IT'S I'M POSSIBLE - NOT IMPOSSIBLE - KAZIA LIZ MEJO

The Malayala Manorama Sunday Supplement on 6th Septembr 2026 carries a feature on Miss.Kazia Liz Mejo, the winner of Miss Universe India 2026 Crown, brilliantly articulated by T.S.Divya.
(making an attempt for it's translation from Malayalam to English for  those who do not know Malayalam as the message conveyed is highly motivational))

Kazia opens her mind.

You may think fortune has favoured me. But, to be precise, there are times I have lost  confidence again and again. Though I was born and brought up at Abu Dhabi, I was scared of posing before a camera for my picture. I had preferred to hide my dark face behind the filters.

But I stand before you now as the Miss.Universe India 2026. 

Here is the journey that took me towards the partial realisation of the long cherished dream.

When Harnaaz Sandhu was crowned at the Miss Universe 2021 pageant, I began dreaming  of emulating her. It has brought me where I am now.

While I had been in the 9th Standard in school I dreamt that I would become a pop star.  I believed the spotlight would be on me as I stood on the stage with a glowing aura.  I thought I would become a lawyer when I watched the Web Series 'Suits.' Today I am treading on the Ramp.  I am  studying law. 

The society at times places barriers on our dreams. "This is not good for decent girls." " Never put your feet on multiple trajectories." "If you concentrate too much on the extracurricular, your studies will be disrupted."

However, never cease dreaming. 'Impossible' has a negative connotation. Yet,  in 'impossible' you  discover the positive, "I'm possible."

The past 12 years' journey had been quite taxing - training in classical dance, music, violin, attending classes for law, modelling assignments at distant locations, preparations for the beauty contests. I used to wake up at 3 am - early in the morning - and had practiced ramp walk on the corridors of the hostel. When I did that in my high heeled footwear, I had tumbled several times injuring myself in the bargain.

Miss Teen International India's 'Miss Teen Diva' 2024 was my initial triumph on the charge towards  my dream . But I could only become the first Runner up in the Miss Teen International pageant.  It was a great disappointment. It depressed me. I was down as I had lost out despite striving very hard.  To make it worse, I had been brimming with the desire to win. 

But realisation dawned on me, "It is never a failure if you have given it your everything."

Almost everyone would have experienced failure at least once in life. It's very important that one ought look at  failure as failure.  It is a great lesson. We need to rise up from that failure to go forth in life. 

You may find to your consternation  you are unable to realise your dreams. The fall down  the precipice  would prompt you to recalibrate. It would fire your aspirations. To your surprise, the accomplishment would be far  beyond expectations.  

I know for certain, if I had won the Miss Teen International Crown in 2024, I would not have been able to stand before you now as the nineteen year old Miss Universe India 2026.

While in the  limelight upon the stage, I remain very calm.  My response had reflected that tranquility in the Miss Universe India finale at Jaipur.

I wish to convey to all the girls, who read me, a single advice, "Fake it till you make it. Believe it before you become it."

Quite a long while back before I won the Miss India Universe Crown, I began addressing myself as the Queen. I visualised myself winning the crown. I would see me  crying at the announcement. I had lived that moment many times in advance. 

Because I had cried a lot earlier, I couldn't cry much  on the stage at Jaipur when I was declared the Miss India Universe 2026.

I, now, am preparing for that walk on the ramp at Puerto Rico in November 2026 for the Miss Universe Crown. I know you are in that ride with me. I am indeed grateful for your blessings.

I am often queried on the inspiration that drives me.

Even if it is cliche, I affirm, I do  not wish to replicate anyone else. I intend to build a legacy of my own. I wish to be unique.  I long to be the best.

I wish to tell all the girls who observe me, "Never let barriers  curtail your dreams. Opportunities will never come knocking.  Build that door yourself. Extend the invitation to  opportunities.  Stay close to that door when opportunities arrive."

Let me conclude with an exhortation, "Be the reason for your own motivation.'