One life, many Dreams: Lieutenant Kashish Methwani

From Miss International India to Army lieutenant the journey of a 25 years old girl. Born on January 1 ,2009, in Ulhasnagar, near Mumbai, into a sindhi family, and raised in Pune.

 In TEDx talk she said: I wanted to be a Miss India and a scientist, an officer. She reflects focus, clarity, and the courage to follow the dreams without dropping any.

JOURNEY towards a role Model

 Completing her MSc in Biotechnology at Savitribai Phule Pune University, she pursued a Neuroscience thesis at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. Her academic performance earned her a PhD offer from Harvard University, which she turned down to serve the nation.

In 2023, she won the Miss International India Crown. Setting aside the modelling, she decided to join Indian Army, saying that “Pageantry was a passion but not a long-term career choice.”

She was a part of National Cadet Crops NCC and got selected in Republic Day parade, awarded as the best Cadet Trophy from Prime Minister Narender Modi and it gave her a sense of purpose.

In 2024, she cleared CDS exam and secured All India Rank 2nd. After the rigorous 11-months of training, on6 September 2025, during the Passing Out Parade at OTA Chennai, she was commissioned as Lieutenant Kashish Methwani and assigned to the Army Air Defence Regiment.

She didn’t choose one identity for herself. She explored, achieved and aligned with what mattered most to her.

Lt. Kashish Methwani is widely regarded as an exemplar for young Indians, especially women, showing that ambition, intellect, and service to the nation can all go hand in hand. She inspires those women who stopped in the middle of the journey by uncertainties and compromise to their dreams.