Miss Universe 2025: It’s one of the biggest nights in the pageant industry, and contestants from across the world have gathered for the 74th Miss Universe in Thailand this year. Recently, the pageant was in the news for the landmark walkout by Mexican delegate Fatima Bosch. Still in her gown and heels, she was publicly reprimanded by Miss Universe host Nawat Itsaragrisil during a meeting, which followed her exit.
The 21-year-old Manika Vishwakarma represented India at the pageant, but failed to make it to the top 12 contestants. After her swimsuit round as a part of the top 30, she made her way to the top 15. Sporting a white monokini, she was among the beauty queens from China, Thailand, Brazil, Rwanda, Colombia, Bangladesh, and others. India last won the Miss Universe crown in 2021, by Harnaaz Sandhu. It was first won by Sushmita Sen in 1994, followed by Lara Dutta in 2000.
Who is Manika Vishwakarma?
Manika Vishwakarma represented India at the Miss Universe 2025 beauty pageant. She was crowned Miss Universe India in August in Jaipur. The 21-year-old, originally from Jaipur, is a political science student in Delhi. Known for her poise and grace, she won titles like Best in Personal Interview and Miss Beautiful Smile at the Jaipur pageant in August. In 2024, she was crowned Miss Universe Rajasthan.
A trained classical dancer, she is skilled in painting and has represented India at the BIMSTEC Sewocon, an initiative under the Ministry of External Affairs. Manika is in the final year of her degree in Political Science and Economics at Mata Sundri College for Women, University of Delhi. She is also a graduate of the National Cadet Corps (NCC). Beyond the stage, she is the founder of Neuronova, an initiative aimed at challenging societal perceptions around neurodivergence and promoting conditions like ADHD as potential strengths. She has also been recognised by the Lalit Kala Academy and the JJ School of Arts.
Vishwakarma’s national costume was a gold sculptural gown in dramatic headgear, inspired by the ‘sacred origins of Buddhism in India.’ It paid homage to the moment Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya.
Miss Universe 2025: Top 12
Chile – Inna Moll
Colombia – Vanessa Pulgarin
Cuba – Lina Luaces
Guadeloupe – Ophely Mezino
Mexico – Fatima Bosch
Puerto Rico – Zashely Alicea
Venezuela – Stephany Abasali
China – Zhao Na
Philippines – Ma Ahtisa Manalo
Thailand – Praveenar Singh
Malta – Julia Ann Cluette
Côte d’Ivoire – Olivia Yace
Miss Universe 2025: How is the winner chosen?
29 beauty queens from 120 contestants from around the world are chosen for the swimsuit round. With the final round hosted today in Thailand, the 30th contestant is chosen by fans and general public. Now, the top 30 face elimination before moving to the top 12 round. Participating in the evening gown round, the only the top 5 will advance to the QnA round, which will result in the selection of Miss Universe 2025, first and second runner-up.
