Kaziah Liz Mejo's Proud Journey to Miss Universe India

From a school classroom to a national crown

At just 19, Kaziah Liz Mejo has gone from sitting in a classroom in Abu Dhabi to standing on stage as Miss Universe India 2026, and the celebration hasn’t stopped since. Her win has rippled far beyond the pageant stage, touching her family, her home state of Kerala, and the school community that watched her grow up.

The crowning moment

Kaziah was crowned Miss Universe India 2026, earning the right to represent the country on the international stage. Her win at 19 makes her one of the younger titleholders in recent memory, and the announcement quickly drew attention not just within India but from admirers and fellow contestants across borders, including a warm congratulatory message from Pakistan’s Misbah Arshad.

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A school's pride in its alumna

St. Joseph’s School in Abu Dhabi, where Kaziah once studied, has been celebrating her achievement as one of its own success stories. The school’s community, along with her family and supporters back in Kerala, have embraced the win as a shared moment of pride, with her journey being held up as an example of what young people can accomplish when given the right support and encouragement early on.

What the Carmelite Sisters said?

The Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa, the congregation associated with the school’s educational mission, issued a warm congratulatory message following the win. Sr. Jose Lynette, the congregation’s Superior General, described the achievement as a proud moment for the entire CSST community and extended congratulations to the school’s management, teachers, staff and students who played a role in Kaziah’s upbringing.

Message of empowerment through education

In their statement, the sisters framed Kaziah’s success as a reflection of what their educational mission has long aimed to build: confidence, discipline, talent and a commitment to excellence in young people. They described her path from the school’s classrooms to a national pageant platform as proof of what happens when students are encouraged to recognize their abilities and pursue their ambitions with determination. The sisters added that they hoped her achievement would inspire other young women to dream boldly and work diligently toward their own goals.

Reactions from across borders

Beyond her home community, Kaziah’s win has drawn attention and warmth from other corners of the pageant world. Fellow contestant Misbah Arshad of Pakistan publicly congratulated her on the title, a gesture that added an unexpected cross-border note of goodwill to the celebrations surrounding her crowning.

What's next for Kaziah?

With the title now hers, Kaziah is preparing to represent India on the international stage at the global Miss Universe competition. The Carmelite Sisters closed their message with prayers and blessings for her upcoming journey, while also thanking the teachers and staff who nurtured her talents through her school years.

Kaziah’s story has become more than a pageant headline. For her former school and the wider community that watched her grow, it stands as a reminder of how early encouragement and belief in a young person’s potential can carry them onto a national, and now international, stage.

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Author: M Jyosri
A Junior Journalist passionate about reporting accurate, engaging, and reader-focused news across technology, business, education, health, entertainment, lifestyle, and current affairs. Dedicated to researching reliable sources, verifying information, and producing clear, factual content that follows ethical journalism standards.

Working closely with the editorial team, the author contributes news articles, feature stories, explainers, and trending updates while continuously developing reporting, writing, and digital publishing skills. Every article is prepared with attention to accuracy, clarity, and relevance to help readers stay informed about important events and emerging trends.

Who is Kaziah Liz Mejo?

She is a 19-year-old crowned Miss Universe India 2026, and an alumna of St. Joseph’s School in Abu Dhabi.

Which school is celebrating Kaziah's win?

St. Joseph’s School Abu Dhabi is celebrating her achievement as a proud moment for its alumni community.

What did the Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa say about her win?

They called it a “proud CSST moment,” saying it reflected their educational mission’s focus on confidence, discipline and excellence in young people.

Did anyone from outside India react to her win?

Yes, Pakistan’s Misbah Arshad publicly congratulated Kaziah on her Miss Universe India 2026 title.

What's next for Kaziah Liz Mejo?

She is preparing to represent India on the international stage at the global Miss Universe competition.