In a world where pageant crowns often lead to film sets and fashion runways, Kashish Methwani chose a remarkably different path, one that led her to the battlefield. The 2023 Miss International India title winner stunned the nation when she traded her sash for the Indian Army uniform. After 11 months of rigorous military training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, Methwani was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army’s Air Defence Regiment on September 6. Her journey embodies an extraordinary blend of brilliance, beauty, and bravery, proving that dreams don’t have to follow a single road.

The Making of a Legend 

Born on January 9, 2001, in Ulhasnagar near Mumbai, Lt. Methwani grew up in a Sindhi family that valued education and service. Her father, Dr. Gurmukh Das, served as a scientist and later held a senior position in the Directorate General of Quality Assurance, a department closely associated with the Indian Armed Forces. Her mother, a teacher at the Army Public School, Ghorpadi, played a vital role in shaping her discipline and empathy. Kashish’s childhood was filled with learning, creativity, and curiosity. Inspired by her elder sister, she explored several fields: Bharatanatyam, debates, academic excellence, and sports. Her achievements extended beyond academics, as she also represented her school in national-level pistol shooting and basketball competitions.

The Scholar Within

Before the glamour of pageants and the rigor of army training, Kashish was a research scholar. She completed her Master’s in Biotechnology from Savitribai Phule Pune University and later worked on a neuroscience thesis at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, one of India’s most prestigious research institutions. Her intellectual brilliance earned her a PhD offer from Harvard University, a dream opportunity that many aspire to. But Kashish’s calling was different. She chose to serve her nation instead of pursuing an academic career abroad, a decision that reflects her deep-rooted patriotism and inner conviction.

From Crown to Commission

In 2023, Kashish Methwani was crowned Miss International India, an achievement that placed her in the national spotlight. However, she always viewed pageantry as a stepping stone rather than a destination. Her real turning point came during her time in the National Cadet Corps (NCC). As a cadet, she excelled in leadership and discipline, eventually being selected to march in the Republic Day Parade, one of India’s most prestigious platforms for young cadets. That moment was transformative; from then on, her life’s path was clear.

Cracking the CDS and Earning the Stars

Methwani appeared for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination in 2024, one of India’s toughest competitive exams for entry into the armed forces. Her dedication and academic excellence paid off; she secured All India Rank 2, a rare feat for any aspirant. Following her selection, she joined the OTA Chennai for an intense 11-month training program. The training tested her endurance, discipline, and leadership to the core. On September 6, in a proud moment witnessed by her family and peers, she was officially commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Army Air Defence Regiment, a branch that plays a crucial role in safeguarding Indian skies from aerial threats.

A Regiment of Pride: The Army Air Defence

Lt. Methwani’s posting in the Army Air Defence Regiment carries immense significance. The regiment, known for its technological precision and operational importance, has played a crucial role in India’s Operation Sindoor, a mission that demonstrated India’s advanced defence capabilities and readiness. Being part of such a prestigious unit is not just a professional achievement; it’s proof of her technical intellect and leadership strength.

Service Beyond Duty: The NGO Founder

Even before donning the uniform, Kashish Methwani had been serving humanity in her own way. During the lockdown in 2020, she founded an NGO called Critical Cause to promote plasma, blood, and organ donation. The initiative helped connect donors with those in urgent need, saving countless lives at a time when India’s healthcare system was under tremendous pressure. Her compassion and leadership during that crisis highlighted her sense of responsibility toward society, a quality that defines her both as a soldier and as a citizen. 

Kashish Methwani represents the aspirations of a new generation of young Indians who refuse to be confined by traditional definitions of success. Her journey from IISc researcher to beauty queen to Army officer sends a powerful message: that purpose and passion can coexist.

Lt. Kashish Methwani stands as a symbol of modern Indian womanhood—educated, empowered, and fearless. Her transformation from Miss International India to Lieutenant in the Indian Army is more than a career shift; it’s an embodiment of service, determination, and patriotism. As she takes charge in the Air Defence Regiment, defending the nation’s skies, she continues to inspire millions, reminding us that the truest crown is not made of jewels but of courage and conviction.