From Kerala to the Universe: 19-year-old Kaziah Liz Mejo wins India's crown

Kerala breakthrough

At just 19, Kerala’s Kaziah Liz Mejo has captured one of the biggest titles in Indian pageantry. She beat 52 finalists from across the country to be crowned Miss Universe India 2026 at the grand finale held at Zee Studios in Jaipur on Sunday. (images : instagram.com/missuniverseindiaorg/)

Crown moment

The defining moment came when Miss Universe India 2025 Manika Vishwakarma crowned her successor. For Kaziah, it marked the culmination of more than three years of work. “I feel so on top of the world. This is such an iconic moment and the moment that I've worked for for over three years now,” she said.

Kerala calling

The victory carries a strong connection to home for the teenager. “I'm so incredibly happy that I get to bring home this crown to my Kerala, to be able to show my hometown to the world, to be able to carry it to the Universe,” Kaziah said after her win.

Inner battle

Behind the crown was a battle with self-belief. Kaziah said the toughest struggle can come from within and that competing on such a major stage at only 19 demanded courage. “I think that took a lot of audacity within, it took a lot of courage. And I was able to overcome that and now I stand here with the crown,” she said.

Universe next

Kaziah’s journey now moves from Jaipur to the global stage. The newly crowned Miss Universe India 2026 will represent India at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico in November, putting the 19-year-old Kerala winner in contention for one of pageantry’s biggest international titles.