TORONTO: 2021 Year-end- A look back at Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu’s inspiring journey from Miss Diva to Miss Universe

TORONTO: “If you believe in yourself anything is possible”, is the saying that Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu truly follows.

Born in the beautiful city of Chandigarh, Harnaaz Sandhu is studied her master’s degree in public administration. The stunning queen loves acting, dancing, swimming, and horse riding.

A look back at Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu’s inspiring journey from Miss Diva to Miss Universe

It was never easy to follow her dreams and conquer her goals as she was an introvert, was bullied for having a thin body, and was body-shamed for her external beauty. “I think I have overcome that by believing in my own strength and by believing that every individual is unique and that what makes them different. It was all possible because of my mom’s support. She has always been my hero and made me believe in my strength. My family plays a significant role in my worst stage. If I’m able to sit here and talk about myself with confidence, it’s all because of my family,” she said, speaking about how she overcame it with her family support.

She began her journey at the age of 17 and was a part of Times Fresh Face in 2017, where she received the opportunity to represent her city Chandigarh at the national level. She believes that was the turning point of her life. She then participated in Femina Miss India in 2019, and I was crowned Femina Miss India Punjab and finally made it to the Top 12. However, she wasn’t ready to quit without a fight.

Following her ultimate goal to make her family and country proud Harnaaz work hard to make her dream come true, and after years of struggle, she was crowned LIVA Miss Diva Universe 2021.

Talking about her victory, she said, “It definitely feels overwhelming. It is such a huge responsibility. I feel very happy and grateful to each one who supported me and had faith in my ability and skills since day one. But at the same time, I think it’s time to realize that it’s done, the finale is over, and I need to return to reality and work because I have only around 40 days to prepare for Miss Universe.

It’s been 21 years since India won its last crown, and it is the 70th edition of Miss Universe. I plan to make the best out of this opportunity and make my country proud. It surely is a challenge for me and the whole organization as we have a brief span to help me prepare for the coveted crown.”

Harnaaz always wanted to be called India on an international platform. She wants to leave behind a remarkable legacy that would inspire thousands of individuals. Holding the Indian tricolor flag at the Mumbai International airport, Harnaaz departed to Israel to represent India at Miss Universe and to win the crown back for India with her grit and determination!

Harnaaz raised the temperature in pink swimwear at the swimsuit round and slays in a shimmery gown at the evening gown round of Miss Universe 2021. She looked extremely graceful and confident in both the round, with the Indian sash worned close to her heart.

The stunner sparked ethereal vibes on the international platform, during the national costume round at Miss Universe 2021. The costume embodies the spirit of a woman as the protector. It showcases the royal Indian Rani or Queen on the outside. Its elements are symbolic of the protective instinct of a woman. The key elements of the national costume are ‘mirrors’ and ‘the umbrella.’ The beautiful piece of art was put together by designer Abhinav Mishra and the custom prop was by Reza Shariffi.

During the grand finale, Harnaaz was questioned,”What advice would you give to young women watching, on how to deal with the pressures they face today?”

Harnaaz touched every heart with her response; she said, “Well, I think 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 yourself with others, and let’s talk about more important things happening worldwide. I think this is what you need to understand. 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’s why I’m standing here today. Thank you.”

With her hard work and dedication, Harnaaz Sandhu has created history and won the title of Miss Universe 2021. A total of 81 delegates from across the globe participated in the prestigious international pageant. Harnaaz received the crown from last year’s winner, Andrea Meza, who took the stage to announce her successor towards the end of the evening.

The other two top honours went to Miss Paraguay 2021 Nadia Ferreira, who was declared first runner-up, followed by Miss Universe South Africa 2021 Lalela Mswane, who was adjudged, second runner-up.

“Everything around me has surely changed, but I, as Harnaaz, have remained the same. I have definitely become clearer with my vision and more confident about the issues that I want to talk about. But that humble, grounded, innocent girl is still the same”, she said, talking about how her life change after being crowned Miss Universe 2021.

The queen of the universe received overwhelming love and a very warm welcome during her arrival at the Mumbai International Airport. She looked adorable in a red gown and the tricolor in her hand.

Harnaaz has made us all so proud! Wishing her all the best in all her future endeavours.