Hijab is a personal choice, says Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu
India Today
At an event, Harnaaz Sandhu appealed to society to stop targeting girls, including on the issue of hijab, saying "Let them live the way they choose to."
Days after her remarks on hijab made headlines, Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu on Wednesday said as a youth of the country she simply shared her perspective when asked to comment on the issue.
The 24-year-old, who won the coveted pageant earlier this year, said the matter in question was something she felt she "needed" to address because she believes in letting one live the way they choose to.
"Being the youth of my country... I'm a student of Masters in Public Administration, it's important to have your perspective about anything that's happening around the world," Sandhu said at an event here.
A clip of the model-actor went viral on social media last week in which a reporter can be seen asking Sandhu about her views on hijab. The video was part of an event held in Mumbai on March 17 in the honour of Miss Universe 2021's homecoming.
In her response, she appealed to society to stop targeting girls, including on the issue of hijab, saying "Let them live the way they choose to."
On Wednesday, Sandhu reiterated her views, adding that after she spoke out people started suggesting that she was "supporting" the practice of hijab.
"I think I just gave my perspective on it. And at the end of the day, that girl is dominated by the patriarchy system or if that girl is wearing a hijab, that's her choice. Even if she's getting dominated, she needs to come and speak.
