Meet Lieutenant Kashish Methwani: From Miss International India to an Indian Army Officer

Lieutenant Kashish Methwani’s extraordinary odyssey from the spotlight of beauty pageants to the disciplined ranks of the Indian Army encapsulates a narrative of unyielding ambition, intellectual depth, and patriotic fervor. Born into a family that valued education and perseverance over glamour, her life defies conventional paths, weaving together threads of cultural artistry, scientific inquiry, athletic prowess, and selfless service.

This exploration highlights the many facets of her journey, drawing from her personal reflections, family insights, and public achievements to show how one individual can redefine success across diverse arenas.

Roots of Resilience: A Childhood of Discipline and Diversity

Kashish Methwani was born on January 9, 2001, in Ulhasnagar, Mumbai, into a Sindhi family with a strong emphasis on education and service. Her father, Dr. Gurmukh Das, pursued a distinguished career in science and later served as a senior official in the Directorate General of Quality Assurance under the Ministry of Defence. Her mother, Shobha, taught at Army Public School, Ghorpadi, instilling a culture of learning at home.

Her elder sister, Shagufta, an engineer, provided steady encouragement. Growing up in cities like Shillong, Delhi, Pune, and Bangalore, Kashish developed adaptability and resilience. At Army Public School, she immersed herself in Bharatanatyam, tabla, debates, and academics. She also shone as a national-level pistol shooter and basketball player, nurturing the discipline and focus that would later serve her in uniform.

During the 2020 lockdown, she launched Critical Cause, an NGO that supported plasma and blood donation as well as organ donation awareness—an initiative that showcased her leadership and compassion at just 19.

The Crown and the Spotlight

Pageants entered her life early, with a childhood contest sparking an interest that matured into professional achievement. In 2022, she won Glamanand Supermodel India, and in 2023, she was crowned Miss International India. These victories gave her a platform to advocate for women’s empowerment and mental resilience.

Though challenges such as licensing hurdles limited her international appearances, Kashish transformed setbacks into opportunities for growth. In her 2023 TEDxXIE talk, “A Change in the Mindset is All You Need,” she shared insights on self-belief, overcoming imposter syndrome, and pursuing diverse passions—from pageantry to science to social work. Her family, initially unfamiliar with pageantry, supported her choices wholeheartedly, allowing her to merge elegance with purpose.

Intellectual Depths: From Neuroscience to National Service

Alongside her pageant achievements, Kashish excelled academically. After completing her MSc in Biotechnology at Savitribai Phule Pune University, she pursued a Neuroscience thesis at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, focusing on gamma brain waves. Her academic work earned her recognition and even a PhD opportunity abroad, which she declined in favor of serving her country.

Her journey in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Air Wing proved pivotal. In 2021, she marched in the Republic Day Parade and received the All India Best Cadet Trophy from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This experience deepened her sense of discipline and inspired her to aim for the Armed Forces.

Forging a Uniformed Future: The CDS Triumph and OTA Excellence

Determined to serve, Kashish prepared rigorously for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination, where she secured All India Rank 2 in 2024. She opted for the Army Air Defence regiment, reflecting her technical acumen and interest in high-stakes roles.

At the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, she excelled in academics, leadership, and field activities. She earned medals for shooting and endurance events, served in key leadership roles, and emerged as a standout cadet.

On September 6, 2025, she was commissioned as Lieutenant Kashish Methwani, becoming one of the few Miss India titleholders to join the Indian Army. Her commissioning was an emotional moment for her family, marking a new chapter of dedication and service.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Lieutenant Methwani’s journey shows that beauty, intellect, and bravery can coexist in one extraordinary individual. From launching an NGO during the pandemic, to turning down academic opportunities abroad, to wearing the olive green, she has demonstrated that true success lies in versatility and purpose.

Her story encourages young people, especially women, to embrace their multiple passions without fear of labels. As she continues her service in the Army Air Defence, her legacy stands as a beacon of resilience, ambition, and national pride.

Milestones