Harnaaz Sandhu has been crowned Miss Universe for the first time in 21 years, replacing Lara Dutta, who won the title in 2000.
Ms. Sandhu competed in the 70th Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Eilat, Israel, today.
She defeated Nadia Ferreira of Paraguay and Lalela Mswane of South Africa.
Andrea Meza, a former Miss Universe 2020 from Mexico, presented Ms. Sandhu with the crown.
Only two Indians have won the Miss Universe title before the Chandigarh-based model: actors Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta in 1994 and 2000, respectively.
When asked what advise she would provide to young women dealing with the difficulties they experience, Ms. Sandhu responded calmly, "the biggest pressure the youth of today is facing is to believe in themselves, 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's happening worldwide."
"This is what you need to understand. Come out, speak for yourselves because you are the leader of your life, you are the voice of your own. I believed in myself and that's why I am standing here today," Ms Sandhu said confidently.
Ms Sandhu, who began her pageant career when she was 17, won Femina Miss India Punjab 2019 and finished in the Top 12 in Femina Miss India 2019. She also took home the title of Miss Diva 2021.
She has made appearances Punjabi films, "Yaara Diyan Poo Baran" and "Bai Ji Kuttange."
