Arshia Rashid
BIO
State Winner: Maharashtra
School: Bombay Cambridge School, Mumbai
College: Bhavans College, Mumbai
Profession: Model, Social worker, Entrepreneur
Interests: Scuba diving , Dancing, Singing, Painting
Crowned: 
Femina Miss India Maharashtra 2024, Femina Miss India West 2024, Times Miss Body Beautiful, Times Miss Beautiful Eyes
Favourite quote:
What you seek lies within you.
About
Arshia Rashid, from the bustling city of Mumbai, is a force to be reckoned with. A dedicated law student by day and a committed social worker by heart, Arshia’s journey is one of ambition and purpose. With a diploma in Political Science under her belt and a proud history as an NCC cadet, she had the prestigious honour of marching in the Republic Day Parade in Delhi in 2020. Inspired by this experience, she set her sights on the Indian Armed Forces, successfully clearing all SSB exams. However, due to unforeseen medical reasons, Arshia had to set aside this dream.
Yet, Arshia’s indomitable spirit found other avenues to shine. Over the past six years, she has graced the world of fashion, modelling for iconic designers like Manish Malhotra and Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Her passion for empowering others led her, at just 18, to co-found an NGO with her mother, dedicated to uplifting economically marginalised women and helping them to actively participate in their own development and independence.
Arshia is also a certified scuba diver, a startup founder, and a dynamic volunteer. She actively engages with local government bodies in election campaigns, policy-making, and nation-building, driven by her love for her country and her desire to make a lasting impact.
Q&A
Your motto in life: Lead with passion, serve with purpose.
The most influential person in your life: My Mother is most definitely the most influential person in my life. She is empathetic, hardworking, and never gives up. She has made me the woman I am today. I am also deeply influenced by the moral teachings, strategic wisdom, and philosophical depth of the Mahabharata. It serves as a constant source of inspiration and guidance in my daily life.
The proudest moment of your life: The Proudest moment of my life would definitely be being in my full ceremonial cadet uniform and saluting/paying tribute to our heroes and their selfless service at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the War Memorial, Delhi ahead of the Republic Day Parade.
Words that best define your personality: Cool, Versatile, Adaptable, Resilient, Hardworking and Compassionate, to mention a few.
The beauty queen who inspires you the most and why?: I had the honour of walking for a show by the designer Shantanu Nikhil in Delhi a night before my state audition for Femina Miss India 2024. I was fortunate enough to have met and witnessed the legend herself- Zeenat Aman that night. Her kindness, grace and aura had left me mesmerised. The way she carries herself even today and pulls off a smile that can leave a mark on every heart is truly inspiring. Her politeness and distinct personality make her stand out, and she most definitely commands respect everywhere she goes. Seeing her made me realise that what can be seen (beauty) is temporary, and what cannot be seen (kindness) is eternal. I aspire to be the woman she is and be identified as a beauty with a purpose like her.
What does Femina Miss India mean to you? A beauty queen is a role model who inspires and motivates, not just a face that entertains. Femina Miss India is a platform where I can champion personal growth, public speaking skills and confidence with which I can advocate for causes I truly believe in and expand the network of like-minded people around me. As a young, independent woman with a voice, FMI will allow me to influence positive change and make a meaningful impact in our society and beyond.
It will be a catalyst that will open doors to new professional opportunities and, if chosen, allow me to represent my country on a Global platform.
A social cause close to your heart and why: Providing education and Financial independence through skill development to marginalised women and girls is a cause I’ve been working on for the last five years and hold very close to my heart. Napoleon once said, “Give me an educated mother, and I shall promise you the birth of a civilised, educated nation.” Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and opening new doors to better opportunities. Through our NGO, which I co-founded alongside my mother, we provide scholarships, training programs, and resources that help women and children gain essential skills and knowledge. Financial independence is crucial for improving the quality of life and fostering self-sufficiency. Our sole aim has been to support and equip women with skills (e.g., sewing) so they can actively participate in their own /family development and nation-building.
What is the craziest rumour you have ever heard about yourself?: There was a rumour that went around in my initial days of college that I was somehow related to the King /Prince of Dubai due to my second name. Guilty as charged, I never denied or accepted the truth and literally got treated like a princess for a couple of months, which I enjoyed.
Three qualities that every woman must possess: Elegance, Resilience, Vision
What are your expectations from Femina Miss India 2024? Pageants are a great platform to showcase your talents and advocate for a cause you care about. As a 23-year-old model, I try reaching out a helping hand to as many people as possible, but there have always been social and financial barriers that restrict my full potential. Femina Miss India is a platform that is a big believer in ‘Beauty with a purpose’ and has a great community of like-minded young women who are influential and future change-makers. My expectations from the same would be to provide such women, including me, a platform to voice our thoughts and inspire every soul to come forward and do their bit so the world can be a better place.
If you win Miss India, what would be your first big splurge?: I would buy a professional piano for my sister Aalia, which she’s wanted for a while. She’s an outstanding singer, and I love to jam to Taylor Swift songs with her.
If you were granted one wish, what would you ask for?: To end crime/ violence against women around the world forever and ever.
What would be your advice for the future generation?: Our country has always been a No. 1 example of unity in diversity. Time and again, we have proved that we believe in REFORM, PERFORM and TRANSFORM. We live on a land full of opportunities and incredible talent, and the time is now for us all to join hands and work towards redefining the world order and making India a DEVELOPED NATION. Just like our very own Chandrayaan, we aim for the moon and excel in our respective fields to inspire people and boost our cultural heritage globally. One hundred forty crore dreams, one purpose, Viksit Bharat!