Kerala’s Kaziah Liz Mejo has been crowned Miss Universe India 2026, marking a major milestone for the 19-year-old law student and model. She won the national title at the grand finale held at Zee Studios in Jaipur on August 23, defeating 52 other finalists from across the country.
Kaziah’s victory was particularly memorable because of her thoughtful response during the finale question round. She was asked to describe “the sound of silence” in her life. Connecting the question to her experience as a performer, Kaziah said that silence for her is the calm she feels moments before stepping onto a stage.
A trained classical dancer, actor and pageant enthusiast, she explained that although she loves the spotlight, microphone and energy of performing, she feels most peaceful just before entering the stage. For Kaziah, that silence represents feeling at home, taking a deeper breath and knowing that she belongs.
The young winner has already built experience in the pageant world. She is a law student, classical dancer, public speaker and actor, and had previously represented India at Miss Teen International 2025, where she finished as first runner-up.
Following her Miss Universe India 2026 win, Kaziah said the moment was something she had worked towards for more than three years. She also expressed her desire to bring the international Miss Universe crown back to India and proudly represent both Kerala and the country.
Kaziah will now represent India at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico in November 2026. Her win also marks a major achievement for Kerala as she prepares to take India’s name to the international stage.
