From Beauty Queen to Army Officer: Pune’s Lieutenant Kashish Methwani Inspires a Generation
Pune, 11th September 2025: From crowns to courage, from the glamour of the stage to the grit of the parade ground – Pune’s own Kashish Methwani has charted an extraordinary journey. Once crowned Miss International India, she now stands tall in olive green as Lieutenant Kashish Methwani, freshly commissioned from the prestigious Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai.
Early Dreams of Service
Born and raised in Pune in a family rooted in discipline and service, Kashish’s childhood was unlike most. While many children dreamed of castles and film screens, she grew up imagining herself in uniform, inspired by Republic Day parades she watched with awe. She completed her school education from Army Public School (APS), Pune. Her conviction grew stronger when she joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC), where she excelled as a leader and cadet. In 2019, she became the Best Cadet of India at the Republic Day Camp in New Delhi – a distinction personally recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Glamour, Academics, and Turning Point
Parallel to her NCC achievements, Kashish carved out a niche in the world of pageantry and public speaking. She was crowned Miss International India 2022 at Glamanand Supermodel India and even delivered a TEDx talk on resilience and purpose. At the same time, she pursued academic excellence, completing her thesis at the Indian Institute of Science and receiving an offer for a PhD at Harvard University.
Yet, despite the applause and accolades, her heart remained set on service. She turned down Harvard, secured All India Rank 2 in the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination, and joined OTA Chennai in 2024 – choosing duty over convention.
Stellar Record at OTA
During her training at OTA, Kashish’s performance was nothing short of exemplary. She emerged as one of the academy’s most accomplished cadets, earning recognition across academics, sports, and leadership:
AAD Medal – the highest order of merit for commissioning into the Army Air Defence
Gold Medal in March & Shoot Competition, Sikh Li Regiment Medal, and top shooting score at the academy
Drill and Discipline Badge for excellence in drill and a spotless record with zero punishments
Commandant’s Pen for Camp Shatrujit
Chosen for the Rashtriya Dhwaj Toli in the Pipping Ceremony
Commentary voice for the Passing Out Parade (SSC 119)
Emcee for academy events
Best Player in Inter-Company Basketball; represented academy in volleyball and handball
Cleared Higher Physical Training (PT)
Her leadership qualities were further recognized when she was entrusted with the top responsibilities of Battalion Under Officer (BUO) and later Academy Under Officer (AUO) – the highest cadet ranks in OTA.
Choosing the Army Air Defence
In a move that underlined her courage, Kashish opted for the Army Air Defence (AAD) – a combat arm requiring technical precision and nerves of steel. Her choice reflects not just personal ambition but also a deep sense of responsibility. The AAD has played a decisive role in modern warfare, including Operation Sindoor, where air defence systems protected Indian forces from aerial threats.
By choosing AAD, Kashish aligned herself with a legacy of vigilance and protection, symbolizing both foresight and bravery.
From Crowns to Stars
Today, as Lieutenant Kashish Methwani, she carries stars on her shoulders – symbols of leadership, responsibility, and honour. Her journey from beauty queen to Army officer is not about abandoning glamour for grit but about showing that real beauty lies in courage, and true inspiration comes from action.
Once, she stood on stages inspiring others with her words. Now, she inspires with every salute, every march, and every command. For Pune and for India, her story is more than a personal triumph – it is a testament to resilience, determination, and the spirit of service.
Lieutenant Kashish Methwani is no longer the young girl watching the Republic Day parade in awe. Today, she is the parade.
