India’s Nandini Gupta, representing the nation at the 72nd Miss World pageant in Hyderabad, stands out not just for her poise, but for her powerful cause. Hailing from Kota, Rajasthan, Gupta is advocating for inclusivity for the differently-abled through her social initiative, Project Ekta. Motivated by her uncle’s lifelong battle with polio and developmental delays, Gupta says, “We have created a world that does not include the differently-abled, and I think righting this historical wrong is long overdue.” Her goal is to build a world that embraces all abilities equally.

While over 110 contestants from across the globe have converged in Hyderabad, one conspicuous absence is that of a representative from Pakistan. Although recent tensions between India and Pakistan may suggest political interference, officials clarified this is not the reason. "Pakistan has never participated in Miss World," said Ashwani Shukla of Altair Media. Even when Pakistan made its Miss Universe debut last year with Erica Robin, it stirred controversy back home, highlighting the country's uneasy relationship with international pageantry.

Among the other South Asian nations represented this year is Nepal, whose contestant Srichchha Pradhan brings a unique perspective rooted in ancestral wisdom. Her project, Pancha Pranali, draws from indigenous Nepali traditions to promote climate action and environmental harmony. “In listening to the rivers, the trees, and the animals, we are healing ourselves,” Pradhan shared on Instagram, aiming to realign modern living with nature’s rhythms.

From Bangladesh, Atika Konika joined the competition as a last-minute replacement but has already made a strong impression. As a certified mental health support worker, Konika's platform Young Mind Matters stems from her personal battle with ADHD and anxiety. “Mental health is never optional,” she said, revealing that nearly a thousand students died by suicide in her country between 2023 and 2024. Her initiative seeks to build mental resilience among the youth.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara is breaking taboos with Project Saheli, which tackles menstrual hygiene and health. Her campaign spans schools, prisons, and even monasteries, providing essential products and education. “This project is not just a part of the competition; it's a part of who I am,” she said, highlighting its roots in the stories and struggles of Sri Lankan women.

Interestingly, two contestants of Indian descent are representing non-South Asian countries. Miss Finland, Sofia Singh, credits her strength to her Indian heritage and her mother’s migration journey, which instilled resilience in her. Malaysia’s Saroop Roshi, a psychologist and model, celebrated her Indian lineage by posting a heartfelt tribute to her mother and grandmother, acknowledging their influence on her identity.

The 72nd Miss World finale will be held on May 31 in Hyderabad. With peace as the contest’s central theme, Chairperson Julia Morley remarked that the pageant reflects “the spirit of world unity, peace, and cultural appreciation.” As outgoing Miss World Krystyna Pyszkova prepares to crown her successor, India once again finds itself at the heart of global glamour and purpose.