FROM GLAMOUR TO GRACE
Ishika Taneja’s journey is one of bold transformation—from the glamour of beauty pageants and cinema to a life grounded in Sanatan Dharma. Once celebrated for her public achievements, she chose a more purposeful path rooted in spirituality and service, redefining success as a pursuit of faith, inner strength, and meaningful impact.
“EMPOWERING YOUTH THROUGH SANATAN VALUES, PURPOSEFUL CHANGE, AND SELFLESS SERVICE”
Ishika Taneja rose to prominence as a dynamic force in India’s beauty and entertainment industries, celebrated for her Miss World Tourism India 2017 title and a Guinness World Record for the fastest airbrush makeup. Yet, her journey is more layered than glamour alone. From early global recognition to a deep spiritual shift toward Sanatan Dharma, Ishika’s evolution reflects a profound inner calling—choosing purpose over fame and upliftment over acclaim. Growing up in a family acquainted with the beauty and glamour business, she was influenced by her mother, Bharti Taneja, a pioneer in the field. Building on her family legacy, Ishika pursued international business at the London School of Economics and refined her cinematic skills in Los Angeles—an academic pursuit that shaped her diverse career and later guided her toward spiritual advocacy and philanthropy.
SPIRITUAL EMBRACE AND COMMPASIONATE ACTION
In 2025, Ishika Taneja underwent a life-altering spiritual transformation that led her to fully embrace the principles of Sanatan Dharma. Guided by an inner calling for deeper purpose, she took Guru Diksha from Shankaracharya Swami Sadanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj during the sacred Maha Kumbh, a moment she regards not just as a milestone but as the pinnacle of her life’s journey. Reflecting on this turning point, she shared, “The moment I received Diksha, I felt a divine energy I had never experienced before—it was the biggest achievement of my life.”
Ishika is also a strong advocate for women’s empowerment through the lens of Sanatan values. She believes that Sanatan Dharma, when understood in its true essence, upholds the strength, dignity, and divinity of women and appeals to the youth to reconnect with their roots in the process.
She founded the Ishika Sree Laxmi Foundation to uplift marginalised communities, especially survivors of rape, acid attacks, orphans, and the elderly. The foundation provides education, vocational training, and employment to help individuals rebuild their lives with dignity. Her spirituality reflects her belief in inner strength and resilience, aiming to create a more compassionate, inclusive society.
RECOGNITIONS AND HONOURS
Ishika Taneja’s journey is marked by remarkable achievements across diverse fields. In 2014, she set a Guinness World Record by performing 60 airbrush makeups in 60 minutes, dedicating it to the Nirbhaya Jyoti Trust and supporting survivors through scholarships. Her acting career flourished with roles in films like Indu Sarkar and the web series Hadh, showcasing her versatility. In 2016, she was recognised among India’s “100 Women Achievers” and felicitated by President Pranab Mukherjee. She was later crowned Miss World Tourism India (2017) and won the international title of Business Woman of the World (2018) in Malaysia. Her influence expanded beyond entertainment, earning her the India Excellence Award (2024) and the Swadeshi Samman as World Ambassador for Youth & Tourism, recognising her as a powerful advocate for change and meaningful causes.
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Ishika Taneja envisions a future where spirituality and service are seamlessly integrated, guiding individuals towards personal growth and societal betterment. She aims to continue her philanthropic work and inspire the youth to embrace both spiritual and social development. She seeks to showcase how a deep sense of purpose and transformation can lead to meaningful change and inspire others.
