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Indian origin names in UK’s New Year Honors 2026 List
Formal investiture ceremonies are scheduled to take place across the United Kingdom during 2026.
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Anushka Pathak - Fri, 02, Jan 2026
- 15:28 EST
- 11
United Kingdom King Charles III and Queen Camilla / Courtesy: Wikipedia
In a significant acknowledgment of excellence, multiple individuals of Indian descent have been included in the New Year Honors List for 2026, announced by King Charles III, highlighting their impactful contributions across various sectors.
The Indian-origin recipients featured in the list represent a wide range of sectors, including entertainment, medical research, finance, social care, and community integration.
Also Read: Three scientists of Indian descent among 80 appointed to Order of Canada
Dame Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)
Meera Syal was honored for services to literature, drama, and charity. A comedian, writer, and actor, she rose to prominence as a co-creator and performer on the BBC sketch series 'Goodness Gracious Me,' which explored British Asian identity and representation. She later starred in 'The Kumars at No. 42' and has published several novels and screenplays.
Meena Upadhyaya was recognized for services to community cohesion in Wales and to medical genetics. Born in Uttar Pradesh, she moved to the UK as a teenager and later became a professor emerita in medical genetics. Her research has focused on genetic mutations linked to inherited disorders, alongside long-standing work supporting inclusion, education, and community engagement in Wales.
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Neeta Avnash Kaur Atkar was recognized for services to small business finance. She has held senior governance and advisory roles in the UK financial sector, including as senior independent director at the British Business Bank. She has also served as a justice of the peace and has been involved in regulatory and oversight roles focused on inclusive economic growth.
Dhruv Patel, the founder of the City Hindus Network, a nonprofit organization promoting Hindu values and professional networking, was honored for services to civic leadership. He serves as a common councilman in the City of London Corporation and chairs groups in the insurance sector, including at Lloyd’s of London, with additional business interests in property and pharmacy.
Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Paavan Popat, chief executive of TLC Care, was honored for services to intergenerational housing. He has overseen residential care models that integrate elder care with community and family-oriented living, focusing on long-term care infrastructure and workforce development.
Harjinder Singh Lallie, founder and co-director of the Gurmat Sangeet Academy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and teaching Sikh musical traditions, was honored for services to musical heritage, faith communities, and integration. His work focuses on education, cultural transmission, and engagement across diverse community groups.
Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Balbir Singh, artistic director of the Balbir Singh Dance Company in Leeds, was recognized for his efforts to blend classical Kathak with contemporary dance, contributing to cross-cultural performance and arts education in the UK.
Deepa Korea was honored for services to nursing and midwifery. As director of the Royal College of Nursing Foundation, she has led initiatives supporting professional education, research, and welfare programs aimed at improving workforce sustainability and staff well-being across the health care sector.
Maninder 'Mani' Kohli, a couture fashion entrepreneur, was recognized for her brand that has dressed royals and prominent celebrities. Her label specializes in South Asian-inspired bridalwear, eveningwear, and couture that blends traditional motifs with contemporary design.
Other Indian-origin recipients were recognized in additional categories, including Daljit Singh Rehal for services to technology and public service. Formal investiture ceremonies are scheduled to take place across the United Kingdom during 2026.
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