At an age when many young people are still figuring out what they want to do in life, 19-year-old Kaziah Liz Mejo is already balancing law studies, modelling, performing arts and a growing pageant journey.
On Sunday, August 23, the young woman from Mavelikkara, Kerala, added another major achievement to that journey. She was crowned Miss Universe India 2026 at the grand finale in Jaipur, emerging as the winner from a field of 52 finalists.
For Kaziah, however, the crown did not arrive overnight.
She has been building her confidence through pageants for several years. At 17, she won Miss Teen Diva 2024. She later represented India at Miss Teen International 2025, where she finished as the first runner-up. Earlier this year, she also won the Miss Universe Kerala 2026 title.
Her latest victory has given her another distinction. She is the first woman from Kerala to win the Miss Universe India title, according to reports.
More than a pageant contestant
What makes Kaziah’s story interesting is that the stage is only one part of her life.
She is currently studying law in Bengaluru while pursuing modelling and pageantry. She also has a strong connection with the performing arts and has trained in classical dance for around 12 years. She can also sing and play musical instruments, including the drums and violin.
She also has experience in acting, having made her Malayalam film debut in Shylock.
From Kerala to Abu Dhabi and back
Kaziah’s childhood also took her beyond India.
Although she has roots in Kerala, she grew up in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where she completed her schooling before continuing her education in India. That multicultural upbringing has been described as an influence on her confidence, communication skills and outlook.
Her journey also shows that pageants are not always about one moment on a stage. They involve preparation, public speaking, confidence, discipline and the ability to handle pressure.
The biggest stage is still ahead.
Kaziah will now represent India at the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico in November 2026. She succeeds Miss Universe India 2025 Manika Vishwakarma as the country’s representative.
Tamil Nadu’s Vaishnavi Gannesh was named first runner-up, while Gujarat’s Anushri Satavlekar finished second runner-up and won the Miss International India 2026 title.
Kaziah’s story is therefore not simply about a crown.
At 19, she is still a student, still learning and still building her identity. The difference now is that millions of people will be watching her next step.
From a young woman with Kerala roots to the national Miss Universe India crown, Kaziah’s journey is a reminder that sometimes a career does not have to follow just one path.
You can study law, dance, perform, model and still dream of standing on an international stage.
For Kaziah, that international stage is now waiting.
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