Harnaaz Sandhu, The new Miss Universe brings glory after 21 years

By Manupriya Verma:

 

21 years old Harnaaz Sandhu was crowned the Miss Universe title and we can’t control our happiness as after 21 years an Indian gets home this title yet again.

 

The 70th Miss Universe pageant was held in Eilat, Israel with 80 women from around the world competing for the crown. Harnaaz was crowned with the iconic Mouawad “Power of Unity” Crown, presented to her by outgoing, Andrea Meza.

The Title of Miss Universe has been won earlier by only two Indians before Sandhu – actors Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.

 

In a speech on stage during the pageant, Sandhu urged young people to “know that you are unique and that’s what makes you beautiful, stop comparing yourself to others.

 

“I believed in myself, and that’s why I’m standing here today,” she added, to loud applause from the audience. Harnaaz later on also stressed on climate change. “This is the time to take action and talk less,” she said. “Prevent and protect is better than repent and repair.”

 

Nadia Ferreira of Paraguay and Lalela Mswane of South Africa were the first and second runners-up, respectively.

 

Miss Universe India, Harnaaz credits her mother who she grew up working with at health camps, educating women about their health and menstrual hygiene. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Public Administration.