“You cannot depend on motivation every day. You have to be consistent.”
That is the philosophy of Aryavardhan Dwivedi, a Kanpur-born engineer, fitness creator and MBA student who is now a national finalist for Mr India Universe 2026, representing Uttar Pradesh. The national finale later this year will choose the new titleholder.
His path to the competition has been unusual. A computer science engineer, he once built an AI chatbot at a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratory. Today he is also a content creator and a calisthenics enthusiast.
A childhood on the move
Dwivedi was born in Kanpur and raised in a military family. His childhood took him to Siliguri, Delhi, Bengaluru, Amritsar, Belagavi, Jaipur, and Nagpur. He says growing up among so many cultures and experiences gave him adaptability, resilience, cultural competence, and a mission-oriented outlook.
That life shaped his outlook. “Since we moved across different cities while I was growing up, I learned early on how to adapt to new environments, meet new people, and adjust to change,” he told UI Newz.
He said the biggest lesson was discipline. “You cannot depend on motivation every day. You have to be consistent and do what needs to be done.” He added that his upbringing also taught him to stay calm in difficult situations, take responsibility for his actions, and keep moving forward when things don’t go according to plan.
Home remains his anchor. His father serves in the Indian Air Force, and his mother holds a PhD in English. He credits them, along with his younger brother and their pet dog, Sultan, for making him an empathetic, disciplined, and grounded person committed to lifelong learning and continuous self-improvement.
Sport, dance, and adventure
Even as a child, Dwivedi was drawn to sports, especially badminton and basketball, as well as dance, fitness, and adventure activities. He took up camping and trekking, and went scuba diving at Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep).
He trained in dance at the Shiamak Davar Institute in Bengaluru, specializing in hip-hop and breakdance, and performed at numerous school and university events.
Engineering, AI, and a detour into fashion
Dwivedi completed his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering at Manipal University Jaipur in 2025, alongside multiple technical certifications. He is now pursuing an MBA in Finance at Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Pune. Alongside his studies, he has worked with several brands.
During an internship at the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), a DRDO laboratory, he developed ShivaVaani, a prototype of an AI-powered offline voice chatbot. He built it under the guidance of senior scientists, and the project drew appreciation for its innovation and technical execution.
His interests went well beyond the classroom. He was the only B.Tech student chosen for ONERIOS-23, the prestigious fashion show organised by Manipal University Jaipur’s Department of Fashion and Design. He later deepened his understanding of the industry with an online certification in Fashion Systems from Parsons School of Design.
Fitness as a way of life
The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point. Dwivedi discovered a passion for content creation and began a disciplined calisthenics routine that transformed both his physique and his personality.
He insists that fitness means more than appearance. “For me, fitness has never been only about appearance. It’s about discipline, confidence, mental strength and having the energy to perform better in every other area of life.”
Balancing training with an MBA, events and content work is not easy, he admits. “I try to make fitness a part of my routine rather than something I do only when I’m free,” he said. He focuses on regular training, proper nutrition and recovery, and believes consistency matters more than being perfect every single day.
Many paths, one journey
Asked how engineering, fitness and fashion fit together, Dwivedi rejected the idea that they are separate journeys. “Each experience has taught me something different. Engineering gave me problem-solving, fitness gave me discipline, and content creation taught me communication and confidence.”
A message for young people
For Dwivedi, representing Uttar Pradesh is about more than the stage. “It is not just about being on a national platform. It is about representing the experiences, values and discipline that have shaped who I am.” He said he is grateful to everyone who has supported him and sees the competition as a chance to challenge himself and grow further.
He is passionate about inspiring the younger generation to believe that a successful corporate career can be built without compromising health, fitness and overall well-being. For those who feel pressure to have everything figured out, his advice is: “Don’t be afraid to explore different paths and don’t feel pressured to have everything figured out immediately. Work hard for your goals, but make sure you also take care of your health, relationships and character along the way.”
What comes next
Dwivedi plans to combine his engineering background with his MBA in Finance and move into leadership and consulting roles. “I enjoy understanding both technology and business,” he said, “and I want to use that combination to solve meaningful problems.”
He also wants to grow an online platform around fitness, fashion, career, discipline, and personal growth. “I don’t want to create content only for visibility,” he said. “I want my journey to be relatable and hopefully motivate people to work on themselves. Ultimately, I want to keep evolving, take on bigger challenges and create an identity that goes beyond just one profession or one title.”
Mr India Universe 2026 competition
Mr India Universe is a national competition for men and a platform for aspiring male models and personalities from across the country. It is organised by Glamanand Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., the Indian franchise holder of Miss Universe, and led by founder and chairman Nikhil Anand. Finalists were chosen after a nationwide audition process.
Before the grand finale, they will go through grooming and training sessions meant to build confidence, communication skills, personality, and stage presence. On arriving at the venue, they will take part in official photoshoots, pre-finale activities, rehearsals, and preliminary events. At the end, the reigning titleholder, Bishan Madappa of Karnataka, will ceremonially hand over the title to his successor.
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