NRI Ranil Malcolm Jayawardene and 30 NRIs 'unsung
heroes' in King Charles' 2025 New Year Honours List

Los Angeles/Dec 31, 2024
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/A.Gary Singh

Ranil Malcolm Jayawardena, a Conservative MP with Sri Lankan and Indian roots, has been awarded a Knighthood for his contributions to politics and public service. He is joined by Gareth Southgate, the recently resigned manager of England’s men’s football team, who has been recognised for his services to football.

The list includes over 1,200 recipients from diverse sectors, acknowledging outstanding contributions in sports, healthcare, academia, and voluntary service.

“Every day, ordinary people accomplish extraordinary things for their communities,” said UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “These individuals reflect the very best of the UK and embody the core value of service, which is central to this government. The New Year Honours List celebrates these unsung heroes, and I thank them for their exceptional contributions.”

The annual honours list, issued by the Cabinet Office on behalf of the British monarch, features several notable Indian-origin recipients. Among those recognised with Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBEs) are Satwant Kaur Deol, for her work in further education; Charles Pritam Singh Dhanowa OBE, for his contributions to competition law; and Professor Sneh Khemka, for his achievements in healthcare, science, innovation, and technology.

Others honoured with CBEs include Leena Nair, Global CEO of Chanel, for her work in the retail and consumer sectors; Mayank Prakash, President of the British Computing Society, for advancing technology professionals; and Purnima Murthy Tanuku OBE, CEO of the National Day Nurseries Association, for her contributions to early years education.

Indian-origin Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBEs) include Professor Sanjay Arya, a cardiologist, for his work supporting black and minority ethnic doctors and healthcare in north-west England; Professor Nandini Das, an expert in Early Modern Literature and Culture at the University of Oxford, for interdisciplinary research and public engagement; and Tarsem Singh Dhaliwal, CEO of Iceland Foods, for his contributions to the Welsh economy, retail, and charity.

Other OBE recipients include Jasmine Dotiwala, for her work in broadcasting, music, and promoting equality and diversity; Monica Kohli, President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association UK, for championing diversity in the maritime sector; Soumya Majumdar of the Crown Prosecution Service, for services to law and order; and campaigner Seema Misra, Prime Minister’s diary manager Ushma Manhar Patel MBE, and mental health advocate Gian Singh Power.

Philanthropist Mandeep Kaur Sanghera, Ministry of Defence professional Savraj Singh Sidhu, and fashion industry leader Smruti Sriram have also been honoured with OBEs for their public service contributions.

Recipients of the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs) include tech expert Dalim Kumar Basu, nursing leader Marimouttou Coumarassamy, rheumatologist Professor Bhaskar Dasgupta, and paediatric haematologist Professor Ajay Jaikishore Vora.

British Empire Medal (BEM) honourees include community worker Sanjib Bhattacharjee, postal worker Hemandra Hindocha, and charity worker Jaswinder Kumar. Musician Balbir Singh Khanpur Bhujhangy has been recognised for his contributions to Bhangra music and Punjabi culture in the West Midlands.

The Companion of Honour, a prestigious title with only 65 members at any given time, has been awarded to Nobel Prize-winning author and screenwriter Sir Kazuo Ishiguro for his contributions to literature.

Meanwhile, celebrated English actor, comedian, and mental health advocate Stephen Fry has been awarded a Knighthood for his efforts in raising awareness about mental health.

Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden highlighted the significance of the awards, saying, “This year’s honours list celebrates the selfless contributions of individuals across the UK. Our honours system uniquely acknowledges the achievements of those who make extraordinary efforts for their communities.”

The UK government encourages nominations for future honours to ensure outstanding individuals continue to be recognised for their service and dedication.

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