In a radiant display of grace, talent, and intellect, 19-year-old Kaziah Liz Mejo from Kerala emerged victorious as Miss Universe India 2026 during a star-studded grand finale held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The national pageantry event concluded with the outgoing titleholder, Miss Universe India 2025 Manika Vishwakarma, passing on the prestigious crown to her successor amidst applause from industry stalwarts and fans nationwide.
The high-stakes competition saw top talent emerging from across the country. Tamil Nadu’s Vaishnavi Ganesh secured the second spot as the first runner-up, while Gujarat’s Anushree Satavaleakar claimed third place as the second runner-up in a fiercely contested final round.
A Triumph Through Fierce Competition
The journey to the crown was rigorous, drawing dynamic young women from every corner of India. Following extensive nationwide auditions, structured interviews, and comprehensive preliminary rounds, a select group of 52 finalists advanced to the grand finale in Jaipur.
Throughout the final stages, contestants were evaluated across multiple parameters, including runway presence, articulate communication, personality, and poise under pressure. Mejo distinguished herself consistently across all segments, ultimately captivating the judges to claim the coveted national title and secure her place in Indian pageantry history.
Stepping onto the International Stage
With her national victory secured, Mejo now shifts her focus toward representing India on the global platform. This coming November, the 19-year-old beauty queen will travel to Puerto Rico to compete in the 75th Miss Universe pageant.
Following a proud tradition of Indian representatives who have made a lasting mark on the international stage, Mejo’s upcoming stint in Puerto Rico brings renewed excitement to pageantry enthusiasts across the country, who eagerly await her performance against international delegates.
Stellar Jury Led by Pageant Royalty
The grand finale featured an elite panel of adjudicators led by none other than Sushmita Sen, who etched her name in history in 1994 as India’s very first Miss Universe winner. Joining Sen on the high-profile judging panel were former Miss Universe India titleholders Celina Jaitly, Urvashi Rautela, and Rhea Singha.
The panel was further enriched by prominent figures from various professional domains, including Pragya Kapoor, Visha Ladhiya, Anna Blanco, and Dr. Stuti Khare Shukla. Together, the judges evaluated the candidates on their leadership potential, confidence, and ability to serve as impactful global ambassadors.
Kerala Celebrates a Rising Star
Mejo's crowning marks a major milestone for Kerala, bringing the young standout into the national spotlight and highlighting the region's growing presence in national beauty pageants. As preparations for the international competition gear up, all eyes are now on Mejo as she undertakes intensive training to bring the international crown home to India this November.
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