A new chapter in India’s pageant journey has begun with 19-year-old Kaziah Liz Mejo being crowned Miss Universe India 2026.
The Mavelikkara native from Alappuzha, Kerala, won the title in Jaipur, with reigning titleholder Manika Vishwakarma passing the crown to her successor.Mejo will now represent India at the Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico in November, taking her from the national pageant stage to an international platform.
Who Is Kaziah Liz Mejo?
Born in 2007, Mejo reportedly grew up in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where she studied at Emirates National School, St Joseph’s School and Abu Dhabi Indian School. She is pursuing her academic interests in law while also developing her talents in the performing arts.
Her passion for the stage began at an early age. Mejo started learning classical dance in Abu Dhabi in 2012 and later explored several other creative fields. She is a trained violinist and drummer and is also a singer, dancer and model.
From Miss Teen to Miss Universe India
Mejo began her pageant journey in 2024 after winning the Miss Teen Diva title. The achievement gave her an opportunity to compete on the international pageant stage.In 2025, she represented India at Miss Teen International, where she finished as the first runner-up.
In 2026, she progressed from the teen pageant circuit to win the Miss Universe Kerala title and eventually the Miss Universe India 2026 crown.
Beyond beauty pageants, Mejo is also associated with sustainability in menstrual hygiene, making social awareness an important part of her public profile.