Miss Universe 1994 Sushimita Sen and Miss Universe 2000 Lara Dutta congratulated Harnaaz Sandhu for bringing back the Miss Universe crown to India after 21 years.

“Congratulations @harnaazsandhu_03. Thank you for representing India so beautifully, for bringing back the Miss Universe Crown to India after 21 years (by a 21-year-old, you were destined),” says Sushimita, the first Indian to win the title.

“May you enjoy every moment of learning & sharing this incredible global platform @missuniverse will provide you….MAY YOU REIGN SUPREME!!!”

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A post shared by Sushmita Sen (@sushmitasen47)

Lara, who won the title 6 years after Sushimita wrote: “My dearest @harnaazsandhu_03 , when I spoke to you yesterday, you promised me that ‘it will be worth it!! YOU are worth all your triumphant glory and much, much more!!”

“You had an unshakeable belief in yourself and JUST KNEW, you were born for this!! You were born in the year I won Miss Universe!!! That’s how long we’ve waited for you to come along and lift that crown once more for India!! Perhaps, it was destined!! I know what lies in store for you, and I wish you a glorious reign!! May this only be the start of the heights you will scale! God bless you, my heartiest congratulations to your parents and family! The universe now is your oyster- OUR STAR!”

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A post shared by Lara Dutta Bhupathi (@larabhupathi)

Miss World 2000 and actress Priyanka Chopra also congratulated Harnaaz for her victory in Israel.

Harnaaz herself posted her thoughts hours after she was crowned on Monday, December 13.

“We did it. I said in my final answer, that I believed in myself and that’s why I was on that stage. I also want to mention a few people who believed in me too,” she said.

She thanked her family, friends, and supporters for giving her the support in the journey including the Miss Diva organization. She also thanked the Miss Universe organization and its president, Paula Shugart, for giving her the platform.

“Thank you to the @missuniverse @realpaulashugart for believing I deserved this beautiful crown and the responsibility of being called Miss Universe.”

“Lastly thank you to everyone who has showered me with so much love. I’m overwhelmed.”

Harnaaz will be based in New York, wherein she will work on her duties as the organization’s spokesperson.