5 things about Harnaaz Sandhu: From being bullied, body-shamed to becoming Miss Universe
Harnaaz Sandhu, a 21-year-old model from India was crowned Miss Universe 2021 after she edged out finalists from Paraguay and South Africa. Sandhu, who hails from the Punjab state of India, is pursuing her graduate degree in Information Technology aside from being an aspiring model and dancer. Sandhu's win marked the third Miss Universe title for India after Lara Dutta was crowned in 2000 and Sushmita Sen in 1994. Sandhu was passed on the crown by Mexican model and Miss Universe 2020 Andrea Meza at the grand event held in Eilat, Israel.
Harnaaz Sandhu was congratulated by Hollywood star and former Miss World Priyanka Chopra, who tweeted, "And the new Miss Universe is... Miss India. Congratulations @HarnaazSandhu03… bringing the crown home after 21 years!" Sandhu's journey to success was no cakewalk, as the young model had previously opened up about her struggles with bullying and body-shaming in the past. Here are five lesser-known secrets about the new Miss Universe.
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Sandhu took up modeling as a teen
Harnaaz Sandhu started working as a model in her teenage years and participated in several high-profile fashion events, that eventually propelled her towards the Miss Universe pageant. Her first win at a beauty contest happened in 2017 when she was crowned Miss Chandigarh in her hometown. She also emerged among the final Top 12 of Miss India 2019 pageant. In 2021, she was also crowned Miss Diva 2021 or Miss Diva Universe.
She battled bullying and body-shaming as a child
While introducing herself at the Miss Diva 2021 event, Harnaaz Sandhu opened up about her inspiring journey to success. "From a young girl with fragile mental health who faced bullying and body shaming to a woman who emerged like a phoenix, realizing her true potential. From an individual who once doubted her own existence to a woman who is aspiring to inspire the youth. Today, I stand proudly in front of the Universe as a courageous, vivacious and compassionate woman who is all set to lead a life with a purpose, and to leave behind a remarkable legacy."
Sandhu is inspired by her mother, a successful gynecologist
Sandhu had shared how she was inspired by her mother who overcame patriarchy and sexism to become a successful gynaecologist. An active social worker, she helped Sandhu learn the importance of raising awareness about feminine hygiene among lesser privileged women. Inspired by her mother, Harnaaz Sandhu organized a free health camp for women during her Miss Diva tenure. "The camp was about breast and cervical cancer awareness. I urged women not to hesitate to talk about feminine hygiene concerns as it is imperative to break the stigma around it," she shared later.
Sandhu is a climate change activist
While speaking on the issues of Global Warming and Climate Change, Sandhu beautifully stated, "One day, life will flash before your eyes, make sure it's worth watching. However, this is not the life you want to watch, where the climate is changing and the environment is dying. It is one of the fiasco that us humans have done to the environment. I do believe that we still have time to undo our irresponsible behavior. Earth is all we have in common and our small acts as individuals when multiplied by billions can transform the whole world. Start now, from tonight, switch off those extra lights when not in use. Thank you."
Sandhu is an avid poet
Harnaaz Sandhu, who is fluent in three languages including English, Hindi, and Punjabi, loves writing couplets. She often enjoys penning couplets and poems in her mother tongue Punjabi.