The Femina Miss India 2024 winners Nikita Porwal, Rekha Pandey, and Aayushi Dholakia grace Femina’s March cover as they redefine beauty with purpose
For over six decades, Femina, India’s foremost women’s lifestyle brand, has empowered and celebrated the aspirations of Indian women. From shaping conversations on beauty and ambition to championing purpose-driven success stories, the brand has consistently spotlighted women who inspire. The March issue is no exception, featuring the reigning Femina Miss India 2024 queens – Nikita Porwal, Rekha Pandey, and Aayushi Dholakia. Beyond their crowns, these young women embody not only grace and elegance but also resilience, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Nikita Porwal, crowned Femina Miss India World 2024, hails from Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. A storyteller at heart, she has performed in over 60 plays and written a 250-page script titled Krishna-Leela. Reflecting on her journey, Nikita says, “I’ve always dreamt of representing India on the global stage, and, when I was crowned, I was overwhelmed with gratitude, joy, and an immense sense of fulfillment. I realise my purpose isn’t to please everyone; it is to create a legacy. And legacies aren’t built by fitting an ideal – they’re forged by embracing authenticity. Once I accepted this, I began to enjoy the journey.”
Rekha Pandey, Femina Miss India 2024 – 1st Runner-up, from Dadra & Nagar Haveli, is a force for resilience and social change. Passionate about women’s education and rural development, she believes in using her voice for meaningful impact. Rekha’s belief in the power of giving back to society makes her an inspiring figure, proving that beauty goes hand in hand with purpose. Sharing her thoughts on the responsibility that comes with wearing the crown, she says, “Winning a pageant is about using that platform to start meaningful conversations, challenge outdated norms, and represent countless women who see themselves in you.”
Femina Miss India 2024 – 2nd Runner-up Aayushi Dholakia, from Vadodara, Gujarat, is a national-level dancer and mentor with a relentless spirit and a deep commitment to personal growth. Her perseverance proves that determination can turn dreams into reality. On her win, Aayushi remarks, “Winning the Femina Miss India 2024 2nd Runner-up title was a full-circle moment – proof that dreams do come true when you dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to them. I invested in self-growth, staying open to learning, and embracing every challenge. That process shaped me into the person I am today. Indeed, winning Femina Miss India has been more than just the realisation of a dream – it has been a journey of self-discovery.”
Femina has long been a platform that celebrates not just beauty, but ambition and purpose. This March cover story is a testament to the new generation of women who are unapologetically carving their own paths while inspiring millions.