EXCLUSIVE: MR. & MS. UNIVERSITY 2026 WINNERS TALK ABOUT THEIR PAGEANT JOURNEY AND DREAMS

Ms. University 2026 – Winner : Ayrissa Bindu

What emotions went through your mind when your name was announced as Ms. University 2026. – I remember when my name was announced I felt like I was floating. My heart was racing and all I could hear was my mother cheering from the audience. The only emotions that went through my mind were joy, gratitude and excitement.

Which round or experience in the pageant truly tested your confidence, and how did you overcome it. – The prop round before the finals truly tested my confidence. Just a few hours before our performance, my partner backed out of the competition. Instead of panicking, I reminded myself that a blade is forged only when it is plunged into fire. I stayed back until midnight, relearned the act, and practiced an entirely new solo choreography. Giving up was never an option, and that moment taught me that resilience is as important as talent.

How do you hope your win inspires other young women who dream of stepping onto a pageant stage. – I would rather want my journey to inspire young women to step onto this pageant stage. Because although I am grateful for the crown, the knowledge and experience I have gained through this pageant are invaluable. I hope my journey reminds young women that taking that plunge will always reward you, all you need is a positive outlook. Even on the final day, when it may feel like the spotlight isn’t on you, stay calm and confident. Trends in beauty will fade, but substance and authenticity never do.

Mihir Shetty – First Runner-Up – Mr. University 2026

Finishing as First Runner-Up is still a remarkable achievement what part of your performance are you most proud of – I really wanted to win the title,that was the only thing on my mind but even more then the Title i wanted to compete in a Manner where i could inspire change.I wanted to compete fiercely but also with grace and i think I was able to do that, that’s the thing I am most proud of.

What lessons from this pageant experience will shape your growth moving forward – I feel i really learnt the importance of enjoying the journey while you are in it ,now that the show is over I don’t fuss about the results but I really miss the People and the moments I got to live with them

If given the opportunity again, what would you do differently on the Mr. University stage – Honestly i wouldn’t change a thing,I was really focused on the competition from the day i auctioned,i gave it my all and left it all on that stage.I have moved on completely with gratitude and Joy in my heart.

First Runner-Up – Ms. University 2026 (Joint Winner) – Khushi Tudekar

Being a Joint First Runner-Up is special how would you describe your journey throughout the competition – I came into this journey thinking i had to prove something. over time it taught me something far more important how to slow down and be present. there were days i felt confident and grounded and days i felt unsure and overwhelmed. some days i simply held on and showed up. somewhere between the rehearsals the nerves and the quiet moments backstage strangers became friends and those friends slowly became family. we shared fear laughter silent breakdowns once a while and small victories that no one else saw. i didnt just grow as a contestant. i grew as a human being and that is what i will carry with me long after the stage lights fade.

Which aspect of the pageant helped you grow the most confidence, discipline, or self-belief – I would say that’s self belief. i learned that you dont have to be the loudest voice in the room to deserve space. i learned to trust myself even when my hands were shaking and my heart felt heavy. i stopped seeking validation and started standing by myself. choosing myself even in moments of doubt changed not just my performance but the way i see myself every day.

What message would you like to give to future contestants watching your journey – if i’m being genuinely true here id say dont chase perfection. chase honesty. come as you are with your fears your hopes your softness and your strength. let yourself feel everything and let it shape you. trust the process even when it feels uncomfortable. you may walk into this journey alone but if you allow yourself to be real you will walk away with growth memories and people who feel like home. and that kind of win stays with you forever.

First Runner-Up – Ms. University 2026 (Joint Winner) – Angel Verma

What was the most memorable moment for you during the Ms. University 2026 pageant – The most memorable part for me was experiencing complete strangers turn into family. In just eight days of pure chaos, pressure, laughter, and learning, we formed bonds that felt deeply personal and lasting. Sharing dreams, fears, late-night conversations, and supporting one another through every challenge created a sense of family that went far beyond the competition. That transformation—from strangers to a support system—will always stay with me as the most beautiful takeaway of Ms. University 2026.

How did this competition help you evolve as an individual beyond just the crown – This pageant made me realize that it’s not always about winning the crown. The real growth came from experiencing the journey embracing challenges, pushing past self-doubt, and overcoming hurdles along the way. Each obstacle taught me resilience, patience, and self-belief, and I learned that these small victories are just as meaningful as any title. The journey itself shaped me into a stronger and more grounded individual.

What does being a First Runner-Up mean to you personally at this stage of your journey – Being the First Runner-Up has made me want to achieve more and strive for greater opportunities ahead in life. It has motivated me to keep pushing my limits, dream bigger, and work harder toward everything I aspire to become. This stage of my journey feels like a beginning rather than an end, fueling my drive to grow and explore what lies ahead.

Second Runner-Up – Mr. University 2026 – Prasana Sharma

Looking back, what experience from the pageant will stay with you forever – What will stay with me forever is not a single moment on stage, but what happened off stage the connections we formed along the way. In a space that is meant to be competitive, we found support,understanding, and genuine friendships. People who started as strangers slowly became people we leaned on, learned from, and grew with.We pushed each other forward, stood together during moments of self-doubt, and celebrated progress that had nothing to do with winning. Some experiences don’t fade when the event ends; they stay with you through the people who were part of the journey.

How has participating in Mr. University 2026 changed your perspective on competition and self-growth – Mr. university 2026 helped me realise that competition isn’t about proving you’re better than someone else it’s about proving to yourself that you can grow beyond who you were yesterday. Every challenge forced me to reflect, adapt, and improve, not for comparison, but for progress. I learned that growth doesn’t always come with loud victories; sometimes it happens quietly, through discipline, patience, and self-awareness. When you focus on becoming stronger, more confident, and more grounded, success becomes a natural result. This journey taught me that the most important competition is within, and self-growth is the greatest win of all.

What advice would you give to someone preparing for their first pageant – This was my first pageant as well, and I walked in with nervousness, doubts, and questions about whether I was enough. What I learned is that the biggest challenge isn’t the stage, it’s the voice inside your head. Don’t wait to feel “ready.” Start before confidence shows up, because confidence is built through action. Believe in yourself even when it feels uncomfortable, because that belief is what carries you forward. As Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Take that step with courage, stay honest to who you are, and commit to the process. Every step you take shapes your growth, and that growth becomes your true legacy.

Second Runner-Up – Ms. University 2026 – Purva Gawas

What inspired you to participate in Ms. University 2026, and how did the experience meet or exceed your expectations – I was inspired to participate in Ms. University 2026 to challenge myself by stepping out of my comfort zone and building self confidence. The experience exceeded my expectations by teaching me discipline, inner strength and the importance of self-belief.

Which moment on stage made you feel the strongest and most confident – As the show was about to begin, and i was a little nervous because it was going to be my first pageant.When the first round started, which was the introduction round, i was walking on the ramp. At that time, i noticed my friends standing on the right side of the stage, cheering for me.Their support gave me an incredible sense of strength and confidence. It was the moment when i felt the most confident and empowered.

How do you plan to use this recognition to further your personal or professional journey – I will use this recognition as a platform to grow both personally as well as professionally. It will motivate me to become more confident and disciplined.I want to improve my skills, explore new opportunities, keep learning , growing and inspiring others who dream of achieving more in their lives.