UK (Commonwealth Union)_ A remarkable number of individuals with Indian heritage have been recognised in King Charles’ 2025 New Year Honours List, celebrating their exceptional contributions to the United Kingdom across various sectors. The annual list, which honours those who have made significant impacts in fields such as healthcare, academia, sport, and voluntary service, includes over 30 Indian-origin professionals, community leaders, and frontline workers. The New Year Honours List, published by the UK Cabinet Office, features more than 1,200 recipients, with 54% of these individuals being acknowledged for their outstanding community work. This reflects the government’s commitment to honouring those who have shown dedication to society, both in paid roles and as volunteers.
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Notably, 12% of the recipients belong to ethnic minority backgrounds, underscoring the diversity and inclusivity of the awards. In his address, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the recipients, describing them as “unsung heroes” whose work exemplifies the very best of the country. “Every day, ordinary people go out and do extraordinary things for their communities,” he remarked. “These individuals represent the core value of service, and the New Year Honours List celebrates their incredible contributions.” Among the distinguished Indian-origin honourees, several have been recognised for their work in healthcare, education, law, and business. Key figures include:
Knighthoods and High Honour Appointments
- The Rt. Hon. Ranil Malcolm Jayawardena: The former Member of Parliament for North East Hampshire, recognised for his long-standing public and political service. Jayawardena, of Sri Lankan origin, received a knighthood as a testament to his significant influence in the UK’s political landscape.
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Companions of the Order of the Bath (CB)
- Jaee Kamalnath Samant CBE: Director General of Public Safety at the Home Office was honoured for her tireless work in public service, ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens.
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
- Satwant Kaur Deol: Former Principal and Chief Executive of The Henley College in Oxfordshire was honoured for her contributions to further education. Deol’s work in shaping educational opportunities has impacted countless students throughout her career.
- Charles Pritam Singh Dhanowa OBE: The Registrar of the United Kingdom Competition Appeal Tribunal was recognised for his expertise in competition law, ensuring fairness and integrity in business practices.
- Professor Sneh Khemka: A renowned surgeon and business leader was awarded for his significant contributions to healthcare, science, innovation, and technology. His pioneering work in the healthcare sector has made a lasting impact on medical advancements.
- Leena Nair: The Global CEO of Chanel and former Global Chief HR Officer at Unilever has been recognised for her transformative influence in the retail and consumer sector, promoting diversity and equality.
- Mayank Prakash: President of the British Computing Society was honoured for his efforts to advance technology professionals, encouraging innovation and growth in the tech industry.
- Purnima Murthy Tanuku OBE: Chief Executive of the National Day Nurseries Association was recognised for her exceptional service to early years education in the UK.
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Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- Professor Sanjay Arya: Medical Director and Consultant Cardiologist was celebrated for his contributions to supporting Black and Minority Ethnic doctors and healthcare in the North West of England.
- Professor Nandini Das: A distinguished professor of Early Modern Literature and Culture at the University of Oxford has been commended for her work in interdisciplinary research and public engagement.
- Tarsem Singh Dhaliwal: CEO of Iceland Foods was honoured for his contributions to the Welsh economy, retail, and charity sectors.
- Jasmine Dotiwala: Recognised for her groundbreaking work in broadcasting, music, and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in the media industry.
- Monica Kohli: For her role in promoting diversity in the maritime industry, Kohli has been honoured for her outstanding leadership in the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) UK.
- Additionally, other prominent honorees who received OBE are Soumya Majumdar, Seema Misra, Professor Shahina Pradhan, Ushma Manhar Patel MBE, Gian Singh Power, Sravya Rao, Mandeep Kaur Sanghera, Savraj Singh Sidhu, and Smruti Sriram.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
- Dalim Kumar Basu: An honorary chair and volunteer at the British Computer Society has been recognised for his work promoting science and technology, especially among young people in London.
- Marimouttou Coumarassamy: Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and founder of the British Indian Nurse Association was honoured for her dedication to supporting international nurses.
- Professor Bhaskar Dasgupta: Consultant Rheumatologist at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust was honoured for his dedication to patients with giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica.
- Imran Hussain Shah: A community leader and chair of the Police Independent Advisory Group in West Yorkshire was recognised for his commitment to policing and community engagement.
- Additionally, other prominent honorees who received MBE are Aman Sharma, Professor Ajay Jaikishore Vora, and Chandni Kalpesh Vora.
Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
- Sanjib Bhattacharjee: For his exceptional community work in the London Boroughs of Newham, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest, Bhattacharjee has been celebrated for his volunteer efforts in local neighbourhoods.
- Hemandra Hindocha: Postmaster of Westcotes Post Office was recognised for his service to the post office and the local community in the Midlands.
- Additionally, other prominent honorees who received BEM are Jagrupe Binnig, Enoch Kanagaraj, Jaswinder Kumar, Preshanthi Devarani Navaratnam, and Balbir Singh.
The 2025 New Year Honours List serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of Indian-origin individuals who have made an indelible mark on British society. These unsung heroes, often hidden from public view, play a crucial role in shaping the fabric of the United Kingdom. The recognitions underscore the importance of service, innovation, and community engagement, setting a powerful example for others to follow.
