By CitiTimes Editorial Desk

A Closer Look at India’s Rising Contender

When Manika Vishwakarma steps onto the Miss Universe 2025 stage in Nonthaburi, Thailand, on November 21, she won’t just be representing India—she’ll be carrying the expectations of pageant fans, industry insiders, and a rapidly growing global audience. With her compelling personal story, advocacy-driven platform, and steadily building media buzz, Manika has emerged as one of the more intriguing contestants to watch this year. The big question on everyone’s mind: Does she have a real chance of placing in the Top 5—or even taking home the crown?

India’s New Face on the International Stage

Manika’s journey is already an inspiring one. Hailing from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, and currently pursuing a degree in Political Science and Economics in Delhi, she combines academic depth with artistic talent—she’s a trained classical dancer and an artist. This combination of intellect and creative expression makes her stand out in an increasingly competitive global field.

Her national win earlier this year placed her firmly in the spotlight, but what truly strengthens her Miss Universe resume is her advocacy. Through her initiative “Neuronova,” she has been raising awareness about neurodiversity—a critical, under-discussed topic in mainstream platforms. Today’s pageants increasingly reward authenticity and purpose, and Manika’s work gives her a meaningful narrative to carry into interviews and press interactions.

What Works in Her Favor

1. A Well-Rounded, Modern Miss Universe Profile

Judges today look for a titleholder who is eloquent, socially aware, and camera-ready. Manika checks these boxes: her public speaking demonstrates confidence, her dance and artistic training provide her with a refined stage presence, and her academic background enables her to speak fluently on global issues.

2. Strong Advocacy and Storytelling Potential

Her neurodiversity initiative serves as a compelling anchor for the “Transformational Leadership” criteria emphasized in the current Miss Universe scoring. If she articulates her mission clearly during the closed-door interview—a decisive round—she could earn valuable points.

3. Visual Presence and Pageant-Ready Polish

Pageant enthusiasts have already been thrilled by her official photoshoots, wardrobe teasers, and early on-ground glimpses from the competition. India has a strong history of producing polished contestants, and Manika appears technically prepared in walk, styling, and stage presence.

4. Rising International Buzz

In a competition where visibility and momentum matter, Manika’s social media growth and increasing international mentions are positive signs. Contestants who trend organically often find themselves on fan radar—and on judges’ minds.

Performance So Far

Manika’s preliminary rounds have already made headlines. When asked the iconic question once posed to Sushmita Sen—“What for you is the essence of being a woman?”—She delivered a response that blended timeless wisdom with modern empowerment. Judges and audiences alike praised her ability to connect tradition with contemporary values.

Her stage presence, articulate communication, and elegance have positioned her as one of the most promising contestants in this year’s competition.

Where the Competition Gets Tough

Miss Universe 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in recent memory. Delegates from Latin America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe are arriving with strong national training, slick advocacy campaigns, and high production value behind their wardrobes. In such a field, even exceptionally prepared contestants can miss the cut.

For Manika, the two biggest challenges will be:

1. The Closed-Door Interview

This round, invisible to audiences, is often the real decider of who makes it into the Top 10 or Top 5. Articulation, conviction, poise, and personality matter more here than in any public-facing round.

2. The Final Question / Answer

Even top contenders can falter under pressure. Miss Universe has seen many favorites lose momentum due to overly complicated or vague responses. A crisp, values-driven answer—rooted in her advocacy—could be Manika’s pathway into the final placements.

So, What Are Her Chances?

Realistically, Manika has a strong probability of advancing into the semifinals (Top 20 or Top 16). Her composite strengths—advocacy, stage presence, communication, and charisma—place her in the category of well-rounded, high-potential contestants.

From there, her chances rise significantly if she delivers:

A standout preliminary evening gown and swimsuit performance
A graceful, expressive national costume segment
A memorable closed-door interview
Strong on-ground media interactions during pageant week

If she aces these, a Top 10 or even Top 5 finish is entirely achievable. While predicting a win is always speculative—Miss Universe often hinges on seconds of live performance—Manika is undoubtedly not a dark horse. She is a credible competitor with the energy and preparedness to pull off an upset.

Manika is highly likely to secure a spot in the top five, with a real chance of clinching the crown if she shines in the final Q&A round.

Conclusion

“Manika brings a rare blend of intellect, artistry, and advocacy—if she nails the interview and preliminaries, she could easily rise as one of India’s strongest Miss Universe contenders in recent years.”