India adds another feather to its crown. Harnaaz Sandhu, wins Miss Universe title 2021 making the country proud globally. The 21-year-old amazed the judges to bring home the crown at the 70th Miss Universe 2021 pageant in Eilat, Israel. This victory is even sweeter because India has won the pageant for the first time in 21 years. Lara Dutta had previously won the title in 2000.
Miss Universe 2021: Who were the top 3 finalists?
Contestants from Paraguay and South Africa joined Harnaaz Sandhu in the top three. Nadia Ferreira, 22, finished second, and Lalela Mswane, 24, finished third. The three contestants were asked, “What advice would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?” “The biggest pressure the youth of today is facing is to believe in themselves. To know that you are unique makes you beautiful. Stop comparing yourselves with others and let’s talk about more important things that are happening worldwide. Come out, speak for yourself, because you are the leader of your life. You are the voice of your own. I believed in myself and that is why I am standing here today,” Harnaaz replied.
Who is Harnaaz Sandhu?
Harnaaz Sandhu, a model from Chandigarh, has previously won several beauty pageants. She began her pageantry career at the age of 17. She won Times Fresh Face of Chandigarh in 2017. Miss Diva 2021 and Femina Miss India Punjab 2019 have both been bestowed upon her. Harnaaz was also a finalist in the Femina Miss India 2019 competition. She is currently pursuing Masters of Public Administration degree. Harnaaz Sandhu has appeared in several Punjabi films, including Yaara Diyan Poo Baran and Bai Ji Kuttange.
Words from the winner
The news about her winning the title came via the Instagram page of Miss Universe. The video was shared where she was being crowned. The selection committee included Urvashi Rautela, Adamari López, Adriana Lima, Cheslie Kryst, Iris Mittenaere, Lori Harvey, Marian Rivera, and Rena Sofer. Sharing her happiness and gratitude, Sandhu said, “I am immensely grateful to the Almighty, my parents, and the Miss India Organization for guiding and supporting me throughout. Loads of love to everyone who prayed and wished the crown for me. Bringing the glorious crown back after 21 years to India is a moment of greatest pride.”
