Manipur’s Nirupama shines at Miss Universe India, secures 4th runner-up title

The Miss Universe India 2025 finale, held on August 18 in Jaipur, turned into a grand celebration of beauty, talent, and regional pride. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of talent from India’s Northeast, with Sarangthem Nirupama from Kakching Khunou Lamhaba Leikai, Manipur, making a significant mark. Nirupama, a psychology student at CT University, Punjab, secured the fourth runner-up title and also bagged the prestigious Miss Popular award, voted by the public. Her double achievement not only placed her among the top five finalists but also underscored the rising influence of the Northeast in India’s national beauty pageants. Her victory reflected both her strong stage presence and the immense fan support she enjoyed throughout the competition.

The grand crown of Miss Universe India 2025 was won by Manika Vishwakarma from Rajasthan, who received the honor from outgoing titleholder Rhea Singha in a dazzling ceremony hosted in Rajasthan’s “Pink City.” With the crown now hers, Manika will move on to represent India at the 74th Miss Universe pageant, scheduled for November in Thailand, where she will compete on a global stage against delegates from across the world.

The national-level competition witnessed tough competition among participants from different states, each vying for the top spot. From Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Sharma emerged as the first runner-up, while Mehak Dhingra secured the second runner-up title. Representing Haryana, Amishi Kaushik finished as the third runner-up, rounding out the top five finalists alongside Manipur’s Nirupama. The fierce contest highlighted the diversity and talent spread across India, showing how regional representation continues to enrich the pageant culture of the country.

The Northeast had more than one reason to celebrate, as Mizoram’s Evelyn Zachhingpuii also advanced to the top 20 finalists. Her performance further cemented the region’s growing prominence in national beauty platforms. With both Manipur and Mizoram making an impact, the Northeast emerged as a strong force, demonstrating that it is no longer underrepresented in mainstream competitions but instead is gaining recognition for its vibrant and talented youth.

The pageant itself was jointly organized by Glamanand Group and K Sera Sera Box Office. This was the second edition of Miss Universe India under their collaboration, and it successfully brought together elements of beauty, intellect, and performance on a single stage. By hosting the finale in Jaipur for the second consecutive year, the organizers reaffirmed the city’s rising status as a hub for glamorous cultural events. The spectacular show was marked by glitter, fierce rivalry, and moments of triumph that captured national attention.

Overall, the Miss Universe India 2025 finale was more than just a beauty contest—it became a platform where regional pride met national recognition. While Rajasthan celebrated its winner in Manika Vishwakarma, the Northeast too had its shining moment with Nirupama’s dual victory and Evelyn’s top 20 placement. Together, these achievements symbolized India’s diversity and the importance of giving equal opportunities to talent from all corners of the nation.