Kashish Methwani, a name that has captured attention across India, is redefining what it means to pursue multiple dreams simultaneously. At just 24, she has accomplished feats in academia, beauty, sports, and defence, showing that one does not need to choose between passions. For Kashish, life has always been about embracing the “ands” — not settling for one path but exploring several and excelling in each.
Born in Pune to Dr Gurmukh Das, a retired scientist who served as Director General at the Ministry of Defence, and Shobha Methwani, a teacher at Army Public School, Kashish grew up in a family that valued learning and curiosity. Both Kashish and her elder sister Shagufta attended Army Public School, where their parents encouraged exploration rather than comparison. Even as a child, Kashish displayed an insatiable curiosity. She wanted to try everything — dance, music, sports, and academic competitions — and often led her peers in school events. Her mother recalls, “She used to say, ‘Mujhe sab kuch karna hai’ — I want to do everything. She would participate in competitions for the joy of learning, not just for winning.”
ACADEMICS, SCIENCE AND GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES
Kashish’s academic path reflected her determination to push boundaries. She completed her undergraduate degree in science and went on to earn a master’s in neuroscience from Savitribai Phule Pune University. Her MSc thesis was conducted at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru. She was also offered the chance to pursue a PhD at Harvard University, an opportunity most would consider the pinnacle of achievement. But Kashish had another dream: to serve her country in the armed forces.
Her time in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) played a significant role in shaping this direction. Kashish joined the NCC during college and soon found herself selected for the Republic Day parade in Delhi. Experiencing the discipline, teamwork, and challenges of military training, she realised the army could be her calling. Her efforts were recognised at the highest level when Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded her the All India Best Cadet Trophy. Reflecting on the experience, Kashish says, “The NCC taught me discipline and time management. It showed me how to motivate not just myself but those around me, and how to keep going even when everything feels exhausting.”
BALANCING BEAUTY, SPORTS AND SERVICE
Even as she prepared for defence exams, Kashish did not step away from her other interests. In 2023, she competed in and won the Miss India International title, marking her entry into the world of pageantry. Balancing preparation for beauty contests with the Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam required meticulous planning. Mornings were dedicated to academic preparation, afternoons to pageant rehearsals, and evenings to physical training. Kashish explains, “I wanted to explore different things and see what brought me joy. My parents taught me to manage time effectively, and that became my strength.”
Her achievements extend far beyond academics and pageantry. Kashish is a national-level pistol shooter, a skilled basketball player, a Bharatanatyam dancer, and a tabla player. She has also founded an NGO, Critical Cause, which raises awareness about organ and plasma donation, demonstrating her commitment to creating an impact beyond her personal success.
A NEW CHAPTER IN THE ARMY
Kashish’s entrance into the army was as remarkable as her other achievements. In 2024, she secured an All India Rank 2 in the CDS exam and joined the Officers Training Academy in Chennai, opting for the Army Air Defence, a combat wing that requires precision, technical expertise, and courage under pressure. At the academy, she excelled in nearly every sphere. She received the AAD Medal, the highest honour awarded to a commissioned officer in her branch, as well as medals for excellence in shooting, marching, basketball, and drill. She completed her training without a single punishment and held leadership positions as Battalion Under Officer and Academy Under Officer, roles akin to leading her entire cohort.
Despite facing challenges, Kashish has remained determined and reflective. She has been candid about her struggles with self-doubt, acne, body image, and impostor syndrome. She says, “I realized that we are more than the critical voice in our heads. The limits we think exist are often ones we create ourselves. Once I understood that, it became easier to pursue every goal without fear.”
Now commissioned as Lieutenant Kashish Methwani in the Army Air Defence, she carries herself with the poise of a leader, having traded her long tresses for a uniform and a rifle. For Kashish, life has never been about choosing one path; it has always been about embracing multiple passions and seeing them through.
