‘Given a chance, women can conquer the world’

A tete-e-tete with Harnaaz Sandhu

Breaking the mould, broadening horizons, celebrating one’s heritage and sharing those of others – these are what inspire the new Miss Universe, and motivate her to push frontiers further

LIPIKA VARMA

QWhat did you learn from your contest experience? I got to learn a lot. I understood the value of time. The Miss Universe contest was held during the pandemic and it didn’t stop us! So I also realized that we women are unstoppable!

Q

Sharing our culture with participants and learning about theirs.

What did you value most from the experience?

Q

both beauty Not only Indian women, but women all round the world are intelligent and also multitaskers. From my own life, I can tell you about my mom, who is a gynaecologist, and the breadwinner of the family. She has also made a home for us. I'm hugely proud that my mom has broken the patriarchal mould.

We have seen during the Covid times, how beautifully women have tackled the situation. They have set an example. If given a chance, women can conquer the world with a smile.

Indian women have and brains. Agree?

Q

You said your mother is the breadwinner. What about your dad?

No offense to my father. He calls me Sherni (tigress). But I share a very close bond with my mom.

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for women Whenever I felt awkward talking about my health, my mom, being a gynaecologist, made sure that I was comfortable. This is what I want to talk about when it comes to women empowerment. Women not only from our country but all over the world are reluctant to talk about aspects of their health — like when it comes to breast cancer. This will change only when we start talking to them. Only then will women learn to open up.

It’s essential that we know the purpose of our life. We have to be strong, and be healthy to achieve what we set out to achieve. We need to make women realize that their health needs to be prioritized.

When I start my journey of women empowerment with the Miss Universe organisation it will be a huge initiative. I want to make a difference to society!

What will you do empowerment?

We have seen during the Covid times, how beautifully women have tackled the situation. They have set an example. If given a chance, women can conquer the world

— Harnaaz

Q

What is your beauty and fitness mantra? What do you do on a daily basis?

I do yoga and meditation. It’s important to keep the mind, body and soul connected; and that comes when we are thinking positively.