Hyderabad, India – May 20, 2025 — Under the warm glow of the Hyderabad evening sun, the grandeur of Miss World 2025 turned poignantly personal on Tuesday. Five dazzling contestants from across the globe, including India’s own Nandini Gupta, walked past flashing cameras not for a runway, but through the doors of KIMS Hospitals. Their mission: to shine a spotlight on breast cancer awareness and amplify a message of hope, strength, and early detection.
This rare and heartfelt initiative, hosted at the prestigious KIMS-Ushalakshmi Centre for Breast Diseases, was not merely a photo opportunity — it was a bold move blending pageantry with purpose. As the global competition heats up ahead of the grand finale, this moment in Hyderabad served as a powerful reminder of what Miss World represents: beauty that inspires, empowers, and uplifts.
A Message Beyond the Crown
The visit was spearheaded by Miss India 2025, Nandini Gupta, a radiant 22-year-old from Rajasthan who has steadily gained admiration for her advocacy in women’s health and rural education. “This is not just a campaign — it’s a call to action for every woman to take charge of her health,” Nandini said during her address at the hospital. “If our presence here encourages even one woman to get screened early, then we’ve made a difference.”
Gupta was joined by fellow contestants from South Africa, Brazil, the Philippines, and France — each echoing similar sentiments in their native tongues, connecting deeply with patients, caregivers, and medical professionals. Many of the visitors were moved to tears after hearing survivors’ stories firsthand.
Human Stories Meet Global Glamour
Doctors at the KIMS-Ushalakshmi Centre gave the delegates a comprehensive tour of the facility, showcasing their innovative approach to early detection and minimally invasive breast care. Dr. P. Raghu Ram, a trailblazer in breast surgery and founder of the center, spoke about the urgency of spreading awareness in a country where breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women, yet detection often arrives too late.
“What we are witnessing today is the power of influence used for good,” Dr. Ram remarked. “These young women, admired by millions, are sending out a life-saving message. And that makes them role models in the truest sense.”
From Runways to Recovery Rooms
The Miss World Organization’s "Beauty With A Purpose" campaign has long served as the humanitarian backbone of the competition. Launched in the 1970s, the initiative has supported hundreds of projects worldwide, ranging from HIV awareness to disaster relief. This year, the focus has shifted sharply towards health equity — with breast cancer advocacy at its core.
In recent years, countries like India have seen rising breast cancer rates in urban and semi-urban populations, yet screening remains alarmingly low due to stigma, misinformation, and limited access. The contestants' visit aims to dismantle these barriers, using their platforms to educate and engage.
The Road to the Crown: Hyderabad’s Emotional Chapter
While only one contestant will be crowned Miss World 2025 in a few weeks’ time, Tuesday’s visit felt like a crowning moment in itself. “This day changed me,” said Miss France, eyes glistening after meeting a young survivor who had completed chemotherapy. “Pageants often teach us how to walk tall, but today taught me how to walk with purpose.”
Fan speculation about the top contenders continues to intensify, with Nandini Gupta emerging as a favorite — not only for her poise but her impassioned social engagement. Pageant forums and international betting pools have placed her firmly in the spotlight, and after her performance in Hyderabad, supporters believe she has all the makings of a winner.
What’s Next for the Contestants
Following the hospital visit, the contestants are expected to engage in cultural events, environmental initiatives, and skill-based charity tasks across India, as the nation plays host to various pre-final events. The grand finale of Miss World 2025 is slated for mid-June in Mumbai, with celebrity judges including global fashion icons, former winners, and social entrepreneurs.
For now, the emotional resonance of their visit to KIMS has taken center stage. Images of contestants embracing patients, donning pink ribbons, and participating in screening awareness walks have already gone viral — igniting a new wave of attention toward early breast cancer screening among young women.
A New Era of Pageantry
Miss World 2025 may ultimately crown a queen of beauty, but Tuesday’s heartfelt engagement in Hyderabad proved that these women are already queens of compassion. In a world too often captivated by glamour, it was refreshing to see grace used for good — reminding us all that awareness, when paired with influence, can save lives.
As the global audience awaits the final outcome of the pageant, one thing is certain: Miss World is no longer just about outer beauty. It’s about who dares to care.
Reporting by:
Anika Verma, Senior Correspondent – Global Culture & Health Affairs
Photos courtesy of KIMS Hospitals Media Team