Unsung Indian-origin ‘heroes’ feature in King Charles’ New Year honours list

Community leaders, campaigners, academics and medics are among over 30 Indian-origin professionals to be recognised in King Charles’ 2025 New Year Honours List released in London in time for New Year’s Eve.

Ranil Malcolm Jayawardena, a Conservative member of Parliament of Sri Lankan and Indian heritage, has been conferred a knighthood for political and public service along with recently resigned England men’s football team manager Gareth Southgate, for services to the game.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan and former West Midlands Mayor Andy Street are also among those receiving knighthoods among more than 1,200 recipients on the 2025 honours list released on Monday night across all sectors, with particular commendation to role models in sport, healthcare, academia and voluntary service.

“Every day, ordinary people go out and do extraordinary things for their communities,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. “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,” he added.

The list includes CBEs for Satwant Kaur Deol for services to further education, Charles Pritam Singh Dhanowa OBE for services to Competition Law, and surgeon Professor Sneh Khemka for services to healthcare, science and innovation and technology. Leena Nair, Global CEO of Chanel, will also be receiving a CBE for services to the retail and consumer sector.