The King's New Year Honours List for 2026 has brought significant recognition to the global Indian diaspora, with dozens of People of Indian Origin (PIOs) being honoured for their exceptional contributions across various fields in the United Kingdom. The list, comprising 1,157 recipients, notably highlights diversity, with 14% of those represented at the higher award levels coming from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Prestigious Damehoods for Trailblazing Women
Two remarkable women of Indian heritage were awarded the prestigious title of Dame. Meera Syal, the 64-year-old acclaimed Punjabi actress and writer, received the honour. Born to parents who migrated from Delhi, Syal is celebrated for her groundbreaking work on the British Asian television comedy "Goodness Gracious Me," both as a star and writer.
Similarly, Professor Meena Upadhyaya was made a Dame for her distinguished services to community cohesion in Wales and to the field of medical genetics. Upadhyaya moved to the UK at the age of 19 from Modinagar in Uttar Pradesh and has since built an illustrious career.
CBEs and OBEs for Community and Business Leaders
The honours extended to numerous other influential figures. Dhruv Patel, founder of the City Hindus Network, was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to charity. Neeta Atkar, the senior independent director at the British Business Bank, was appointed CBE for her contributions to small business finance.
The Order of the British Empire (OBE) was conferred upon several individuals. Paavan Popat, CEO of TLC Group and son of Conservative life peer Lord Dolar Popat, received an OBE for his work in adult social care. Dr Harjinder Singh Lallie, founder of the Gurmat Sangeet Academy, a non-profit Sikh music school, was also honoured with an OBE.
Professor Gurpreet Singh Jagpal, Chief Commercial Officer at Aston University, expressed his pride upon receiving an OBE. "As a British Sikh, I hope this honour encourages others from every background and community to pursue their aspirations with confidence," he stated.
MBEs Celebrate Arts, Fashion, and Sports
The Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) recognitions celebrated excellence in diverse spheres. Balbir Singh, a dancer trained in Kathak and contemporary styles who founded the Balbir Singh Dance Company in Leeds, received an MBE. He highlighted the role of his heritage, saying, "The importance of culture, heritage and a Sikh upbringing have had a profound effect on the artist I am."
Mani Kohli, the fashion entrepreneur behind the Khubsoorat Collection who moved to London from Delhi at 19, was awarded an MBE. Kohli, who has dressed royalty and Bollywood stars and created costumes for the film "Bend It Like Beckham," credited her foundations: "The teachings of our Gurus, of being disciplined and grounded, laid the foundations for me to pursue this career with determination."
The sports world was also represented, with former England cricketer Isa Tara Guha, who hails from Kolkata, and long-serving England women's football team doctor Dr Ritan Mehta receiving MBEs.
This year's honours list powerfully underscores the immense and multifaceted impact of the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom. From genetics and finance to comedy, dance, and fashion, the awardees exemplify how heritage and dedication combine to create outstanding service and success, inspiring future generations globally.
