Indian-Origin Public Service and Cultural Leaders Shine in King Charles III's Birthday Honours 2025
Each year, the UK celebrates King Charles III’s official birthday with the release of the Birthday Honours List, recognizing outstanding contributions across public service, arts, and industries. The 2025 list prominently features over 30 distinguished professionals of Indian heritage, embodying excellence in healthcare, business, education, and community service.
Prominent Commanders and Knights
Leading the honour roll are Prem Babu Goyal, celebrated for his dedication to public service within the City of London Corporation, Tanuja Randery of Amazon Web Services recognized for her impact in technology and business, and Professor Jagtar Singh, who has significantly contributed to the National Health Service (NHS) in Coventry and Warwickshire. Each has been appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), a mark of distinguished service.
Adding to the prestige, David Beckham receives a Knighthood for his exceptional work in sports and charitable causes, a highlight of the list that coincides with the official celebrations.
Diverse Talents Honoured for Community Impact
The list also acknowledges numerous Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBEs) such as Sunita Arora, praised for her philanthropic leadership; Nurse Avinderjit Bhatia, honored for contributions to nursing and the NHS; and Rita Hirani, recognized for championing rights for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and domestic abuse victims.
Others receiving OBEs include:
- Pooja Kanda, awarded for relentless campaigning against knife crime.
- Dr Kulin Kantilal Patel, for advancing animal health and international trade.
- Vaibhav Puri, recognized for enhancing rail safety standards.
- Professor Pankaj Sharma, acknowledged for pivotal stroke research among South Asians.
- Captain Jagjit Singh Sohal, honored for commemorating Commonwealth soldiers through World War I Sikh Memorial initiatives.
Celebrating Contributions in Arts, Culture, and Education
Indian-origin recipients of the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) include classical musician Surdarshan Singh Chana for promoting Sikh culture, and artiste Sonia Sabri for her dedication to dance. Dr. Richa Sinha, Chair of the Scottish Hindu Foundation, receives an MBE for her work combating Hinduphobia and fostering community cohesion, while astrophysicist Raman Kant Prinja has been recognized for academic excellence at University College London.
Additionally, Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) honors go to community advocates like Adarsh Khullar and Santosh Sharma, as well as Ram Prakash Gupta and Amish Dipakkumar Patel, for their devoted community service.
Recognizing a Broad Spectrum of Excellence
The honours this year also celebrate a wide range of public figures, from actor and filmmaker Gary Oldman receiving a Knighthood to broadcasters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly awarded MBEs for their contributions to media. The oldest recipient is 106-year-old William Irwin, honored with a BEM for longstanding community contributions in Northern Ireland.
Remarkably, three family members—the Speirs—each receive BEMs for founding Calum’s Cabin, which offers holiday homes for children battling cancer, marking a first in the history of the honours.
Official Birthday Celebrations and Legacy
King Charles III’s actual birthday falls on November 14, but the United Kingdom observes the occasion with a grand Trooping the Colour ceremony every June. This renowned event not only marks the monarch’s birthday but also serves as an opportunity to recognize citizens whose contributions shape the nation’s fabric.
The 2025 Birthday Honours List emphasizes dedication, compassion, and community service, reflecting the diverse and dynamic spirit of modern Britain and its vibrant Indian-origin community.
