Harnaaz Sandhu “Sparked Something” in Kaziah Liz Mejo, Winner of Miss Universe India 2026

Winning a pageant crown is often the culmination of years of preparation, perseverance, and self-belief. For Miss Universe India 2026, Kaziah Liz Mejo, the journey was also shaped by a woman she first watched on the Miss Universe stage in 2021, Harnaaz Sandhu. Years before she would find herself wearing a crown of her own, Kaziah saw Harnaaz make history for India, winning the crown after 20 years. That moment planted the first seed of a dream. Recalling the experience, Kaziah shared, ‘The first Miss Universe competition I watched was in 2021, when Harnaaz Sandhu won the crown for India after 20 years. I didn’t know much about pageantry then, but seeing India win sparked something in me.’ What began as a moment of national pride soon became a personal source of inspiration, eventually encouraging Kaziah to explore the world of pageantry herself. For Kaziah, it was Harnaaz’s journey beyond the crown that left an even deeper impression. Speaking about the former Miss Universe’s resilience, she said, ‘What inspires me most about Harnaaz is her resilience. She faced criticism and scrutiny after winning, yet remained true to herself.’ That resilience resonated deeply with Kaziah, who has openly reflected on her own struggles with confidence while growing up. ‘I struggled with confidence growing up. Watching her embrace who she was encouraged me to do the same,’ she added. Today, the connection feels almost full-circle: the young woman who once watched Harnaaz bring the Miss Universe crown back to India is now herself the reigning Miss Universe India 2026, carrying forward a dream sparked by that moment. Harnaaz Sandhu’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact representation can have. By confidently occupying one of the world’s biggest stages and staying resilient through challenges, Harnaaz became more than a titleholder; she became an inspiration for young women like Kaziah.