The Miss Universe 2021 has studied in Shivalik Public School, Chandigarh, scoring 8 CGPA in CBSE board exams in 2015. “True to the motto of the school, ‘Victory with Determination’ she persevered to achieve great heights at the global level and Harnaaz’s feat has made us all proud. She was a regular and hardworking student,” said the school’s principal, Gurkiran Jeet Nalwa.

Harnaaz completed her graduation in Information and Technology (IT) from the Postgraduate Government College (PGC) for Girls, Sector-42, Chandigarh. She is presently pursuing MA in Public Administration from the same institute.

“A diligent and sincere student, her inclination has always been towards theatre. She has won many laurels in mimicry and skit competitions in youth festivals. The institute never had to accommodate any special provisions because of her participation in these pageants. Despite having to travel to different places, she has been attending online classes amid the pandemic. Besides, the department professors are always in touch with her,” Nisha Aggarwal, principal of the college.

Harnaaz will soon be seen playing a lead role in a Punjabi movie, which is set to release soon.

Aggarwal also believes that motivating young individuals to pursue their dreams is an important role that all educational institutes should play. “While modelling and beauty pageants have not been the traditionally accepted career choices in Indian society, alma maters must celebrate the achievers’ hard work so that more students get the confidence to follow their passion,” she added.

Harnaaz’s achievements include Miss Fresh Face in 2017, Miss India World -2020 (Top 20 finalists), Miss India Universe, Times Fresh Face 2017 Miss Chandigarh-winner, Miss Max Emerging Star 2018, finalist from Chandigarh in Miss Diva India 2018, Fabb Colours Femina Miss India Punjab 2019.