Actress- Model Harnaaz Sandhu made history on Monday as she was crowned Miss Universe 2021 — beating contestants from 80 countries — 21 years after India last brought home the title.
Only two Indians before Model Harnaaz Sandhu have won the title of Miss Universe — actresses Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.
The 70th edition of the event was held in Eilat, Israel, where the 21-year-old bagged the coveted pageant.
The Chandigarh-based model, who is pursuing her master’s degree in public administration, was crowned by her predecessor Andrea Meza of Mexico, who won the pageant in 2020.
While Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira, 22, finished second, South Africa’s Lalela Mswane, 24, came third.
“I am immensely grateful to the Almighty, my parents, and the Miss India Organisation for guiding and supporting me throughout.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Harnaaz Sandhu on being crowned Miss Universe.
Loads of love to everyone who prayed and wished the crown for me,” Sandhu said.
“Bringing the glorious crown back after 21 years to India is a moment of greatest pride,” she said.
During the final question and answer round, Sandhu was asked what advice would she give to young women on how to deal with the pressure they face today.
