India's Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu Brings Home Miss Universe 2021 Crown After Lara Dutta and Sushmita Sen

India's Harnaaz Sandhu is the new Miss Universe, 21 years after Lara Dutta won the title in 2000 after she beat contestants from 80 countries to win the Miss Universe title. Ms Sandhu represented India today at the 70th Miss Universe 2021, held in Eilat, Israel. Before the Chandigarh-based model, only two Indians have won the title of Miss Universe - actors Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.

The new Miss Universe is...India!!!! #MISSUNIVERSE pic.twitter.com/DTiOKzTHl4

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) December 13, 2021

India had won this title 21 years ago when Lara Dutta was crowned Miss Universe in 2000. Before that, actress Sushmita Sen was given the title in 1994. Including Sandhu, so far only three Indians have bagged the title of Miss Universe.

During the final round, Sandhu was asked what advice she would give to young women on how to deal with the pressure they face today. Her reply invited a thundering applause.

Finally the great day has come! I feel very fortunate to represent my beloved country, have no doubt that I will do my best to get the crown for India, that is the great goal of all, and today one of us will finally be able to fulfill it. #MissUniverse #MissIndia pic.twitter.com/JQ0xh1k49K

— Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu (@HarnaazSandhu03) December 12, 2021

She said,

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.

Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu is pursuing her master's degree in public administration. She started her journey in pageantry at the age of 17 when she won Times Fresh Face in 2017, representing Chandigarh. She later also won the LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2021 title.

The 70th Miss Universe Winner Prize is about $250,000 (including sponsor perks), and the delegate who will be Miss Universe 2021 will take about the $250,000 prize home with herself.

Her achievements as Winner are Miss Glamorous Look 2019, Miss Diva 2021, Miss Diva Universe 2021 and Miss Universe Pageant 70th Edition, 2021.