Harnaaz Sandhu, the new Miss Universe

India’s Harnaaz Sandhu has been crowned as the new Miss Universe, this is the third time that India has obtained the first place in this contest which celebrated its 70th edition yesterday in the Israeli city of Eilat.

The Indian thus dethroned the Mexican Andrea Meza, after prevailing today over the Paraguayan Nadia Ferreira, who finished second, and the South African Mswane, third.

This Sunday’s gala took place at the Universe Arena stadium, built for the occasion, and which was far from full due to the ban on the entry of tourists decreed two weeks ago by Israel to stop the advance of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Sandhu, 21, from the Indian city of Chandigarh, is a well-known actress in her country and an activist for women’s rights, especially when it comes to access to education. She studies a master’s degree in public administration.

Throughout the contest, Sandhu stood out for her mastery of the stage, especially in the last round of questions, in which she had to answer what advice she would give young women to deal with current pressures.

“Know that you are unique and that is what makes you beautiful. Stop comparing yourself to others and let’s talk about other more important things that are happening in the world,” she said.

On climate change, the current Miss Universe highlighted “my heart breaks to see how nature is going through so many problems and it’s because of our irresponsible behavior“.

Then she added: “I am convinced that this is the time to take action and to speak less, because every action can kill or save nature. Preventing and protecting is better than repenting and repairing, that’s what I’m trying to convince you of today”.

In her spare time she practices yoga, cooks, rides horses, and plays chess. She likes to swim and do imitations, including animals. Her mother tongue is Punjabi and she writes poems in it.

The musical shows were in charge of the Israeli Noa Kirel, the American JoJo and a group of local musicians led by Harel Skaat, while the presenter of the contest was again Steve Harvey.