Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu of India is the new Miss Universe. She was crowned by outgoing queen Andrea Meza of Mexico at Universe Dome, Port of Eilat in Eilat, South District, Israel on Dec. 12 (Dec. 13 in Manila).
The 21-year-old beauty is a model and a public administrator who also advocates sustainability and limiting one's carbon footprint. She was crowned Miss Diva 2021 in September, which earned her the right to represent India at Miss Universe 2021. She was previously crowned as Femina Miss India Punjab 2019 and placed in the Top 12 at Femina Miss India 2019.
Harnaaz is the third Indian woman to win the coveted Miss Universe crown. Previous winners were Sushmita Sen (1994), and Lara Dutta (2000).
During the final question and answer, the Top 3 finalists were asked the same question: "What advice would you give dvice to young women watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?"
Miss India answered: "Well, I think the biggest pressure the youth is facing today is to believe in themselves." According to her, the youth need to know that they are unique and loved for these make them stronger. "Let's stop comparing yourselves to others and let's talk about more important things that are happening worldwide. I think this is the thing you need to do for yourself — come out, because you are the hero of your own. You have a life of your own. I believed in myself and that's why I'm standing here today."
First runner-up is Paraguay's Nadia Ferreira and second runner-up is South Africa's Lalela Lali Mswane.
Meanwhile, Philippines’ Beatrice Luigi Gomez made a Top 5 finish.
Miss Universe 2021 is the 70th edition of the annual pageant.