In a resounding testament to the United Kingdom’s rich multicultural tapestry, more than 30 professionals of Indian origin have been honoured in King Charles III’s 2025 New Year Honours List. Announced from London in anticipation of New Year’s Eve, the prestigious list recognizes outstanding contributions across various sectors, highlighting the significant impact of British Indians in shaping the nation’s future.
Among the distinguished recipients is Ranil Malcolm Jayawardena, a Conservative Member of Parliament with Sri Lankan and Indian heritage. Jayawardena has been knighted for his exemplary political and public service. Sharing the spotlight is Gareth Southgate, the recently departed England men’s football team manager, who received a Knighthood for his invaluable services to the sport.
Prominent political figures such as London Mayor Sadiq Khan and former West Midlands Mayor Andy Street are also among the honourees, each receiving Knighthoods. The 2025 honours list, encompassing over 1,200 recipients, spans all walks of life with special recognition for role models in sports, healthcare, academia, and voluntary service.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the recipients, stating, “Every day, ordinary people go out and do extraordinary things for their communities. They represent the very best of the UK and that core value of service which I put at the centre of everything this government does. The New Year Honours List celebrates more of these unsung heroes, and I thank them for their incredible contribution.”
The Cabinet Office, acting on behalf of the British monarch, unveiled the list which includes notable Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBEs). Satwant Kaur Deol has been recognised for her services to further education, while Charles Pritam Singh Dhanowa OBE is honoured for his contributions to competition law. In the medical field, Professor Sneh Khemka received a CBE for advancements in healthcare, science, innovation, and technology.
Leading figures from the corporate and academic worlds were also acknowledged. Leena Nair, Global CEO of Chanel, was awarded a CBE for her influence in the retail and consumer sector. Mayank Prakash, President of the British Computing Society, and Purnima Murthy Tanuku OBE, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association, were recognised for their significant contributions to technology and early years’ education, respectively.
The honours extend to Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBEs), including cardiologist Professor Sanjay Arya for his dedication to minority healthcare, and Nandini Das, Professor at the University of Oxford, for her interdisciplinary research and public engagement in the humanities. Tarsem Singh Dhaliwal, CEO of Iceland Foods, Jasmine Dotiwala for her work in broadcasting and diversity, Monica Kohli for promoting maritime diversity, and Soumya Majumdar from the Crown Prosecution Service are among those lauded for their exceptional service.
Additionally, Seema Misra, Ushma Manhar Patel MBE, mental health advocate Gian Singh Power, and Sravya Rao from the Department for Business and Trade have been honoured for their relentless public service. Philanthropist Mandeep Kaur Sanghera, Ministry of Defence’s Savraj Singh Sidhu, and fashion industry leader Smruti Sriram also received OBEs for their contributions.
The list further celebrates Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs) and Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEMs), featuring British Indians like tech expert Dalim Kumar Basu, nursing chief Marimouttou Coumarassamy, rheumatologist Professor Bhaskar Dasgupta, and paediatric haematologist Professor Ajay Jaikishore Vora. Community workers Sanjib Bhattacharjee and Jagrupe Binnig, postal worker Hemandra Hindocha, and charity worker Jaswinder Kumar are among the BEM recipients. Musician Balbir Singh Khanpur Bhujhangy was honoured for his contributions to Bhangra music and Punjabi culture in the West Midlands.
In a special recognition, Sir Kazuo Ishiguro, the Japanese-British Nobel laureate author and screenwriter, received the Companion of Honour for his services to literature. Additionally, beloved English actor and writer Stephen Fry was knighted for his pivotal work in mental health awareness.
Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden highlighted the inclusive nature of the honours, stating, “This year’s New Year Honours List celebrates the unsung heroes who contribute selflessly to their communities across the UK. I send them all my congratulations for their achievements.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to recognizing outstanding individuals from all corners of the nation, encouraging public nominations to ensure diverse and comprehensive representation.
The 2025 New Year Honours List not only honors individual excellence but also underscores the vital role of British Indians in enriching the UK’s social, cultural, and economic landscapes. With 54% of recipients having made significant community contributions and 12% representing ethnic minority backgrounds, the list exemplifies the nation’s dedication to celebrating diversity and fostering inclusive recognition.
