From Miss International India to Commissioned Army Officer: Pune’s Kashish Methwani’s Remarkable Journey
Kashish Methwani, a proud Pune native, has carved a unique and historic path from the glamorous world of pageantry to the disciplined ranks of the Indian Army. In 2023, she won the prestigious Miss International India title, dazzling the nation with her grace, intelligence, and talent. But her ambitions extended far beyond beauty and glamour—Kashish dared to pursue her passion for science, excellence, and service to the country.
Born and raised in Pune, Kashish grew up in a family that valued education and discipline. Her father, Dr. Gurmukh Das, a former Director at the Ministry of Defence, and her mother, a dedicated teacher, nurtured her multifaceted talents. From an early age, Kashish was a star student and athlete—a national-level pistol shooter, basketball player, and accomplished Bharatnatyam dancer and tabla player.
Her involvement with the National Cadet Corps (NCC) marked a turning point. At the Republic Day Camp in New Delhi, she was honored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the All India Best Cadet Trophy—an accolade reflecting her leadership, discipline, and courage. This experience sowed the seeds of her desire to serve in the armed forces.
Parallel to her pageant success, Kashish pursued academic excellence. She completed her MSc at Savitribai Phule Pune University and later crafted her thesis in neuroscience at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, focusing on brain gamma waves. Even with an offer to pursue a PhD at Harvard University, Kashish prioritized her calling to serve the nation. In 2024, she cleared the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam with an impressive All India Rank 2 and joined the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai.
Choosing the challenging Army Air Defence (AAD) wing, Kashish has proven her mettle time and again—winning medals for shooting, drills, and leadership. She held top ranks at OTA, including Battalion Under Officer and Academy Under Officer roles, demonstrating not just competence but inspiring leadership.
Reflecting on her journey, Kashish emphasizes the power of embracing “ands” rather than “either/or” in life – being Miss India and a scientist and an Army officer. Her story shatters stereotypes about career paths and women’s roles, proving you can be both glamorous and gritty, intellectual and fearless.
Commissioned on September 6, 2025, as Lieutenant Kashish Methwani, she stands as a beacon of inspiration for young Indians dreaming big and defying limits. From the pageant stage’s spotlight to the demanding rigor of the military, Kashish embodies courage, dedication, and patriotism.
Her journey urges everyone to pursue their diverse passions with equal zeal and to never settle for less than their dreams. Kashish Methwani’s life story is a testament to resilience, versatility, and the spirit of service—a true Indian warrior in the making.
