India s Harnaaz Sandhu takes the crown at Miss Universe 2021
Harnaaz Sandhu of India has been crowned the 70th Miss Universe_ topping a field of some 80 contestants in a pageant that was touched by politics and the pandemic.
The previously reigning Miss Universe_ Andrea Meza of Mexico_ crowned her successor_ a 21-year-old model_ early on Monday in the Israeli Red Sea resort town of Eilat.
She took the crown for India 21 years after Lara Dutta won the title in 2000_ reports private broadcaster NDTV.
The 21-year-old from Punjab was accompanied by Paraguay's Nadia Ferreira and South Africa's Lalela Mswane on the podium.
Andrea Meza_ Miss Universe 2020 from Mexico_ presented the crown to Sandhu_ NDTV said.
The Chandigarh-based model is the third Indian to take the prize. The previous winners were Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.
"The biggest pressure the youth of today face is believing in themselves_ to know that you are unique and that's what makes you beautiful_ Sandhu said in her acceptance speech.
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 your own voice. I believed in myself and that's why I am standing here today_" Sandhu said.
Sandhu_ who started her journey in pageantry at the age of 17_ has previously been crowned Miss Diva 2021_ Femina Miss India Punjab 2019 and placed in the Top 12 at Femina Miss India 2019_ according to NDTV.
She has also worked in Punjabi films like "Yaara Diyan Poo Baran" and "Bai Ji Kuttange".
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