India’s Harnaaz Sandhu won the Miss Universe 2021 title, 21 years after Lara Dutta won the title in 2000.
The 21-year-old Sandhu represented India at the 70th Miss Universe, which was held in Eilat, Israel. While Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira, 22, finished second, South Africa’s Lalela Mswane, 24, came third.
Sandhu was presented the crown by Andrea Meza, Miss Universe 2020 from Mexico.
“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,” Sandhu said.
“Bringing the glorious crown back after 21 years to India is a moment of greatest pride,” she said.
Before the Chandigarh-based model Sandhu, only two Indians could bag the title of Miss Universe – Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.
“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,” said Sandhu when she was asked what advice she would give to young women on how to deal with the pressures they face.
“This is what you need to understand. Come out, speak for yourselves because you are the leader of your life, you are the voice of your own. I believed in myself and that’s why I am standing here today,” Sandhu added.
