Sandhu is the third winner of the title from India, after Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta who won the prestigious spot in 1994 and 2000 respectively. Pic/AFP

She has previously won the Femina Miss India Punjab 2019 and Miss Diva Universe 2021 titles. Sandhu has also acted in Punjabi films such as 'Yaara Diyan Poo Baran' and 'Bai Ji Kuttange'. Pic/AFP

Sandhu was born and raised in Punjab. She is currently pursuing her Masters' degree in Public Administration. Pic/AFP

Her journey began when she participated in a pageant at the age of 17. Miss Chandigarh 2017 and Miss Max Emerging Star India 2018, are some of her other titles. Pic/AFP

During the final question and answer round, Sandhu was asked what advice would she give to young women on how to deal with the pressure they face today. "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's happening worldwide. This is what you need to understand. Come out, speak for yourselves because you are the leader of your life, you are the voice of your own. I believed in myself and that's why I am standing here today," she said to a thundering applause. Pic/AFP

“It has never been my journey, it has been Our journey. I began with baby steps and as I come closer to the end, I wish to thank all my panelists for being an integral part of my learning. I thank my designers for making me shine at the pageant. Thank you for moulding me into the girl you see on stage today,” Sandhu wrote on Instagram after winning the title. Pic/AFP

Now, Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu will reside in New York and participate in a number of events globally. Pic/AFP

Much like her predecessors, Sandhu revealed earlier this year that she too has Bollywood aspirations. Pic/AFP