Lieutenant Kashish Methwani: From Pageant Queen to Indian Army Officer
Lieutenant Kashish Methwani's journey from beauty pageants to the Indian Army highlights a unique blend of ambition, intellect, and dedication to national service. Born on January 9, 2001, in Ulhasnagar, Mumbai, she grew up in a Sindhi family that emphasized education and resilience, living in various cities including Shillong, Delhi, Pune, and Bangalore, which instilled in her a sense of discipline and adaptability.
Her father, Dr. Gurmukh Das, worked as a scientist and later held a senior position in the Directorate General of Quality Assurance, while her mother, Shobha, taught at the Army Public School, Ghorpadi. Encouraged by her elder sister Shagufta, an engineer, Kashish pursued a variety of interests from Bharatanatyam to tabla, debates, academics, and sports, achieving national-level status as a pistol shooter and basketball player. During the 2020 lockdown, she founded an NGO named Critical Cause to promote plasma, blood, and organ donation, demonstrating leadership and compassion at the young age of 19.
Kashish's involvement in pageantry began in her childhood and evolved into significant professional success. She was named Glamanand Supermodel India in 2022 and Miss International India in 2023, using her platform to promote women's empowerment and mental resilience. Despite facing challenges like licensing issues that limited her international pageant participation, she turned these obstacles into opportunities. In 2023, she delivered a TEDxXIE talk titled “A Change in the Mindset is All You Need,” discussing self-belief and overcoming imposter syndrome, with her family supporting her journey into pageantry.
Academically talented, Kashish completed her MSc in Biotechnology at Savitribai Phule Pune University and conducted a Neuroscience thesis at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, focusing on gamma brain waves. Although she received a PhD offer from abroad, she chose to join the Armed Forces. Her decision was influenced by her time in the NCC Air Wing, where she marched in the 2021 Republic Day Parade and received the All India Best Cadet Trophy from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This experience motivated her to prepare for the Combined Defence Services Examination, where she achieved an All India Rank 2 in 2024 and selected the Army Air Defence regiment, showcasing her technical skills and determination.
While at the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, she excelled in academics, leadership, and endurance, earning medals in shooting and physical activities while handling important roles. Her efforts culminated on September 6, 2025, when she was commissioned as Lieutenant Kashish Methwani, making her one of the few Miss India titleholders to join the Indian Army, a moment of pride and emotion for her family.
Her life exemplifies the balance of beauty, intellect, and bravery. From founding an NGO during the pandemic to excelling academically, declining international opportunities, and joining the military, she has consistently prioritized purpose over convention.
Her story inspires young people, especially women, to embrace versatility without fearing labels. As she begins her service in the Army Air Defence, Lieutenant Kashish Methwani embodies resilience, ambition, and pride, leaving a legacy that encourages others to pursue their dreams with courage and dedication.
