The much-anticipated event of the year; ‘the 70th Miss Universe pageant’ has come to end and India’s Harnaaz Sandhu has been crowned Miss Universe 2021.

The event which took place on Sunday, 13 December marks the end of a controversial contest held in southern Israel.

The contest was hosted by comedian Steve Harvey who asked What advice would you give to young women on how to deal with the pressures they face today?”

She replied.

“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 are 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,” she said.

The competition was held in the resort town of Elliot, with 80 women from around the world competing for the crown. Sunday night was the last day of the competition, with the number of finalists being reduced to the last two.

Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira and South Africa’s Lalela Maswane were the first and second runners-up respectively.

She beat 80 contestants, including first runner-up Miss Paraguay Nadia Ferreira, and second runner-up Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane, to make it to the top.

She took the opportunity to spread a message on climate change. When asked, “many people think climate change is a hoax, what would you do to convince them otherwise?”

She said, “My heart breaks to see how nature is going through a lot of problems, and it is all due to our irresponsible behaviour. I totally feel that this is the time to take action and talk less. Because every action could save or kill nature. Preventing and protecting is better than repent and repair and this is what I am trying to convince you guys today.”

The crown was presented by Andrea Meza, Miss Universe 2020 from Mexico.

After announcing her victory, she celebrated with other contestants on stage in front of a camera shouting, “Chak de phatte India,” a Punjabi exclamation meaning “Let’s do this, India!”

Harnaaz Sandhu has made the country proud by winning the coveted Miss Universe 2021 title after over two decades. Previously, only two Indians have worn the crown – Sushmita Sen in 1994, and Lara Dutta in 2000.

Congratulations Harnaaz Sandhu