And the 70th Ms. Universe is… Ms. India!

 

            After 21 years, India finally won its third crown from the 70^th Ms. Universe. Harnaaz Sandhu, a 21-year old model and actress from Punjab, finally brought home the crown. “Overwhelmed because it’s been 21 years since India got Miss Universe crown and it’s happening right now” as what she stated upon receiving the crown. She managed to win over Nadia Ferreira from Paraguay and Lalela Mswane from South Africa.

Being true to her passion, Harnaaz Sandhu is a pageant veteran. She started competing at around the age of 17 and has won several titles. She won Miss Chandigarh 2017, Miss Max Energy Star India 2018, Femina Miss India 2019 and the current title of Miss Universe 2021. Aside from being a pageant veteran, she is also known as an actress and model in her country and starred Punjabi films like Yaara Diyan Poo Baran and Bai Ji Kuttange. Despite her busy schedule, she still put her education first. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology and is currently pursuing Public Administration.

Ms. Harnaaz Sandhu’s advocacy focuses in women’s rights. As her mother who she looked up to said “broke generations of patriarchy” and lead her family. Since her mother is a gynecologist, Ms. Sandhu grew up working alongside with her mother at health camps and addressing women’s health and menstrual hygiene. This inspired her to support other women. Ms. Sandhu has a strong advocacy for women’s empowerment especially to their constitutional rights to education, careers, and freedom of choice. Being passionate about her advocacy, she mentioned on her introduction video: “I want to spread this voice to everyone else and tell them that you need to stand for yourself. You need to speak. You are the leader of your life and you can change things. I would like to inspire people by choosing strong characters and breaking stereotypes and stigmas.”

During the pageant night, she captivated the audience and the judges with her charm and her wits. When she made it to Top 16, she mentioned that she is an animal lover and is not shy to give her best cat impersonation. From Top 16, she continued to advance with her strong performances both in evening and swimsuit competition. She stunned the crowd with her maroon one-piece and a silver jeweled gown. The competition then advances to question and answer portion with the Top 5. Harnaaz Sandhu was asked, “Many people think climate change is a hoax. What do you do to convince them otherwise?”. She answered, “Honestly, my heart breaks to see how nature is going through a lot of problems, and it’s all due to our irresponsible behavior. I totally feel like this is the time to take actions and talk less, because each action could either kill or save nature. Prevent and protect is better than repent and repair, and this is what I’m trying to convince you guys to do. Thank you.” And with her answer, she made it to Top 3 along with Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira and South Africa’s Lalela Mswane.

The Top 3 contestants was asked the same question in the final round: “What advice would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the pressures the face today?”.  Ms. Harnaaz Sandhu gave her winning answer: “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 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. I believed in myself and that’s why I’m standing here today.” And with that answer, she was crowned as the Miss Universe 2021.

Ms. Harnaaz Sandhu, like many title holders before her, will represent Miss Universe Organization until it is time to pass the crown. She will be based in New York like the previous title holders.