Meet Manika Vishwakarma: Former NCC Cadet and Miss Universe India 2025 Inspires Cadets at the NCC Republic Day Camp

In the heart of Delhi's winter chill, amid the disciplined rhythm of marching boots and echoing commands at the NCC Republic Day Camp 2026, a beacon of inspiration emerged on January 17. Manika Vishwakarma, the 22-year-old Miss Universe India 2025 and a proud former NCC cadet, stepped into the camp not as a distant celebrity but as a relatable alumna, sharing her remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Rajasthan to the glittering stages of international pageantry. Her visit, captured in vivid interactions and heartfelt speeches, served as a powerful reminder of how foundational experiences like NCC training can propel individuals toward extraordinary achievements, instilling values that endure far beyond the parade ground.

Manika's story begins in Sri Ganganagar, a quiet town in Rajasthan, where she was born in 2003. Growing up in a region known for its agricultural roots and cultural heritage, she developed an early passion for the arts and community service. As a trained classical dancer and visual artist, her talents were recognized by prestigious institutions such as the Lalit Kala Akademi and the Sir J.J. School of Art, where she received accolades for her paintings. These creative pursuits, combined with her academic diligence, led her to Delhi, where she enrolled at Mata Sundri College for Women, University of Delhi, to pursue a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Economics. Now in her final year, Manika balances her studies with advocacy work, notably as the founder of Neuronova—a innovative platform dedicated to reframing neurodivergence. Through Neuronova, she promotes the idea that conditions like ADHD are not deficits but unique cognitive strengths, drawing from her own insights to empower others.

Central to Manika's narrative is her time with the National Cadet Corps (NCC), India's premier youth organization that molds young minds through military-inspired training. As a cadet in the LFC, 2DGA Squadron, she underwent rigorous drills, leadership exercises, and team-building activities that honed her resilience, teamwork, and sense of discipline. Manika often credits this phase as transformative, stating that the NCC instilled in her the confidence to navigate challenges and the leadership to inspire others. "The values we imbibe through NCC are clearly visible in action," she remarked during her camp visit, reflecting on how these qualities propelled her forward. Her NCC background also opened doors to unique opportunities, such as representing India at the BIMSTEC Sewocon, an initiative under the Ministry of External Affairs, where she showcased her state's cultural essence on a diplomatic stage.

Transitioning from cadet life to the world of beauty pageants, Manika's ascent was marked by determination and poise. She first gained prominence as Miss Universe Rajasthan 2024, placing in the Top 20 at Miss Universe India 2024 and earning recognition in categories like "Best in Speech." Undeterred, she returned stronger in 2025, entering as a wildcard finalist and clinching the Miss Universe India crown on August 18 in Jaipur. Crowned by her predecessor Rhea Singha, Manika shone in subtitles for Best in Personal Interview and Miss Beautiful Smile.

This victory paved the way for her to represent India at the 74th Miss Universe pageant on November 21, 2025, in Thailand's Impact Challenger Hall. Donning a national costume inspired by Buddhism in golden-saffron hues, she advanced to the Top 30, extending India's impressive placement streak since 2019. Analysts and fans alike praised her for embodying grace under pressure, a trait she attributes to her NCC roots.

The pinnacle of her motivational outreach came during her visit to the NCC Republic Day Camp 2026, a prestigious annual event that brings together over 2,300 cadets from across India, including a significant number of girls, to prepare for the Republic Day Parade on January 26. Held at Delhi Cantonment, the camp is a hub of national pride, featuring cultural programs, adventure activities, and interactions with dignitaries. Manika's appearance was particularly poignant, as she recognized familiar faces—some her batchmates—and revisited a place she had attended before. Dressed elegantly, she addressed a rapt audience, recounting her path from NCC drills to the Miss Universe stage. "I see strong and capable citizens of India in action—disciplined, confident individuals," she said, emphasizing how NCC's emphasis on grit, leadership, and resilience had been instrumental in her triumphs.

In her interactions, Manika fielded questions from cadets, offering practical advice on overcoming self-doubt and pursuing diverse ambitions. She highlighted that NCC training goes beyond military preparation, equipping youth for fields like arts, advocacy, and even pageantry. "Stay focused on your goals and make the most of NCC opportunities," she urged, noting that the program's values shape responsible leaders who contribute to nation-building. Visuals from the event show her engaging with groups of cadets, posing for photos, and even participating in light discussions amid the camp's vibrant atmosphere of flags and uniforms. Her presence aligned with the camp's theme of unity and discipline, as echoed by recent visits from high-profile figures like the Vice-President and Defence Secretary, who praised NCC's role in fostering Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

Manika's journey exemplifies the NCC's broader impact, an organization that has trained millions since 1948, promoting patriotism, social harmony, and self-reliance. Similar stories abound, from NCC alumni scaling Mount Everest to excelling in sports and civil services, underscoring its versatility. For girl cadets, her example is especially empowering, aligning with initiatives like Nari Shakti (women's empowerment) that encourage female participation in traditionally male-dominated arenas. As one cadet might reflect, seeing a former peer achieve global recognition reinforces that with perseverance, any dream is attainable.

To encapsulate her milestones, here's a timeline of key achievements:

In a world where youth often grapple with uncertainty, Manika Vishwakarma's tale offers a blueprint for success: blend passion with discipline, embrace diverse experiences, and give back to the community that shaped you. Her visit to the NCC camp not only motivated the cadets but also reinforced the organization's enduring legacy in crafting India's future leaders. As she continues her advocacy and public engagements, Manika remains a symbol of what determination, rooted in strong values, can achieve—proving that from the drill fields of NCC to the runways of the world, the path to inspiration is paved with resilience and heart.