Lieutenant Kashish Methwani’s journey from beauty pageants to the Indian Army embodies a compelling narrative of ambition, intellect, and dedication to her country. Born on January 9, 2001, in Ulhasnagar, Mumbai, Kashish grew up in a Sindhi family where education and resilience were prioritized. The family’s frequent relocations across cities such as Shillong, Delhi, Pune, and Bangalore imparted valuable lessons in discipline and adaptability.
Her father, Dr. Gurmukh Das, contributed to the scientific community as a senior official in the Directorate General of Quality Assurance, while her mother, Shobha, played a pivotal role as a teacher at Army Public School in Ghorpadi. Kashish’s elder sister, Shagufta, an accomplished engineer, further inspired her to explore a range of interests. Early in her life, she engaged in Bharatanatyam, tabla performance, debates, and various sports, emerging as a national-level pistol shooter and basketball player. Notably, during the 2020 pandemic lockdown, she initiated an NGO called Critical Cause to advocate for plasma, blood, and organ donation—showcasing her compassion and leadership at just 19 years old.
Kashish’s path in pageantry began in her childhood and blossomed into significant achievements as she matured. She earned the titles of Glamanand Supermodel India in 2022 and Miss International India in 2023, utilizing her visibility to champion women’s empowerment and mental resilience. Despite facing obstacles such as licensing issues that curtailed her international participation, she consistently transformed setbacks into opportunities. In her 2023 TEDxXIE talk titled “A Change in the Mindset is All You Need,” she addressed themes of self-belief, tackling imposter syndrome, and the importance of embracing diverse passions, all while receiving steadfast support from her family, who were initially unfamiliar with the pageantry world.
Academically gifted, Kashish pursued a Master’s in Biotechnology at Savitribai Phule Pune University, working on a Neuroscience thesis focused on gamma brain waves at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore. Although she received offers for PhD programs abroad, her desire to serve her country drew her to the Armed Forces. Her commitment was solidified during her time with the NCC Air Wing, where she participated in the 2021 Republic Day Parade and was awarded the prestigious All India Best Cadet Trophy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Inspired by this experience, she prepared for the Combined Defence Services Examination, achieving All India Rank 2 in 2024 and selecting the Army Air Defence regiment, showcasing her technical skill and determination.
At the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, Kashish distinguished herself in academics, leadership, and physical endurance, winning medals in shooting and excelling in various physical activities while holding key leadership roles. Her relentless perseverance culminated on September 6, 2025, when she was commissioned as Lieutenant Kashish Methwani, marking her as one of the rare Miss India titleholders to join the Indian Army. This moment was not only a professional achievement but also an emotional milestone for her family.
Kashish’s life serves as a testament to the harmonious blend of beauty, intellect, and bravery. From launching an NGO during the pandemic and excelling in her academic pursuits to forgoing international opportunities in favor of military service, she has consistently prioritized purpose over convention. Her inspiring story encourages the youth, particularly young women, to embrace versatility and break free from societal labels. As she embarks on her service in the Army Air Defence, Lieutenant Kashish Methwani symbolizes resilience, ambition, and pride, leaving an indelible legacy that inspires others to dream boldly and serve with honor.
