Miss Universe 2021: Harnaaz Sandhu, from India, is the winner

Miss India has won the beauty pageant with a strong message for people to stop comparing themselves to others.

The representative of India, Harnaaz Sandhu, was crowned Miss Universe on Monday in the Israeli city of Eilat in an edition marked by calls to boycott the pageant in support of the Palestinians. Only two Indians before Sandhu won the title of Miss Universe – Sushmita Sen (1994) and Lara Dutta (2000).

Sandhu, 21, from the Indian city of Chandigarh, is a well-known actress in her country and an activist for women’s rights, especially in terms of access to education.

During the ceremony, in the final question before her coronation, the young woman sent a message to young women around the world: “I think the biggest pressure the youth of today is facing is to believe in themselves”, she told Harvey. “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 are 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”, she added. “And that’s why I’m standing here today”.

Sandhu also spoke about how she’d convince people that climate change isn’t a hoax.  “Honestly, my heart breaks to see how nature is going through a lot of problems, and it’s all due to our irresponsible behaviour”, she said. “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 today”.

Sandhu also spoke about how she’d convince people that climate change isn’t a hoax.  “Honestly, my heart breaks to see how nature is going through a lot of problems, and it’s all due to our irresponsible behaviour”, she said. “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 today”.

Sandhu started her journey in pageantry when she won Times Fresh Face in 2017, representing Chandigarh at the age of 17. She later won the LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2021 title. Sandhu is also currently working as an actress. She has done two Punjabi feature films that will be released soon, including “Yaara Diyan Poo Baran” and “Bai Ji Kuttange.”

His quote: “Wonderful things happen to those who never stop believing, trying, learning and being grateful”.