Miss Grand India 2025 Finalist Gitashree Deka: Representing Assam with Pride and Purpose

By Sam.

Guwahati: Representing Assam on a national platform, Gitashree Deka’s journey is a compelling story of resilience, self-belief, and a deep-rooted commitment to her identity. A finalist at Miss Grand India 2025, Gitashree’s rise in the world of pageantry is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the power of dreams and determination.

Gitashree was born in Golaghat, Assam, to Joya Deka and Bhubaneswar Deka. Her early education took place at Delhi Public School, Numaligarh, followed by higher studies at Elphinstone College in Mumbai. “I’ve recently graduated with a degree in Microbiology and am currently working as a model in Mumbai,” she shares.

Her journey into modeling began with a spark of realization in her teenage years. “Growing up in a small town in Assam where kids are expected to make a career out of academics only, I was no exception and followed the path laid for me by my family. I have been academically bright since childhood and didn’t know that there could be a world outside academics but the moment I stepped onto a local pageant for the first time in 11th standard I realised I was meant for something else. And then I decided to move to Mumbai for my further education so that I could also pursue a career in modelling. In 2024 I started my journey in pageantry through Miss Navi Mumbai and since then I never looked back. Since then I have been working as a model. Today, I stand here as a finalist of Miss Grand India 2025.”

Convincing her family to accept this unconventional path wasn’t easy. “Coming from a conservative family, convincing my parents to let me move to Mumbai and pursue a career in modelling wasn’t easy. It’s a path that’s often seen as unconventional and uncertain, something they were naturally hesitant about. However, they gave me one condition: I had to excel in my semester exams. If I could prove my commitment to academics, they would support my passion for modelling.”

Gitashree’s journey to the national stage began through state-level auditions. “We had auditions for every state in order to select the finalists for Miss Grand India 2025. It was a very tough competition as I had to excel in every parameter of pageantry including ramp walk, introduction round and question answer round.”

Today, as she prepares for the national finale, Gitashree reflects on the moment with pride. “Now that I’m a finalist for Miss Grand India, I feel incredibly happy and proud to represent my state on a national platform. It’s both an exciting and humbling experience. Along with this opportunity comes a deep sense of responsibility to reflect the vibrant spirit, rich culture, and unique identity of Assam with authenticity and pride.”

Beyond modeling, she finds joy in music. “I love playing guitar apart from my professional pursuits,” she says.

Representing Assam and the Northeast comes with a sense of cultural responsibility—something Gitashree is deeply committed to. “I wish to showcase the culture of Assam as beautifully, authentically, and joyfully as possible. My goal is to represent my state not just on the finale stage, but throughout the entire 10-day training period as well. There’s so much about Assamese culture that deserves the spotlight, from the vibrant celebrations of Bihu to our rich cuisine and breathtaking landscapes. Most importantly, I also hope to raise awareness about the urgent issue of one-horned rhino poaching, which remains a critical concern for our state and its biodiversity. We also have a cultural round, and I’m truly excited for it. I’ll be incorporating elements of Assamese culture into my costume as much as possible.”

As the finale draws near, her message to the people of Assam is heartfelt. “As the finale draws near, I humbly seek the blessings and support of the people of Assam, it is your love that gives me strength. I also hope to inspire every young girl who has ever dared to dream beyond the ordinary. No dream is ever too big when you believe in yourself and are willing to work hard for it. Let your roots ground you, but let your dreams take you far.”

Her greatest source of inspiration? “My role model is Sushmita Sen, not just because she made history as the first Miss Universe from India, but because of the bold, confident, and unapologetically authentic woman she is. Her strength lies not only in her achievements, but in the way she carries herself with grace, fearlessness, and a deep sense of purpose.”

Gitashree’s pageant journey has not been without its challenges. “I wasn’t facing any major challenges initially, but as the finale approached, I wanted to be the best version of myself. That’s what led me to take up pageantry training, and today, I’m proud to say I’m a Cocoaberry-trained model. The training not only enhanced my stage presence but also instilled in me both physical and mental strength. From walking for nine hours straight in six-inch heels to sharpening my communication skills, it’s been a journey of discipline, growth, and self-discovery.”

In her preparation for Miss Grand India, she remains focused and disciplined. “To prepare for Miss Grand India, I’ve been consistently working on my walk practice, maintaining a clean diet, and following a regular exercise routine. I’m also preparing for the Q&A round to express myself confidently and meaningfully. Alongside that, I’m putting a lot of thought into my costumes to make sure they reflect both style and culture.”

From a school student in Golaghat to a finalist on a national platform, Gitashree’s story is an inspiring reminder that with conviction and courage, no dream is too distant.