London: The 2025 New Year Honours List, announced by King Charles in London, celebrates a diverse array of achievements across professions, including over 30 honorees of Indian descent. This prestigious recognition highlights the contributions of community leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, and more.
Among notable recipients are Gareth Southgate, former England men’s football manager, and Conservative MP Ranil Malcolm Jayawardena, who received a Knighthood for political and public service. Indian-origin honorees include:
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
- Satwant Kaur Deol: For contributions to further education.
- Charles Pritam Singh Dhanowa, OBE: Recognized for services to competition law.
- Professor Sneh Khemka: Honored for advancements in healthcare, science, and technology.
- Purnima Murthy Tanuku, OBE: For efforts in early childhood education as CEO of the National Day Nurseries Association.
- Mayank Prakash: President of the British Computing Society, for his role in advancing technology professionals.
- Leena Nair: CEO of Chanel, for contributions to retail and consumer sectors.
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
- Professor Sanjay Arya: For healthcare services and support for minority ethnic doctors.
- Professor Nandini Das: Recognized for public engagement in interdisciplinary humanities.
- Tarsem Singh Dhaliwal: CEO of Iceland Foods, for his impact on the Welsh economy, retail, and charity.
- Jasmine Dotiwala: For promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in broadcasting and music.
- Monica Kohli: For efforts in diversifying the maritime industry.
- Soumya Majumdar: From the Crown Prosecution Service, for contributions to law and order.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and Medallists (BEM)
- Professor Bhaskar Dasgupta: For his work in rheumatology.
- Professor Ajay Jaikishore Vora: For contributions to pediatric hematology.
- Marimouttou Coumarassamy: Nursing chief honored for healthcare services.
- Dalim Kumar Basu: For advancements in technology.
- Balbir Singh Khanpur Bhujhangy: Awarded for promoting Punjabi culture and Bhangra music.
This year, 54% of the recipients were recognized for their extraordinary contributions to local communities. Notable inclusions are Japanese-British novelist Sir Kazuo Ishiguro, Companion of Honor, and Stephen Fry, who received a knighthood for mental health advocacy.
The UK government emphasized the inclusive nature of the honors, reflecting the best of society. With 12% of honorees from ethnic minorities, the list underscores the importance of acknowledging unsung heroes who significantly impact their communities.
