No better way to start the week than by hearing this… #MissUniverse #MissUniverse2021 #HarnaazSandhu #india
pic.twitter.com/moyhkhTudW— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) December 13, 2021
The coveted Miss Universe title has finally returned home — after 21 years — as Chandigarh-born Harnaaz Sandhu was declared the winner of the 70th edition of the pageant on Sunday night in Eliat, Israel.Lara Dutta had last won the title in 2000.In second place was Miss Paraguay Nadia Ferreira, followed by Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane. As per her Miss Universe delegate bio, Harnaaz, a Punjabi, draws inspiration from her mother, who “broke generations of patriarchy to become a successful gynecologist and led her family”.
Driven to support other women the same way, Harnaaz grew up working with her mother at health camps addressing women’s health and menstrual hygiene. Deeply conscious of the privilege her mother’s struggles have gifted her, Harnaaz today is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, particularly their constitutional rights to education, careers, and their freedom of choice,” the bio reads.
Harnaaz, who is an actor by profession, is inspired by actor and Miss World 2000 Priyanka Chopra and her body of work.
Golden words that will be reiterated for the future from Sandhu’s winning answer!
When asked what advice you would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?
Well, I think that the biggest pressure the youth of today is facing is to believe in themselves. Two, know that you are unique that is what makes you beautiful. Stop comparing yourself to others and lets talk about more important things happening world wide. I think this is what they need to understand. Come out and speak for yourself because you are the leader of your life and you a voice of your own. I believed in myself and that is why i am standing here today
Sandhu loves the company of friends, loves yoga, dancing, cooking, horse riding, and playing chess. She is a water baby and never misses a chance to jump into a pool to rejuvenate herself. She believes in the saying – “Great things happen to those who don’t stop believing, trying, learning, and being grateful,” reads her delegate bio.
*She can “mimic almost anyone including animals”
*She is a “closet singer”
*Loves “writing couplets in my mother tongue Punjabi”