Dr. Shivani Naik’s Journey to 1st Runner Up at Mrs. Maharashtra 2025

Mumbai: Dr. Shivani Naik made a remarkable impression at the Mrs. Maharashtra 2025 Season 9, hosted by DIVA Pageants, which took place recently at the Hyatt Pune. She was awarded the 1st Runner Up title in the Gold Category, along with several special recognitions that highlighted her exceptional talent, impressive digital presence, and significant social impact.

In addition to her runner-up title, Dr. Naik received the prestigious subtitles Mrs. Talented and Digital Diva, acknowledging her outstanding performance and exceptional communication skills. The DIVA Pageants team also recognized her remarkable contribution to raising funds for Sparsh NGO, honoring her with a special title for her outstanding social initiative and community impact.

Reflecting on what inspired her to participate, Dr. Naik shared her thoughts on the deeper purpose that guided her decision. “I have always believed that life holds a greater meaning, and that we are nudged by a higher power when it’s time to take action. When I saw the call for Mrs. Maharashtra 2025 by DIVA Pageants, I felt an overwhelming sense of inevitability, as if a door was opening at exactly the right moment. Some opportunities are not meant to be chosen, but rather claimed.”

Dr. Naik expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her unwavering support system, which stood by her throughout her journey. She described her husband, Sagar Devrukhkar, as her biggest cheerleader and pillar of strength, and thanked her mother-in-law, Shveta Sharad Devrukhkar, her mother Aparna Naik, her father, brothers, extended family, friends, colleagues, and students for their constant encouragement. She also acknowledged the valuable guidance and mentorship of Anjana Mascarenhas and Karl Mascarenhas, Founders of DIVA Pageants, referring to them as her guiding stars throughout the pageant journey.

Recalling her experience on stage, Dr. Naik shared that her initial nervousness quickly gave way to confidence. “Of course, I felt some nerves, but the moment I stepped onto the stage, they disappeared. I believe that when you prepare with devotion and dedication, leadership and confidence will naturally emerge when you’re on stage.”

Professionally, Dr. Shivani Naik is an Assistant Professor of General Management at Kirit P. Mehta School of Law, NMIMS, with over 15 years of academic experience and four years of corporate experience. She is also a renowned author, researcher, PhD Co-Supervisor, mentor, trainer in leadership and entrepreneurship, and a talented voice-over artist, with an impressive portfolio of academic publications, patents, awards, and international recognitions.

Looking ahead, Dr. Naik aims to deepen her work in education and mentorship, utilizing platforms like pageantry to empower women to become self-aware, confident, and conscious of their health, safety, skills, personality, and self-worth, enabling them to stand strong in their own power.