Manika Vishwakarma Channels Sushmita Sen's Essence of Womanhood at Miss Universe 2025

As the Miss Universe 2025 pageant continues in Thailand, Indian contestant Manika Vishwakarma has been making waves with her poise and intellect. On November 16th, Vishwakarma participated in a question-and-answer session, where she was asked a question that former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen had answered back in 1994.

The question was: "In the 1994 Miss Universe finale, Miss Sushmita Sen from India was asked, 'What for you is the essence of being a woman?' That's my question for you." Before sharing her own perspective, Vishwakarma reflected on Sen's original response, recalling how the 18-year-old had simply stated that the essence of womanhood lies in the ability to nurture life and everything around you.

Vishwakarma then elaborated on this core truth, explaining that as women, we are often pigeonholed into certain societal roles. However, she believes women should see themselves as complete human beings, with the unique capacity to not just nurture, but to "beautify and amplify the beauty of every single thing around us." In her view, the essence of womanhood is the infinite, boundless nature of a woman's ability to embrace and enhance the world.

The 22-year-old Delhi resident, who is pursuing her final year in Political Science and Economics, was crowned Miss Universe India 2025 this past August. Her thoughtful, empowering response to the legacy question has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on viewers of the ongoing Miss Universe 2025 pageant.