Once Body-Shamed, This MPA Student Brings Home The Title Of 'Miss Universe 2021'

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Once Body-Shamed, This MPA Student Brings Home The Title Of 'Miss Universe 2021'

It is a badge of pride for India as a Chandigarh-based model Harnaaz Sandhu has triumphed over all and claimed the title of “Miss Universe 2021” in the 70th edition of the renowned global beauty pageant which was held in Eliat, Israel. But did you know that she is a recent IT graduate with a penchant for Public administration?

The 21-year-old beauty queen defeated Paraguay’s Nadia Ferreira and South Africa’s Lalela Mswane to win the coveted title of the latest pageant. She becomes the third Indian to be crowned as Miss universe after Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 2000.

Harnaaz Sandhu's education qualification & journey so far?

Born in the year 2000, Harnaaz completed her schooling in Chandigarh's Shivalik Public School. She is a recent graduate in Information and Technology (IT) from the Postgraduate Government College (PGC) for Girls. She is presently pursuing MA in Public Administration from the same institute.

She is also a passionate social worker. She is an integral part of the world’s largest cleft care NGO, Smiletrain. Recently, she inaugurated India’s first Cleft Leadership Centre at Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Hospital in partnership with Smiletrain.

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A post shared by Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu (@harnaazsandhu_03)

While growing up, Harnaaz used to work with her mother at health camps addressing women’s health and menstrual hygiene. A staunch advocate for our environment, she has gone door to door to spread awareness about waste management and how it ultimately can reduce landfills and land pollution.

An advocate for women’s rights

Harnaaz Sandhu has always remained a loyal advocate for women's rights, A merit that she proudly gives her mother credit for. She mentions that her mother “broke generations of patriarchy to become a successful gynaecologist and led her family”. It is true that a parent bequeaths to her child not just wealth, but also the riches of values, principles and character.

Sandhu, when asked about her take on climate change, expressed her concern about the present deterioration of nature. She went on to say "..this is the time to take actions and talk less because every action of ours can either kill or save nature. To prevent and protect is better than to repent and repair and this is what I would like to convince you all today."

Message for the youth

When asked what advice she would give to young women dealing with the difficulties they experience, Ms Sandhu responded calmly, "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.”