Two women of Indian heritage are set to shine on the global stage as Chandini Baljor has been crowned Miss Universe Guyana 2025, while Praveenar “Veena” Singh claimed the title of Miss Universe Thailand 2025. Both will represent their countries at the 74th Miss Universe competition in Thailand this November, a stage that unites nations through beauty, culture, and advocacy.
At just 22, Baljor is already a remarkable blend of intellect and compassion. Currently a fourth-year medical student at the University of Guyana, she is also pursuing a Bachelor’s in Public Health at Texila American University. With an Associate Degree in Natural Sciences already under her belt, she has made healthcare equity her mission.
Her path to the crown has been one of persistence and growth. After winning Miss Teen Charm Guyana 2022 and representing her country in Colombia, she went on to secure the Second Runner-Up spot in Miss Universe Guyana 2023. This year’s victory cements her place as a determined and consistent achiever.
Baljor’s achievements stretch well beyond pageantry. She has been published as a poet (Blooming Against Adversity at age 15), featured in Framed Photographer Magazine, and even reached the finals of a Lawn Tennis Summer Program in her first year of playing. Balancing academics and entrepreneurship, she launched a home baking business during medical school and later created a sustainable thrifting initiative to promote eco-conscious fashion.
Her community work is equally inspiring. While at Queen’s College, she joined the Environmental Club, Interact Club, and Hindu Society, spearheading clean-up campaigns, cultural initiatives, and awareness drives. Off-campus, she works with the Rampertop Children’s Foundation, supports youth empowerment, and celebrates her culture through dance performances.
Baljor’s advocacy focuses on universal healthcare, animal welfare, and youth empowerment. “Cleanliness breeds a clear mind,” she believes, adding that beauty is not only seen but also felt in the actions that touch lives.
Her win also highlights the contributions of the Indo-Guyanese community, who comprise about 40% of Guyana’s population. Descendants of indentured labourers brought from India between 1838 and 1917, Indo-Guyanese have played a defining role in Guyana’s cultural identity, politics, and economy.
Meanwhile in Bangkok, the Miss Universe Thailand 2025 (MUT 2025) crown went to Praveenar Singh, representing Saraburi. Fans across Thailand watched as 77 contestants competed at MGI Hall, Bravo BKK, with Singh ultimately triumphing after rounds in swimsuit, evening gown, and a challenging question-and-answer session.
The 28-year-old was born in Chiang Mai before moving to Yala, later graduating with a degree in Russian from Thammasat University. She has deep ties to India as well—granted overseas Indian citizenship in 2021, and once married to Thai-Indian businessman Hanchareon Singthakwal.
Singh’s pageant journey has been years in the making. She was second runner-up in Miss Universe Thailand 2018, rose to first runner-up in 2020, and again placed as second runner-up in 2023 before claiming her long-awaited crown this year.
Her persistence mirrors Baljor’s, as both women stand out not only for their beauty but also for their resilience, cultural pride, and sense of purpose.
As the world turns its gaze to Thailand this November, Chandini Baljor and Praveenar Singh prepare to represent Guyana and Thailand—two women whose Indian heritage and remarkable journeys embody purpose, resilience, and cultural pride. Their stories transcend traditional pageantry; they are about identity, impact, and inspiration.
Chandini brings a powerful legacy of Indo-Guyanese heritage and unwavering advocacy, while Praveenar stands out as the first winner of Indian descent to hold the Miss Universe Thailand title—a breakthrough reflecting both persistence and representation. They follow in the footsteps of iconic Indian-origin beauty queens who have proudly represented other countries on the global stage, including Priyanka Yoshikawa (Miss World Japan 2016), Kaya Chakrabortty (Miss Universe Japan 2024), Nina Davuluri (Miss America 2014), Priya Serrao and Maria Thattil (Miss Universe Australia), and Manshika Prasad (Miss Universe Fiji 2024).
Just as Sushmita Sen (1994), Lara Dutta (2000), and Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu (2021) lifted the Miss Universe crown for India—using their influence to advocate for social causes and empowerment—these diaspora icons have brought visibility, pride, and cultural richness to nations across the globe. Chandini and Praveenar now continue that legacy, shining not just as beauties but as ambassadors for diversity, intellect, and heartfelt change.
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