It’s official: Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu is the new Miss Universe 2021!
Last year’s winner, Andrea Meza, passed on the $5 million Mouawad Power of Unity crown to the 21-year-old model and beauty queen at the Universe Dome in Eilat, Israel this December 13, 2021.
Harnaaz beat out 79 other contestants for the elusive title. She's the third Indian Miss Universe, after Lara Dutta in 2000 and Sushmita Sen in 1994.
During the final Q&A, Harnaaz was asked what advice she'd give young women when it comes to dealing with the pressures they're facing today.
The beauty queen replied, "I think 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. 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 [life]. I believe in myself and that's why I'm standing here today. Thank you."
Watch Harnaaz's winning moment below:
Miss Paraguay Nadia Ferreira and Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane were named the first and second runners-up respectively.
The Philippines's bet, Bea Gomez, finished her Miss Universe run with a still impressive Top 5 finish.
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