Dr Manju Antil (Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist)

Harnaaz was crowned Miss Universe 2021 after defeating Nadia Ferreira of Paraguay and Lalela Mswane of South Africa.

She was in the top three round, along with Nadia Ferreira and Lalela Mswane, where the contestants were asked a poignant question.

"What advice would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?" was the question posed to the finalists.

Harnaaz's response to the question was quite inspiring. "Well, I believe that the most significant pressure on today's youth is to believe in themselves. To understand that you are unique and that this is what makes you beautiful, stop comparing yourself to others and let's talk about more important things that are going on in the world. This, I believe, is what you need to understand. Come out and speak up for yourself, because you are the mastermind of your own life. You are your own [life's] voice. I believe in myself, which is why I'm here today. Thank you very much "She stated.

https://twitter.com/MissUniverse/status/1470220584869154831?s=20

When asked the same question, Nadia, the first runner-up, said, "I've been through a lot in my life. But I overcame it. So I want all women, all people who are watching right now, to join forces and do what you're meant to do because you can do it. You can always triumph over adversity. Thank you."

South African Lalela Mswane stated, "I would implore young women today to choose courage over comfort at every opportunity. I'd also like young women to understand that since the beginning of time, they've had the ability to achieve anything they set their minds to. Unfortunately, the world persuaded us that we did not. Thank you."

Before Harnaaz, only two Indians had won the Miss Universe title: Sushmita Sen in 1994 and Lara Dutta in 1998.