Indians abroad dominate Australia Day 2026 Honours List / Instagram/@aussiehonours

Several Indian subcontinental migrant leaders and community builders have been recognized in the Australia Day 2026 Honours List, which showcases the significant contributions to the nation fueled by migration, and individuals from diverse backgrounds in the fields of science, medicine, education, public service, and community leadership.

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The Australia Day 2026 Honours List was announced by Governor-General Sam Mostyn, and it honours 949 Australians, which is over 200 more than last year.  The list includes:

Ravinder Raj Anand

Ravinder Raj Anand AM, based in Western Australia, has been recognised for his service to earth science and mineral resources. He played a pivotal role over several decades at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, where his leadership and research strengthened the nation’s global standing in mineral exploration science.

Prem Ramburuth

Emeritus Professor Prem Ramburuth AM, who has held senior leadership and governance roles at the University of New South Wales, including President of the Academic Board and member of the Vice-Chancellor’s Executive Team, has been honoured for her service to tertiary education, particularly through building international partnerships.

Her contribution has extended beyond Australia through capacity building and governance work across Africa and global collaborations through the PLuS Alliance, linking UNSW with King’s College London and Arizona State University.

Dipak Sanghvi

Dipak Sanghvi AM has been recognised for service to community health through decades of governance and advisory leadership.

In Victoria, he has played a key role at Monash Health, serving as a director and later chair, while also contributing to ambulance services, pharmacy leadership and public policy. He has also been a leader within the Australian Indian community, supporting charitable, cultural and faith-based organizations and promoting inclusive health outcomes.

Kunwarjit Singh Sangla

Kunwarjit Singh Sangla AM has been appointed for his service to endocrinology and to rural and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Queensland.

As Medical Director of Medical Services at the Townsville Hospital and Health Service, and through outreach with regional hospitals and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Sangla has provided specialist care to some of the state’s most remote communities.

Mukund Narayana Murti

Mukund Narayana Murti PSM has been recognised for public service through strengthening Australia’s trade and investment relationships with Southeast Asia.

Through leadership roles with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, he played a key role in developing and implementing Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040, undertaking extensive consultations and market engagements.

Rondhir Jithoo

Rondhir Jithoo OAM, a Melbourne-based neurosurgeon, has been awarded for service to neurosurgery through public and private practice, medical education, defence medicine and international outreach.

His service with the Australian Defence Force, including deployment with allied forces overseas, portrays a career that bridges medicine, service and international cooperation.

Shyam Ratan Das

Shyam Ratan Das OAM has been recognised for extended service to the Indian community of Queensland. He has held leadership roles across cultural, business, mental health and media organisations, strengthening community cohesion and multicultural engagement.

Tausif Khan

Tausif Khan OAM has been honoured for service to multicultural and Indian community life in Queensland. Through leadership roles in community organisations, trade and cultural associations, and ethnic broadcasting, he has been key in fostering intercultural understanding and supporting major community events over the decades.

Satwant Singh Calais

Satwant Singh Calais of Oatlands, New South Wales, has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to the Sikh community.

He is a co-founder of Sikh Youth Australia (SYA), established in 1999 to address a lack of organised resources and support for young Sikhs across the country. He has served as president of the non-profit organisation since 2008, helping it grow into a national platform dedicated to leadership development, cultural preservation and community service.

Farah Madon

Farah Madon has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2026 Australia Day Honours for her significant contribution to architecture and disability inclusion. She played a crucial role in setting national standards for Specialist Disability Accommodation as lead author of the NDIS SDA Design Standard.

Madon has also spent more than 15 years volunteering on Penrith City Council’s Access Committee, grounding policy in lived experience.

Recipients will receive their awards at investiture ceremonies across Australia in the upcoming months.

Discover more at New India Abroad.