HARNAAZ SANDHU, MISS UNIVERSE 2021 WINNER

MISS UNIVERSE 2021 WINNER

HARNAAZ SANDHU’S

The crown was presented by Andrea Meza, Miss Universe 2020 from

Mexico at the grand finale of the 70th Miss Universe pageant held in Israel.

“CHAK DE PHATTE”, SHE SAID AFTER WINNING THE TITLE FOR INDIA AFTER 21 YEARS.

Harnaaz Sandhu from India has made the country proud by winning the coveted Miss Universe 2021 title after over two decades. Previously, only two Indians have worn the crown – Sushmita Sen in 1994, and Lara Dutta in 2000. Chandigarh-born Harnaaz’s 1.5 monthlong journey in Israel representing India at the international pageant has been nothing short of a “ride full of love, fun, and immense hard work”.

On qualifying for the top 2 rounds, the 21-year-old was asked, “What advice would you give to young women on how to deal with the

pressures 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. She beat 80 contestants, including first runner-up Miss Paraguay Nadia Ferreira, and second runner-up Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane, to make it to the top.

In the top 5 round, she was asked, “Many people think climate change is a hoax, what would you do to

convince them otherwise?” “My heart breaks to see how nature is going through a lot of problems, and it is all due to our irresponsible behavior. I totally feel that this is the time to take action and talk less. Because, our each action could save or kill nature. Prevent and protect is better than repent and repair and this is what I am trying to convince you guys today”.

BEST WAYS TO GET INTO5 MOUNTAINS BC’S

If you’re craving a Mother Nature reconnect, you’ll find it in the mountains of British Columbia—a quick flight or scenic drive from the American West. A full three quarters of BC is mountainous, sparsely populated and punctuated by 10 ranges, plus a whopping 7,753 peaks (the highest is Mount Fairweather in the province’s far north). Prime time? Sunny and mild July, August and September, when you’re apt to cross paths with bald eagles, bears and moose, too. Choose your activity, gear up and head out.

TROUT FISHING: MUNCHO

LAKE– For lake anglers, northern BC’s green Muncho Lake is a must.

This is where you’ll reel in trophy bull and rainbow trout, northern pike and walleye, plus Arctic grayling, from late June to September. Bush-plane in to a secluded lake or bunk down at tranquil log cabin-style Northern Rockies Lodge near Fort Nelson, surrounded by unusual limestone mountains and just off the Alaska Highway—also a nature highway for deer, bison, and moose. Globally famed for its canoeing and diverse wet-dry topography, the Cariboo’s Bowron Lakes circuit near Quesnel is another idyllic place to catch (and release) bull trout and see wildlife.

WELLNESS RETREAT: COLUMBIA MOUNTAINS–

Jumpstart your vitality in the Columbia Mountains, an area which literally has it all. In southeastern BC bordering Montana, the Columbias include the Cariboo, Selkirk, Monashee, and Purcell ranges. This pristine Alpenlike landscape is like “The Sound of Music” on steroids, with jagged snowcapped peaks and spires, wildflower dotted meadows and cerulean lakes. Strengthen your mind-body connection, slim down and detox in the Selkirks at Mountain Trek, a top-rated Condé Nast Traveler wellness retreat outside bohemian mountain town Nelson. In addition to organic farm-to-table fare, spa, sauna, yoga and Nordic trekking top the holistic health agenda. Or relax, explore and heli-hike with Canadian Mountain Holidays from three luxe backcountry lodge bases in the Cariboo and Bugaboos—massage, glacier view hot tubs, and sauna included.

HIKING: KOOTENAY ROCKIES–

Grandeur is on offer in Kootenay National Park, and no more so than on the backcountry Rockwall Trail. Allow three to five days to traverse the 55 km (34 mi) through lupin-carpeted valleys and past brilliant blue Floe Lake, towering and craggy mountain passes, waterfalls and streams, and the trail namesake’s hulking orange limestone cliffs known as the Paint Pots. Best from July to October, the trek is tough, but well worth it. Come prepared, reserve in advance and don’t be surprised if you see a grizzly or three. (Find more top hikes in the Kootenays, a leading Canadian hiking, whitewater rafting and mountain biking destination).

MOUNTAIN BIKING: COAST MOUNTAIN RANGE– Technical

“shore riding” (aka “free riding”) got its start on Vancouver’s North Shore. But there’s high-octane single track all over the area’s rugged Coast Mountains, overlooking 27,000 km (16,777 mi) of Pacific coastline all the way north to Alaska. Obviously, ride the North Shore’s old growth, lichen-draped cedar forests at Mt. Fromme and Mt. Seymour. But you’ll want to hit alpine resort Whistler, too, for the Top of the World trail. Expect dramatic view lines and 5,000 vertical feet of flow, berms and switchbacks passing three climate zones, tundra, glaciers, lakes and granite cliffs as you descend the back side of Whistler Mountain.

VIA FERRATA: GOLDEN– Not for

the vertigo-challenged, via ferrata is a rock climbing-rappelling-hiking hybrid involving steel cable, rung and ladder routes attached to sheer cliff faces. Beginner or advanced climbers alike can tackle the via ferrata at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. In Golden on a ridge straddling the Rockies

and Purcells, this is billed as North America’s most technical—and scenic. The granddaddy, however, is nearby Mt. Nimbus with its 1,969-ft-high (600-m) suspended bridge, the longest route in North America, accessible only by helicopter.

There’s always summit bagging, too. The wild St. Elias Mountains in BC’s far northwest near the Yukon are home to Canada’s top 10 summits and BC’s highest, 15,324-ft (4,671-m) Mt. Fairweather, not to mention just 20 km (12 mi) inland from the Pacific.