In Eliat, Israel on December 13, 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu was selected over 80 contestants and crowned Miss Universe, becoming the third entrant from India to win the title. Earlier this year the Latino Commission On AIDS once again joined with the Miss Universe Organization to help bring an end to HIV/AIDS. It’s a tradition that goes back fifteen years.
We sat down with Sandhu, who was named Madrina for the Organization’s Cielo Latino Gala to discuss this meaningful honor, her experience as reigning queen, and her message to close out this life changing year.

Preparations are now underway for the 2023 contest, which will be held in New Orleans on January 14.  Telemundo has revealed Jacky Bracamontes and Cristián de la Fuente will be their hosts.

Advancing to the Top 3 in last year’s Miss Universe pageant, in the final question and answer portion, the top three contestants were asked the same question by host Steve Harvey: “What advice would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?”
Sandhu replied, “I think the biggest pressure the youth of today is facing is to believe in themselves. To know that you are unique and that is what makes you beautiful, stop comparing yourselves with others and let’s talk about more important things that’s happening worldwide. I think this is what you need to understand, come out, speak for yourself 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.”

In her capacity as Miss Universe, Sandhu has traveled to various cities within the United States, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, South Africa, Colombia, Thailand, and her home country of India. She took on many causes, using the universal platform to make a difference.

Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu – 2022 ‘MADRINA’ Of The Latino Commission On AIDS

HOMBRE: How has been your experience with the Latino Commission of AIDS?
Harnaaz Sandhu: We know we are celebrating fifteen years of the Miss Universe Organization working with the Latino Commission on AIDS, but then again it has been thirty one years of the Latino Commission on AIDS working to put an end to this illness.
I want to congratulate the organization, and I will definitely lend my strong support and do my best with the honor of being Madrina and try to break this big taboo.

H: What does it mean to you being named Madrina of the Latino Commission on AIDS, and the annual Cielo Latino Gala?
HS: This is a very important thing that we are trying to create together. I am so grateful.

H: What does the Madrina title entail?
HS: It’s a big honor and responsibility, just as being Miss Universe is a responsibility.
It’s about having this responsibility and faith that you can help them conquer this issue and stop it. I’m really happy and excited. It’s always a pleasure to work with the Latino Commission on AIDS. They have been saving so many lives for years and years.

H: What has been your best experience as Miss Universe?
HS: There is still time left. That’s a question you should ask me after I pass on my crown.
There are so many things happening and so many things that have happened. Stay tuned.

Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu photographed exclusively for HOMBRE Magazine by Paul Tirado

H: You have traveled to so many nations, what is the key to communicating with different cultures?
HS: In the end it’s all about love. Love has the power to heal all the problems. Language is just a barrier in our minds.

H: What are your thoughts on finalizing your reign as Miss Universe?
HS: Your message needs to become great, and that starts with love.
I become stronger every single day and I’ve learned something about myself. There’s so much more to do. I’m happy to be here.

H: Going back to last year, were there Latin contestants that you spent time with throughout the concentration?
H: I spent a lot of time with Miss Honduras, we used to be almost together because of the alphabet (contestants compete based on their country’s first letter in the alphabet – Honduras, India). I enjoyed my time and I got to know about her country and I hope soon I get to visit this beautiful country of Honduras.

Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu – 2022 ‘MADRINA’ Of The Latino Commission On AIDS

H: As we end the year, what is the message that you want to share?
HS: My message is to love yourself before you expect to be loved by someone else. There’s nobody like you and that’s what makes you unique and what makes you beautifully confident.

H: That message echoes your answer to the question from the jury on the final night of Miss Universe.
HS: Just be you, never change for someone, if you want to change, change for yourself. Remember, everything happens for a reason.
Look at things positively and you can conquer anything. If you can do that nobody can stop you.

Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu photographed exclusively for the cover of HOMBRE Magazine by Paul Tirado