India gets a new jewel in its crown. Harnaaz Sandhu has been crowned Miss Universe 2021, making the country proud across the world. The 21-year-old wowed the judges to win the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel, in 2021. This achievement is particularly sweeter because India won the contest for the first time in 21 years. In the year 2000, Lara Dutta had already won the title.
Miss Universe 2021: Who were the top 3 finalists?
Harnaaz Sandhu was in the top three round, along with Nadia Ferreira and Lalela Mswane, where the participants were asked a compelling question.
“What advice would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the challenges they face today?” the finalists were asked.
Harnaaz’s response to the question was incredibly encouraging. “Well, I think the biggest pressure the youth of today is facing is to believe in themselves. To know that you are unique and that’s what makes you beautiful, stop comparing yourselves with others, and let’s talk about more important things that’s happening worldwide. I think this is what you need to understand. Come out, speak for yourself, because you are the leader of your life. You are the voice of your own [life]. I believe in myself and that’s why I’m standing here today. Thank you,” she said.
Who is Harnaaz Sandhu?
Harnaaz Sandhu, a Chandigarh model, has previously won a number of beauty pageants. She began her pageant career when she was 17 years old. In 2017, she was named the Times Fresh Face of Chandigarh. She has received the titles of Miss Diva 2021 and Femina Miss India Punjab 2019. Harnaaz also competed in the Femina Miss India 2019 pageant. She is now studying for a master’s degree in public administration. Yaara Diyan Poo Baran and Bai Ji Kuttange are two Punjabi films in which Harnaaz Sandhu has appeared.