From Small-Town India to MS New York Universe Winner: Pooja Kharade's Journey of Resilience and Empowerment
From Small-Town India to MS New York Universe Winner
Pooja Kharade’s journey from Manjarde, a modest village in Maharashtra, India, to becoming the MS New York Universe Winner 2025 and Ms. Universe USA 2025 Runner-Up is nothing short of inspiring. Born into a community where gender biases were deeply ingrained, Pooja’s early life was shaped by the stark realities of gender inequality. While boys’ births were celebrated with joy and festivity, the arrival of girls was often met with quiet acceptance. Despite these norms, Pooja’s family supported and cherished her, and it was this love that became her foundation as she rose above the limitations imposed on her.
Pooja's life embodies resilience, strength, and an unwavering belief in herself. Her success is a powerful testament to how courage and determination can overcome even the most formidable obstacles.
From a Scholar to a Pageant Queen
An exceptional student, Pooja was known for her academic achievements and her signature thick glasses. She was the quintessential “bookworm” who dreamed of making an impact beyond the confines of textbooks. Her transformation from an academic achiever to a poised pageant winner is both remarkable and empowering.
The year 2024 tested her in ways she hadn’t anticipated. Personal hardships, including traumatic experiences, would have caused many to falter. But for Pooja, these challenges only fueled her passion to make a difference. She decided to use her platform in the pageant world to advocate for victims of domestic violence— a cause close to her heart.
Proudly Representing New York
In the competition, Pooja’s creativity and pride in her roots shone through. For the prop round, she designed a costume inspired by the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and hope. With help from her son, mother, and close friends, she meticulously crafted the costume, featuring the iconic torch of enlightenment and the broken chains of liberation. This thoughtful piece earned her admiration for its message and artistry.
In the evening gown segment, Pooja's elegance and grace were on full display, propelling her into the top two finalists and securing her place as one of the most memorable contestants of the competition.
Redefining Success
During the final Q&A round, Pooja was asked to define success in her own words. Her response struck a chord with many:
"Success is peace of mind. It's not just about titles or accolades but how much you give back to society. True success, for me, is using this platform to help survivors of domestic violence reclaim their lives, restore their dignity, and rebuild their futures."
A Crown, A Mission, A New Beginning
The culmination of years of hard work and perseverance arrived when Pooja was crowned MS New York Universe Winner 2025 and named Ms. Universe USA 2025 Runner-Up. The honor was presented by renowned Bollywood actress Neelam Kothari Soni, making the moment even more special.
Reflecting on her incredible journey, Pooja shared:
“My journey from a small town in India to the vibrant stage of New York has shaped me into who I am today— Pooja 2.0. I am a survivor, a leader, and a woman who dared to dream big, despite the challenges. This crown represents more than just personal achievement; it is a symbol of hope for all those who are still struggling, and a reminder that dreams are valid, no matter where they begin."