Will this ‘tall, graceful and confident’ DU student become another Sushmita Sen from India?

Tall, poised, and luminous, Manika Vishwakarma walked into the spotlight.

“She wasn’t just beautiful, she was confident, graceful, magnetic,” remembered Sirtaj Kaur, a faculty member and her cultural advisor in college, who first saw her that evening.

“She commanded the room.”

That same presence carried Manika, now 22, far beyond the college auditorium.

Earlier this month, she was crowned Miss Universe India 2025 and will represent the country at the global competition in Thailand later this year.

Born in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, and raised in Delhi, Manika is in her final year — she’s pursuing a BA Programme in Political Science with Economics.

She trained in classical dance and painting. Her work was recognised by the Lalit Kala Akademi and the JJ School of Arts.

In 2024, she won the Miss Universe Rajasthan crown.

When asked during the pageant to choose between advocating for women’s education or providing economic aid to poor families, she chose education. “Educating women doesn’t just change one life,” she had said. “It transforms the future of families, communities, and nations.”

For her teachers, the moment she won was one of pride.

College principal Harpreet Kaur said, “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. We are overjoyed to see her reach such heights, and she will always remain an inspiration for our students.”

Her student advisor, Manjot Kaur, remembered her discipline and balance. “Manika balanced academics with extracurricular activities with great sincerity… her determination was evident in everything she did.”

Manika has been on leave since March, said her teachers. “She had a goal and she wanted to follow her heart… When she comes back, we will help her catch up with classes,” Kaur said.