she will proudly represent India at the Miss Universe 2025 competition in Thailand later this year.

Early Life and Education

Born in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, and raised in Delhi, Manika Vishwakarma grew up with a passion for art, dance, and academics. She is currently pursuing a BA Programme in Political Science with Economics at Mata Sundari College under Delhi University.

Apart from academics, Manika is trained in classical dance and has excelled in painting. Her artworks have been recognized by prestigious institutions including the Lalit Kala Akademi and the JJ School of Arts, highlighting her versatility as an artist.

The College Stage That Started It All

Manika’s journey to stardom began in her first year of college when she participated in the Ms. Freshers contest. Faculty members vividly remember her stage presence.

“She wasn’t just beautiful, she was confident, graceful, magnetic,” recalled Sirtaj Kaur, a cultural advisor at Mata Sundari College.

That evening marked the beginning of Manika’s rise, from a promising college student to a national beauty queen.

Winning the Crown: Miss Universe India 2025

Manika’s first big breakthrough came in 2024 when she won the title of Miss Universe Rajasthan. This recognition set the stage for her national-level success.

In 2025, she entered the Miss Universe India pageant, where she impressed the jury with her elegance, eloquence, and social awareness.

During the final Q&A round, Manika was asked whether she would prefer to support women’s education or provide economic aid to poor families. Without hesitation, she chose education.

“Educating women doesn’t just change one life,” she said. “It transforms the future of families, communities, and nations.”

Her powerful answer, coupled with her confident presence, helped her secure the Miss Universe India 2025 crown.

Teachers Recall Her Discipline and Humility

The news of her win has brought immense pride to her teachers and peers at Delhi University.

Harpreet Kaur, the college principal, expressed her happiness:
“Manika was not only a brilliant student but also very sweet and humble. She actively participated in various events and activities in the college, always leaving a mark with her dedication and charm.”

Her student advisor, Manjot Kaur, echoed similar sentiments:
“Manika balanced academics with extracurricular activities with great sincerity… her determination was evident in everything she did.”

According to her faculty, Manika has been on leave since March 2025 to focus on her pageant journey. The college has assured her that she will receive full support in completing her academic requirements once she returns.

Advocacy: Championing Women’s Education

Apart from her beauty and talent, what sets Manika Vishwakarma apart is her vision. She is an outspoken advocate of women’s education, believing it to be the foundation of social progress.

Her advocacy reflects her personal journey — balancing academics, arts, and pageantry with determination and discipline. Teachers describe her as a role model who inspires students not just with her achievements but with her humility and sincerity.

Road to Miss Universe 2025

With the crown of Miss Universe India 2025, Manika is now preparing to represent the country on the global stage in Thailand. Competing against contestants from across the world, she carries the hopes of millions of Indians who dream of bringing the Miss Universe crown back to India.

Her journey from a Delhi University auditorium to the global stage highlights the incredible potential of Indian youth when given opportunities to showcase their talent and intellect.

A Role Model for Young India

Manika Vishwakarma’s success story is not just about winning a crown. It is about proving that discipline, education, and confidence can take a young woman from a college fresher contest to an international platform.

For Delhi University and Mata Sundari College, her journey is a matter of pride. For India, she represents a new generation of women who are ambitious, confident, and socially aware.