A Beauty Pageant Unlike Any Other: My Miss World Experience

I initially perceived Miss World as a typical beauty pageant—a spectacle of glamorous attire, crowns, and flashing cameras. However, this viewpoint quickly changed.

In early May 2025, after completing final exams, I was still grappling with unfinished projects. Returning home seemed a distant prospect, and my room was in disarray.

That evening, my senior, Shreyas, invited me to play badminton. Eager to escape my cluttered room, I readily agreed. We played from 7 to 9 PM at Sai Gopichand Academy and then enjoyed dinner at our favorite dosa restaurant.

While waiting outside the restaurant, I noticed an unusual disruption to the typical highway traffic. Police officers directed traffic to a halt, and a motorcade of vehicles and buses, carrying foreign visitors, passed by. While unusual, it wasn’t entirely surprising for Hyderabad.

The following day, I observed heightened activity near Gachibowli Stadium, adjacent to our college. The activity surpassed even that of national-level sporting events. A friend casually informed me that the Miss World 2025 competition was underway.

My prior awareness of Miss World was limited to notable winners like Aishwarya Rai and Manushi Chhillar—information gleaned from general knowledge sources. Even the previous year’s event in Mumbai hadn’t captured my attention.

This year was different; the competition was in Hyderabad, a city holding significant meaning for me. I was unexpectedly close to the event. Initially, I held the same opinion as most—that Miss World was a global beauty contest.

However, I was mistaken, and I am pleased to have been. Miss World proved to be far more than a mere competition.

Each contestant presented not just a pleasant appearance but also compelling narratives, impactful initiatives, and ambitious aspirations. Each participant possessed a strong cause, a mission, or a compelling story.

My curiosity led me to investigate further. I sought an opportunity to witness the event firsthand. I checked the official Miss World website, hoping to find tickets or passes. However, my efforts were unsuccessful.

I was forced to watch the live stream on YouTube, while the event took place near my college. This felt both surreal and frustrating—proximity yet inaccessibility.

Despite this, I chose to engage with the event. I aimed to understand its significance and the motivations of the participants from over 100 countries. My investigation revealed an unexpected revelation.

The event wasn’t a single-day affair. Miss World 2025 spanned a month, from May 7th to May 31st, starting at Gachibowli Stadium and concluding at HITEX Exhibition Center. This large scale and global reach transformed my perception.

I observed the Miss World tour’s efforts to showcase Indian culture, particularly Telangana’s traditions and cuisine. The meticulous organization of every aspect of the tour was noteworthy.

Witnessing the contestants in Indian sarees evoked a sense of awe. It transcended mere beauty, embodying grace, cultural appreciation, and gratitude.

The event conveyed a powerful message: India’s ability to host a large-scale event while honoring its traditions. It beautifully demonstrated the concepts of “Atithi Devo Bhava” and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.

I regret missing the heritage walk. The descriptions of Charminar’s streets, adorned with lights, carpets, and decorations, were captivating. Even the polished version retained the essence of Old Hyderabad.

The “#TelanganaZarurAana” campaign, encouraging tourism, and the focus on women’s safety and Hyderabad’s technological advancements, were noteworthy aspects of the event.

The “Beauty With a Purpose” segment was particularly impactful. It highlighted the contestants’ social projects and their commitment to meaningful change.

I supported India’s representative, Nandini Gupta, and Estonia’s contestant, Eliise Randmaa, a full-time software developer. Her ability to balance a demanding career with the pageant resonated with me.

Neither made the final four, but their journeys were inspiring. The experience prompted me to consider my own capacity for meaningful contributions.

The Grand Finale on May 31st was eagerly anticipated. I overcame subscription limitations to view the event online. The final show featured numerous prominent figures.

The final round included contestants from Martinique, Ethiopia, Poland, and Thailand.

Thailand’s answer to Sonu Sood’s question regarding storytelling and personal responsibility was particularly memorable: “We must become the people our loved ones look up to. No matter how far we go, our actions should always speak louder.”

Witnessing the crowning of Opal Suchata (Thailand) was deeply moving. It felt like more than a title transfer; it was a legacy exchange. Even as a remote viewer, the impact was profound.

My experience, although indirect, connected me to the event. That was sufficient.