Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu

It has been a "overwhelming experience" for Harnaaz Sandhu, the freshly crowned Miss Universe 2021, who has received numerous calls, congratulations messages, and a massive outpouring of love and wishes from all around the country. "All of this is still amazing to me," Harnaaz says after winning the country's coveted crown after 21 years. "The only term that comes to mind to describe how I feel is amazing," she says.

Hearing my country's name, 'India,' uttered on that platform (when the winner was declared) was an experience I'll never forget. I cried, as did everyone else in the room. We had been waiting for this day for 21 years, and I couldn't believe it was finally here. Harnaaz says, "It's still unbelievable to me."

The model and actor from Chandigarh, who began her career in beauty pageants as the winner of Chandigarh Times Fresh Face 2017, says her drive to give her all and represent her country kept her motivated throughout her journey to become Miss Universe 2021. "I've always felt that staying calm and humble is the key to conquering anything.

So that's something I've always done, and even during the pageant, there were times when I felt overwhelmed, but I maintained my composure. I made the decision to give it my all to anything that came my way, regardless of the outcome. Being a part of this pageant has been a fantastic learning experience for me, and I've noticed a significant improvement.

"I am more confident now, and I never stopped believing in myself," Harnaaz says, adding that she is grateful for all of the love and well wishes she has gotten since winning the Miss Universe title.

"What advise would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the challenges they face today?" Harnaaz was asked during the final stages of the Miss Universe Pageant. And everyone was blown away by her response. "Today's youth are under a lot of pressure to believe in themselves. Recognize that you are one-of-a-kind, and that this is what makes you attractive. Stop comparing yourself to others and instead focus on the more pressing issues that are affecting the planet. This, I believe, is what you must comprehend. Come out and stand up for yourself because you are the master of your own destiny. You are your own person with your own voice. "I believed in myself, which is why I'm here today." Harnaaz claims that she has always believed in this and that she spoke from her heart.

"I'm delighted I now have a platform from which to reach out to other women who are ready for a change." "I believe I now have a chance to speak to more women about how to empower themselves to effect change," Harnaaz says.

Andrea Meza, 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: actresses Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.

Put your hands together for the magnificent ten who made it to the Top 10 of the Miss Universe pageant's 70th edition! The coronation event, which is being held in Eliat, Israel, has created quite a stir and is being televised LIVE in 172 countries. With over 80 queens contending for the title, ten lovely ladies have advanced to the second round of the famous international competition, putting them one step closer to victory!