Berhampur: After being crowned Miss Universe Odisha 2026, 22-year-old Poonam Maharana from Ganjam district has earned the opportunity to represent the state at the upcoming Miss Universe India Finals.
Outshining over 100 contestants during the selection process, Poonam emerged as the winner of the coveted state title. The state-level selection event was held in Pune, Maharashtra.
With the crown now in her possession, she has now set her eyes on the Miss India Universe pageant, scheduled to be held in New Delhi in August.
Poonam has begun preparations to compete at the national level, where around 50 contestants from across the country will vie for the Miss Universe India title.
Hailing from Berhampur in Ganjam, Poonam is the only daughter of Bibhudendra Maharana and Sangeeta Maharana. She holds a B.Tech degree in Computer Science and is currently employed in Pune. She has reportedly specialised in AI and Machine Learning.
Joyed over the victory, Poonam said she feels honoured to represent Odisha on such a prestigious platform. She credited her parents and family members for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout her journey.
“I am extremely happy. Representing Odisha is a matter of immense pride for me. My parents and family have stood by me at every step, and I owe this achievement to their constant support. My focus is now on preparing for the Miss Universe India Finals,” Poonam was quoted by media as saying.
Poonam says her ambition was never limited to one field. Growing up, she wanted to be an all-rounder, giving equal importance to academics and extracurricular activities while quietly nurturing a bigger dream.
“Miss Universe was always my dream. I wanted to be a part of pageant history for my country. So after completing my studies, I decided to pursue this dream wholeheartedly,” she says.
She said her parents always encouraged her to pursue every opportunity with dedication and sincerity, helping her develop confidence and versatility.
Regarding the selection process, Poonam said the competition was intense, with more than 100 participants showcasing exceptional talent during the auditions. The national competition will bring together contestants from across India, each representing their respective states.
The next goal is to excel at the national level and eventually represent India on the global stage, she said, expressing confidence that hard work and determination can bring laurels to both Odisha and the country.
