Kaziah Liz Mejo, a promising second-year student from Manipal Law School in Bengaluru, is set to represent India at the prestigious 75th Miss Universe pageant this November in Puerto Rico. The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) recently celebrated Mejo’s remarkable achievement, highlighting her dual commitment to both her academic and pageantry pursuits.
At just 19 years of age, Mejo has already carved out a significant place for herself in the world of pageantry. She was crowned Miss Universe India 2026 during the grand finale held in Jaipur on August 23. Competing against 52 talented contestants from across India, Mejo impressed a distinguished panel of judges that included Sushmita Sen, the first Indian to win the Miss Universe title, along with former Miss Universe India titleholders, Urvashi Rautela and Celina Jaitly.
The upcoming Miss Universe pageant is scheduled to take place at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The event will feature a National Costume Competition and a preliminary round on November 21 and 22, respectively, culminating in the final coronation on November 24.
Originating from Mavelikkara in Kerala’s Alappuzha district, Mejo spent much of her early life in Abu Dhabi. In a historic win, she became the first contestant from Kerala to secure the national Miss Universe India title. Prior to this, she was crowned Miss Universe Kerala 2026 and made an impressive mark internationally by finishing as the first runner-up at Miss Teen International 2025, following her victory as Miss Teen Diva in 2024.
Kaziah Liz Mejo’s journey to the Miss Universe stage is not only a testament to her personal dedication and talent but also a source of inspiration for aspiring pageant contestants and law students alike. Her accomplishment highlights the diverse talents and potential within the student body of Manipal Law School, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who excel in multiple fields.
