In a world chasing glamour and quick fame, few stories stand out like one where beauty meets unbreakable grit. One such example is a pageant winner who chose camouflage over crowns and the uniform over runways – all to serve her country. Meet the woman who turned from a pageant to Lieutenant to serve tha nation.
Who Is Lt. Kashish Methwani ?
Kashish Methwani, born on January 9, 2001, in Ulhasnagar near Mumbai to a Sindhi family, first made headlines as Miss International India 2023 before going on to be commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Indian Army’s Air Defence Regiment.
Photo via X
She holds a master’s degree in Biotechnology from Savitribai Phule Pune University and also completed a neuroscience thesis at IISc Bengaluru, as reported by The Financial Express. She further ditched modeling gigs, acting offers, and a Harvard PhD spot after topping the 2024 CDS exam with All India Rank 2.Now posted in North India, she finished 11 months of intense training at Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, emerging as a leader.
Her bold career switch
Methwani’s choice to serve the nation stands as a stark contrast for pageant stars heading to Bollywood or ramps. She turned down Harvard’s PhD for her “lifelong desire to serve,” as noted in Defence Stories.
“Pageantry was a passion, but never a long-term career,” she told Hindustan Times, In 2023, she claimed the Miss International India crown. Choosing to step away from modeling, she opted to serve in the Indian Army.
What is her inspiration behind the achievement
The NCC played a key role in inspiring her journey. She also marched in the Republic Day parade and was awarded the All India Best Cadet honour by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.“Marching at the Republic Day parade and receiving the Best Cadet Trophy from Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave me a sense of purpose.
It was clear the Army was where I truly belonged,” said the Indian Army officer, as quoted by Financial Express.
She is an all rounder
Lt. Methwani’s father, Dr. Gurmukh Das, began as a scientist before taking up a senior position in the Directorate General of Quality Assurance. Her mother taught at Army Public School in Ghorpadi.Drawing inspiration from her elder sister, she delved into various pursuits like learning Bharatanatyam, participating in debates, and shining in academics.
She also competed at the national level in pistol shooting and basketball.In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Methwani launched an NGO named Critical Cause to boost plasma, blood, and organ donations.The Army Air Defence Regiment, where Lt. Methwani now serves, played a key role in India’s Operation Sindoor.
Training triumphs
At OTA, she aced everything: AAD Medal, Sikh Regiment Medal, gold in March and Shoot, top shooting score, Drill Badge, zero punishments.
