Punjab’s Harnaaz Sandhu has brought laurels to the country by winning the Miss Universe 2021 title.
The 21-year-old represented India at the 70th Miss Universe 2021 held in Israel’s Eilat.
She was able to win the title by edging out the contestants from Paraguay and South Africa.
The first and the second runners-up were from Paraguay and South Africa, respectively.
Harnaaz has brought home the crown 21 years after Lara Dutta won the title in 2000.
She was presented the crown by former Miss Universe 2020 from Mexico, Andrea Meza at the event which was live-streamed globally.
A media report quoted Harnaaz as saying, “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,” she added.
The beauty made it to the top 3 after Harnaaz’s powerful answer, calling for less talk and more action.
According to the report, in the top 5 Harnaaz was asked “Many people think climate change is a hoax, what would you do to convince them otherwise?”
Harnaaz impressed all with her reply: “My heart breaks to see how nature is going through a lot of problems, and it is all due to our irresponsible behaviour. I totally feel that this is the time to take action and talk less. Because our each action could save or kill nature. Prevent and protect is better than repent and repair and this is what I am trying to convince you guys today.”
The model-cum-actress was crowned Miss Universe India 2021 in the month of October.
She started her beauty pageant journey with Times Fresh Face in 2017.
Harnaaz, who has starred in many Punjabi films, is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Public Administration.
Earlier, she won Femina Miss India Punjab 2019 title.
She has also starred in many Punjabi films.