Everyone dreams of achieving great things in life, but only a select few manage to turn those dreams into reality. Kashish Methwani is one of those rare individuals who possess the ability to live out their dreams exactly as they envision them. Moreover, it is an even more remarkable feat to forsake the dreamy world of glamour—along with the promise of a luxurious future—to deliberately choose a rigorous and high-risk life for the sake of a higher purpose. Kashish Methwani did exactly that.
A girl who once walked the ramp has now stepped onto the battlefield. After a journey as a beauty queen, Kashish Methwani even turned down the opportunity to pursue a PhD at the internationally renowned Harvard University, choosing instead to don the Indian Army’s Olive Green uniform and dedicate herself to serve the nation.
Kashish Methwani, who won the title of Miss International India three years ago (in 2023), currently serves as a Lieutenant in the Air Defence Regiment of the Indian Army.
Hailing from a Sindhi family, Kashish Methwani was born on January 9, 2002, in Ulhasnagar near Mumbai. Her father, originally a scientist, later joined the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Her mother works as a teacher at an Army Public School. Family members recall that, since childhood, Kashish possessed a keen interest in learning and pursuing a wide variety of activities.NCC as turning point:
During her college days, her path gravitated toward the National Cadet Corps (NCC), a move that marked a significant turning point in her life. As an NCC cadet, she participated in the Republic Day Parade. This experience proved particularly special for her, as she was awarded the title of “All India Best Cadet.” Following this, Kashish realized that she could find true fulfillment and purpose only within the Armed Forces. Kashish states that while modeling was a hobby, it was never intended to be her career. Her time in the NCC helped her realize that she was destined for a life in the Army.Contentment in Uniform:
After being crowned “Miss International India,” Kashish received numerous lucrative offers in the fields of modeling and acting. By all accounts, a glamorous career—replete with both wealth and fame—lay before her; yet, she made the decision to leave it all behind. Kashish chose the Army.Kashish Methwani has also been exceptionally brilliant academically. She completed her Master’s degree in Biotechnology from Savitribai Phule University in Pune. Her research work was conducted at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru. She even got an opportunity to pursue a PhD at Harvard University—an offer she ultimately declined. The reason? Her true calling lay elsewhere.
Kashish Methwani did not merely clear the Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination; she achieved an All-India 2 Rank. Subsequently, she underwent 11 months of rigorous training at the Officers Training Academy (OTA) in Chennai, and on September 6th, she was commissioned into the Indian Army as a Lieutenant. Kashish was commissioned into the Army Air Defence Regiment.
A Multi Talented Personality:
Kashish also played a pivotal role in “Operation Sindoor.” This marked a significant responsibility in her career. Kashish is far more than just a military officer. She is a multitalented and compassionate human being. She is a Bharatanatyam dancer as well as a Tabla player. Excelling in quizzes and debates, she also possesses a strong command over sports. Kashish has competed at the national level in pistol shooting and basketball.
Not only this ,in 2020, when the pandemic triggered by the coronavirus gripped countries across the globe—including India, Kashish stepped forward to assist the affected people amidst the COVID-19 lockdown. She established an NGO named ‘Critical Cause’ with the aim of raising awareness among people regarding plasma, blood, and organ donation.
