19-Year-Old Kaziah Liz Mejo Makes History as Kerala’s First Miss Universe India Winner
A new name has entered India’s pageant spotlight, and for Kerala, the victory carries an added significance.
Kaziah Liz Mejo, a 19-year-old law student and model from Kerala, has been crowned Miss Universe India 2026, becoming the first Keralite to claim the national title. The grand finale was held at Zee Studios in Jaipur on Sunday, August 23.
Mejo emerged on top after competing against contestants from across India. Reports say the national competition featured 53 contestants in total, meaning she prevailed over 52 other finalists on her way to the crown.
Her victory gives her more than a national title. She will now carry India’s sash to the 75th Miss Universe pageant, scheduled to take place in Puerto Rico in November 2026.
From Kerala to the Miss Universe India Crown
Kaziah comes from Mavelikkara in Kerala and has already accumulated considerable pageant experience despite being only 19.
She won Miss Teen Diva 2024 at 17 and later represented India at Miss Teen International 2025, where she finished as first runner-up. Earlier in 2026, she captured the Miss Universe Kerala crown, becoming the youngest state titleholder, before moving on to the national competition.
That progression makes her Miss Universe India victory less of an overnight breakthrough and more the latest step in a pageant career she has been building through her teenage years.
More Than a Pageant Contestant
Beyond modelling and pageants, Kaziah is pursuing a law degree. She grew up in Abu Dhabi in the UAE and attended schools including Emirates National School, St Joseph’s School and Abu Dhabi Indian School.
Her interests also extend into the performing arts. Reports describe her as having trained in classical dance for around 12 years, while she also sings and plays musical instruments including the drums and violin. She has explored public speaking and acting as well, including an appearance in the Malayalam film Shylock.
This combination of education, performance experience and pageant exposure could prove valuable as she prepares for an international competition where communication and stage presence are scrutinised alongside presentation.
A High-Profile Jury for the 2026 Finale
The Miss Universe India 2026 finale featured several well-known figures from India’s pageant industry.
The judging panel included Sushmita Sen, who became India’s first Miss Universe in 1994, along with former national titleholders Urvashi Rautela and Celina Jaitly, Miss Universe India 2024 Rhea Singha, and film producer and environmentalist Pragya Kapoor.
Miss Universe India 2025 Manika Vishwakarma returned to crown Kaziah as her successor.
Kerala Gets a Historic First
The result has particular importance for Kerala because Kaziah is reported to be the first Keralite to win the Miss Universe India title.
India has produced several globally recognised pageant winners, but representation at the national level has historically come from many different regions and backgrounds. Kaziah’s breakthrough adds Kerala to the list of states to produce a Miss Universe India titleholder.
Her age makes the achievement especially notable. At 19, she is entering the international competition relatively early in her career, while already having experience at both national and international pageants.
The Bigger Challenge Comes Next
Winning Miss Universe India is a major milestone, but Kaziah’s biggest test is still ahead.
She is scheduled to represent India at the Miss Universe 2026 competition in Puerto Rico this November, where she will compete against representatives from countries around the world.
India has a significant legacy at Miss Universe. Sushmita Sen won in 1994, Lara Dutta in 2000 and Harnaaz Sandhu in 2021, giving India three Miss Universe crowns to date.
That history inevitably creates expectations for every new Indian representative. However, national success does not automatically translate into an international crown. Competition formats, judging criteria, preparation and performances during the event can all influence the final result.
For Kaziah, the months ahead are therefore likely to be as important as the victory itself.
Why Kaziah Liz Mejo’s Victory Matters
Kaziah’s win stands out for three reasons: her age, Kerala’s first national title in this competition, and the speed of her rise through the pageant circuit.
From winning a teen title to representing India internationally, securing the Kerala crown and then capturing Miss Universe India 2026, she has built considerable competitive experience within a relatively short period.
At the same time, the international stage will bring a different level of pressure and visibility. The national crown establishes Kaziah as India’s representative; what she does with that opportunity will determine the next chapter of her story.
For now, however, the 19-year-old has already secured a place in Kerala’s pageant history — and her journey from Mavelikkara to Puerto Rico is only beginning.
This article is based on reporting published by Indian Express.
