Eilat (Israel): The Indian community in the southern Israeli coastal city of Eilat is ‘overwhelmed’ after actor-model Harnaaz Sandhu was named ‘Miss Universe 2021’. Harnaaz Sandhu, a 21-year-old Chandigarh-based model, was crowned at the 70th edition of the event held in the city Sunday night.
“We were there at the venue. I had a good feeling right from the start. The community talked about the event, felt India had a chance, and went with flags to cheer our contestant,” Samson Burgarkar said Monday.
“She (Sandhu) won our hearts when she acknowledged our presence by greeting us with folded hands saying ‘Namaste’. We cheered for Sandhu every time. Our Israeli friends have been congratulating the Indian community members all the time since morning and it is a proud moment for us,” Bugarkar added.
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About 50 Indians, Jews of Indian origin and some workers from India were present at the event. They were waving the Indian flag and greeting Sandhu with loud cheers every time she made an appearance on the stage.
Jacky Divekar, an Indian who immigrated to Israel several decades ago, said he did not attend the event due to other obligations. However, he has been ‘overwhelmed by the number of congratulatory messages from friends and acquaintances in the morning’ when he checked his phone.
“I felt good waking up to this in the morning. I am a proud Indian and am happy to see an Indian winning this coveted prize,” Divekar informed.
There are about 150-200 Indian families and a few dozen workers from India living in the coastal city which attracts more tourists annually than the number of its residents.
“So proud to see an Indian winning the Miss Universe award. Also it is great to see the celebratory mood in the Indian community in Eilat. Indians in the city are being congratulated everywhere,” Sanjay Gupta, a Kolkata-born resident of Eilat, who has represented the Israeli national team in European Cricket Championship in the past, said.
Priti Gupta, who works as an assistant manager at a hotel here, said Sandhu’s win will inspire women to follow their dreams.
“Over the years women have transcended all the barriers and won laurels in every field irrespective of caste, creed or religion. As an Indian, I personally feel the Miss Universe crown is a big achievement – it is a benchmark for all the coming generations, for girls in every nook and corner of India to leave no stone unturned to achieve their dream,” Gupta said.
Sandhu advanced to the finals competing with her 79 co-contestants from across the globe. She edged out Miss Paraguay Nadia Ferreira and Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane to take over the crown from the reigning ‘Miss Universe’ Andrea Meza from Mexico in the final round.