Be unique, believe in yourself: Miss Universe Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu

Naina Mishra
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, December 13

“You are unique and that’s what makes you beautiful. Stop comparing yourself with others.” This heart-stealing closing statement of Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu at the Miss Universe, 2021, pageant has a distinctive relevance from her early years.

Also read: Menstrual hygiene, films high on Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu's agenda

'Har Hindustani Ki Naz': Celebs congratulate Harnaaz Sandhu

Can't take my eyes off the crown: Harnaaz Sandhu

It’s so much more than just glamour, says Harnaaz Sandhu

Watching her narrate the same words which she used to recite in the morning assembly at school made her teachers feel nostalgic. “Be unique. Believe in yourself. Don’t compare yourself” is what Harnaaz used to recite in the morning assembly. Her thoughts were always inclined towards being unique even as a child. She would always come up on stage and echo those words and there was a clear distinction in her thought process. Hearing her recite the same words was so endearing and emotional, said her teacher, Preetinder, who taught her English in Class VIII.

Also read: Here's the question that won Harnaaz Sandhu her Miss Universe title

'Chak De Phatte': What Harnaaz Sandhu said after she won Miss Universe

“These were her pet sentences as she was a firm believer in what she preached on the global stage,” said another teacher. Sandhu studied for six years at Shivalik Public School, Sector 41-B, Chandigarh. “I recall her as a girl with a calm and composed demeanour. She was articulate and would often express herself with poise and elegance. She was a quiet child otherwise and amiable. Watching her performance on the big stage makes me feel she possessed all these qualities right from the beginning,” said Kulmit, who taught her in Class X.

Her class teacher in Class VI, Inderjeet, who taught her for three years, recollects, “I remember Harnaaz from her beautiful smile. She would lit up the whole classroom with her smile. I would tell children in my class that be the first to greet someone with a smile. Whenever I used to see someone without a smile, I used to tell Harnaaz to give them a smile.”

Her favourite cup of tea was extracurricular activities as she would always participate in dance competitions and other activities. She would come in traditional attires and was rooted in her culture, said Inderjeet.

“A firm believer in pursuing her dreams, she has accomplished her long cherished dream. Harnaaz’s feat has made all of us proud,” said Gurkiran Jeet, Principal of Shivalik Public School.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.