Here’s a question that once made history—and now, it’s back to challenge a new generation. What is the essence of being a woman? This was the very question posed to Sushmita Sen at the 1994 Miss Universe pageant, and it’s the same question that Manika Vishwakarma, India’s current representative at Miss Universe 2025, faced during the competition in Thailand. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Manika’s response not only honored Sushmita’s iconic answer but also added a modern, thought-provoking twist that’s sparking conversations worldwide.
Manika Vishwakarma, a 22-year-old Delhi resident and final-year student of Political Science and Economics, has been turning heads at the pageant. It’s not just her style that’s making waves—it’s her intellect and poise. During the chain reaction question session on November 16, she was asked to reflect on Sushmita Sen’s 1994 answer to the question, ‘What for you is the essence of being a woman?’ Sushmita’s response, delivered at just 18 years old, was simple yet profound: ‘Being a woman is about the ability to nurture a life, to nurture every single thing around you.’
Manika could have stopped there, but she didn’t. And this is the part most people miss: She took the opportunity to expand on this idea, weaving in her own perspective on womanhood in the 21st century. ‘I would just elaborate on it,’ she began, acknowledging the timeless truth in Sushmita’s words. But then she went further, challenging societal norms. ‘As women, we’re often seen by society in certain roles. However, I want women to see themselves as a person, as a human. Yes, we have the ability to nurture. Yes, we have the ability to create life, and not just create life, but actually beautify every single thing around us.’
Her answer didn’t just stop at nurturing—it elevated the concept. ‘That’s the essence of being a woman: the ability to not just beautify but embrace and amplify the beauty of every single thing around us. Being a woman is being infinite, and that’s the essence of being a woman,’ she concluded. It’s a response that feels both timeless and revolutionary, blending tradition with a bold call for women to embrace their limitless potential.
But here’s the controversial part: While Sushmita’s answer focused on nurturing as a core aspect of womanhood, Manika’s interpretation shifts the focus to individuality and infinite possibility. Is this a necessary evolution of the concept, or does it risk diluting the original message? And does emphasizing ‘infinite’ potential place an unrealistic burden on women? These are the questions Manika’s answer invites us to ponder.
As the 74th Miss Universe pageant approaches on November 21 in Thailand, Manika Vishwakarma is proving to be more than just a beauty queen—she’s a voice for a new generation of women. Whether you agree with her take or not, one thing is clear: her words are sparking a conversation that’s long overdue. What do you think the essence of being a woman is? Let’s keep the dialogue going in the comments below.
