<strong><em>Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu passes on the crown, while Miss Diva Universe 2022 Divita Rai gets placed in the Top 16!</em></strong>

15th January 2023, New Orleans: The Miss Universe pageant took place on the 14th of January 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana, US, where young talents from over 80 countries across the globe competed for the coveted crown. The graceful Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu took her final walk before crowning USA's R'Bonney Gabriel as Miss Universe 2022. Venezuela's Amanda Dudamel was announced the first runner-up, while Dominican Republic's Andreina Martinez was the second runner-up.

Miss Diva Universe 2022 Divita Rai, who wore an exquisite silver, champagne, and gold ombre gown designed by celebrated fashion designer duo Falguni and Shane Peacock, entered into the prestigious Top 16 category, making her motherland very proud. For the national costume round, Divita wore intense gold metallic hand embellishments and the handwoven tissue fabric from Chanderi that reflected the optimism of India’s economic resurgence on the global stage.

Harnaaz, who wore a gorgeous black gown, became emotional as she walked the ramp one last time as the reigning Miss Universe. The pageant competitors applauded enthusiastically for her. Her black gown featured Miss Universe 1994 Sushmita Sen's and Miss Universe 2000 Lara Dutta’s pageant-winning moment printed on the back. Walking up the stage, she waved to the audience, folded her hands in Namaste, and blew kisses, as tears rolled down her cheeks.

As she took over the stage, a short voiceover was also played- "I was 17 years old when I first took the stage and since then becoming Miss Universe was my goal. I've been given the megaphone on a worldwide stage to present the topic of menstrual equity before world leaders asking them to keep this conversation ongoing." She expressed gratitude towards the Miss Universe Organisation for making her voice heard. 

In a message to Miss Universe 2022, Harnaz Sandhu added, "Remember to live this year to the fullest because tomorrow is never promised. Namaste Universe."

Harnaaz Sandhu made India proud by bringing home the coveted Miss Universe crown after 21 years, after Sushmita Sen and Lara Dutta. As her reigning year comes to an end, she shares a note with all - “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step at a time through dedication, faith, and gratitude. Mine began at LIVA Miss Diva 2021 & it has been a beautifully confident journey filled with a richness of courage, empowerment and a never give up attitude preparing me for the next journey of my life. As I move forward on my own quest, I pass this torch to my successor to dream big and create her own legacy of leaving no stone unturned and writing the story of her own life.”

Throughout her reigning years, Harnaaz has been advocating women empowerment and body positivity and encouraging women across the globe to embrace and love themselves the way they are.

Further on, in the cinematic front, Harnaaz Sandhu will be seen on the big screen with her movie - ‘Bai Ji Kuttange’ in August.

Miss Diva Universe 2022 Divita Rai, who is creative at heart and has a zeal for learning, emphasises the importance of never setting limits in one’s journey. She has partnered with NGOs like CRY, Nanhi Kali and Teach for India, through which she aspires to empower children with the freedom of choice.

- Rakesh Dave