India’s Manika Vishwakarma answers the same question Sushmita Sen was asked on Miss Universe 1994 finale stage, wins hearts

She continued, “But if I have to answer the question, I could not take the truth out of it. I would just elaborate on it…Being a woman, we are often seen by society as somebody in certain roles. But as a woman, I want women to see themselves as a person, as a human. Yes, we have the ability to nurture. Yes, we have the ability to create life. Not just create life but actually beautify every single thing around us…and that is the essence of being a woman. The ability to not just beautify but embrace and amplify the beauty of every single thing around us…being a woman is being infinite…and that is the essence of being a woman…”

Recall that to the question, ‘What in your opinion is the essence of a woman?’, Sen responded on the global stage, “To be born a woman is by itself a great gift of god, and we must all appreciate it, The origin of a child is a mother and it is the woman that teaches a man how to love care and share, that is the essence of a woman.”

Manika, who hails from Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar, is an economics student. She is also a trained classical dancer and artist, and a graduate of the National Cadet Corps (India). As a social advocate, she is the founder of Neuronova, an initiative focused on raising awareness for neurodivergence.

Notably, crowned Miss Universe India 2025 in Jaipur on August 18, 2025, Manika, is also the winner of the Miss Universe Rajasthan title.

She is also a skilled painter, having achieved accolades from institutions such as the Lalit Kala Academy and JJ School of Art.

 

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India has a glorious history on the international stage of Miss Universe, producing several winners who have gone on to become global icons. In fact, India has three title winners and ranks among the Top 10 Miss Universe winners.

Sushmita Sen (1994) – the first Indian to win Miss Universe.
Lara Dutta (2000) – the second Indian Miss Universe.
Harnaaz Sandhu (2021) – third crown for India after two decades.