I am a strong girl, ready to break stigmas: Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu

Back in her hometown Chandigarh three months after being crowned

Miss Universe 2021

, Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu could hardly contain her emotions. “I feel very proud that I am from Chandigarh, not only because I grew up here but also because now that I have travelled to many countries, I know this is one of the cleanest cities. Wherever I went, people would play songs on Chandigarh. This city’s contribution extends till Bollywood too,” she said on the second day of her homecoming on Wednesday. JW Marriott Hotel Chandigarh played the perfect host as hospitality partner to the luxurious staycation of Harnaaz’ homecoming.

‘My father always tells me, never lose yourself’

My father always tells me, never lose yourself amid the lights. My parents are confident about my decisions and don’t interfere. Though my father was initially skeptical about me entering this industry, like most dads, I gave him security saying that your daughter is different. Mom has empowered me from the girl next door to becoming the woman of her dreams, bringing experiences of her own circumstances and challenges and the ones I faced. I realise that life is unpredictable, and you need to make the most of every challenge, it’s now or never. I want to be that strong girl who is ready to break stigmas and make choices wisely. My mom broke out of the stereotypes of a patriarchal community while I continue to overcome bullying over physical changes.

‘I don’t need to clarify my physical changes to those who cannot respect others’

Women have so many hormonal changes and we cannot look the same. I was first bullied because I was skinny at 14, and now I am 22 and being bullied again for physical changes. People don’t know about my celiac disease and the diet limitations I struggle with and bully me for looking different. I don’t need to clarify to those who can’t respect others, because such people don’t respect themselves either. In the entertainment industry also I’m looking forward to changing the mindset about how people perceive women.

‘Women’s menstrual hygiene and health education is now a global agenda for me’

My agenda of menstrual hygiene and women’s health education remains paramount. If we can end period poverty and educate women about their health, half the job is done. I got the opportunity to be Miss Universe from India but now I am a global citizen because my goal, that of empowering women, is a global issue and demands addressing at the global level.

‘I believe life is unpredictable, and COVID has only reiterated that’

I have been empowered internally through spirituality and yoga, and I balance the spiritual and materialistic world. If it’s not right in your head, you cannot deliver it. I believe life is unpredictable, and COVID has only reiterated that. After 10 years I want to be known as a successful human being who created her own legacy and had faith in the beliefs she started out with, and who stayed humble.

Harnaaz met the newly elected Punjab CM, Bhagwant Mann in Chandigarh on Wednesday.

Harnaaz

said, "Seeing the good work Bhagwantji is doing, I would be keen on supporting him for initiatives involving women empowerment."
For the

homecoming parade

and the CM meet, Harnaaz was styled by Bharat Gupta; Outfit by Rimple and Harpreet; Jewellery by Karishma.joolry; Makeup by Mannat Gill; Hair by Muskan Manhas; Hospitality Partner- JW Marriott Hotel ChandigarhFor the family dinner, Harnaaz was styled by Bharat Gupta; Outfit by Anamik Akhanna; Jewellery at Meraki Mumbai; Makeup by Mannat Gill; Hair by Muskan Manhas