Miss Universe India 2026 Kejiah Liz Mejo Commends Youth for Speaking Up
Kejiah Liz Mejo, the newly crowned Miss Universe India 2026, has lauded the bravery of young individuals in Delhi who recently took to the streets to demand justice related to competitive exams. She believes that their willingness to voice their concerns demonstrates their love for their country and a strong sense of pride.
During her statement to PTI, after being crowned at a dazzling event in Jaipur on Sunday night, Mejo expressed her admiration for this courageous generation. “I salute every single student who stood up and protested for what they believe is right. It shows deep love and pride for our nation,” she said.
The protests, which took place at Jantar Mantar, were organized by a humorous group called the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). This movement began on June 20 due to alleged issues in the examination system and concerns over NEET exam leaks, eventually spreading across the country.
These demonstrations concluded on July 25, leading to a significant outcome: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, and the government agreed to meet several demands of the protestors, including compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and dropping charges against the demonstrators.
Mejo expressed her immense pride in representing such a vibrant generation, stating, “That is the India I stand for.” At just 19 years old, and originally from Kerala, she is eager to showcase the voices and dreams of young women from every corner of the country at the upcoming Miss Universe competition.
She shared her belief that her title is not just a personal accomplishment, but a chance to tell the stories of deserving individuals across India. “I’m not the only one who deserves this; I’m just the voice for many,” she explained.
Reflecting on her journey, Mejo admitted that the path to winning the Miss Universe title felt nearly impossible in her earlier years. She also acknowledged the insecurities that came along the way, saying, “I have had many moments of doubt because, at the end of the day, I’m just an ordinary girl.”
When asked about her role in the global pageant, she emphasized her desire to represent the diversity of India as a whole, instead of solely her home state. “I want to carry the stories and cultures of every part of India with me,” she reaffirmed.
Despite her new title, Mejo remains determined to pursue her aspiration of becoming a lawyer. She believes that her passion for law and her pageant involvement can coexist harmoniously. “I want to create positive change in the world through law, and this crown can help me amplify that mission,” she stated.
On the subject of beauty, Mejo expressed a belief that it transcends appearance. “True beauty lies in how you make others feel. It’s not just about looks; it’s about the impression you leave on people,” she noted.
Mejo secured her title after competing against 51 other contestants in Jaipur. Vaishnavi Ganesh from Tamil Nadu and Anushri Satavlekar from Gujarat were named first and second runner-up, respectively.
