Actress and model from Punjab, Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu, is Miss Universe 2021. She was declared the winner of the pageant which was held in Eilat, Israel. Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira became the first runner-up whereas South Africa’s Lalela Mswane was declared the second runner-up at the 70th edition of the prestigious annual event.
Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza of Mexico crowned Harnaaz in a clip shared on the official Instagram account of the Miss Universe Organisation. She brought home the crown after 21 years. Before Harnaaz, Lara Dutta was crowned in 2000 and Sushmita Sen won the title back in 1994.
Harnaaz along with the contestants of the top three round, had to answer the question, “What advice would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?" In response to this, the 21 years old said, "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."
FINAL STATEMENT: India. #MISSUNIVERSE
The 70th MISS UNIVERSE Competition is airing LIVE around the world from Eilat, Israel on @foxtv pic.twitter.com/wwyMhsAyvd
— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 13, 2021
Apart from the Miss Universe, Harnaaz has titles like Femina Miss India Punjab 2019.
(Source: Instagram/Twitter)