India's Harnaaz Sandhu crowned Miss Universe 2021

The 21-year-old Punjabi girl, representing India at the 70th Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel, won the title 21 years after Lara Dutta did in 2000. She came ahead of off Paraguay and South Africa to win the competition. Ms Andrea Meza, former Miss Universe 2020 from Mexico, presented Sandhu with the crown at the event, which was live-streamed around the world. She had previously been crowned Miss Diva 2021 and became the third Indian woman to be crowned Miss Universe.

Miss Paraguay and Miss South Africa were the first and second runners-up, respectively.

"What advice would you give to young ladies watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?" the contestants were asked during the top three round.

To this, Harnaaz 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."

After her passionate response, in which she called for less talk and more action, the beauty made it to the top three.

In the top 5 she was asked "Many people think climate change is a hoax, what would you do to convince them otherwise?" Harnaaz impressed all when she said, "My heart breaks to see how nature is going through a lot of problems, and it is all due to our irresponsible behaviour. I totally feel that this is the time to take action and talk less. Because our each action could save or kill nature. Prevent and protect is better than repent and repair and this is what I am trying to convince you guys today."

The model actress was crowned Miss Universe India 2021 in October. Harnaaz started her beauty pageant journey with Times Fresh Face back in 2017. The 21-year-old diva is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Public Administration. She holds multiple pageant titles like Femina Miss India Punjab 2019, as well. She has also starred in many Punjabi films.

Sandhu was born and raised in Chandigarh in a Sikh family. She attended Shivalik Public School and the Post Graduate Government College for Girls, both in Chandigarh. Sandhu began competing in pageantry as a teenager, winning titles such as Miss Chandigarh 2017 and Miss Max Emerging Star India 2018. After winning the title of Femina Miss India Punjab 2019, Sandhu competed in Femina Miss India, where she ultimately placed in the Top 12. During the preliminary competition held on 22 September, Sandhu won the Miss Beautiful Skin award and became a finalist for Miss Beach Body, Miss Beautiful Smile, Miss Photogenic, and Miss Talented.