King’s Birthday Honours 2026: British South Asians recognised for changing lives, breaking barriers and shaping modern Britain

From tackling domestic abuse and health inequalities to advancing artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and education, British South Asians have once again featured prominently in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026, reflecting the growing influence of South Asian communities in shaping modern Britain.

This year’s honours recognise more than 1,100 individuals from across the United Kingdom, celebrating people whose dedication has improved lives, strengthened communities and driven positive change. The Cabinet Office reported that 11.5 per cent of recipients come from ethnic minority backgrounds, continuing a trend towards greater diversity and representation within the honours system.

Analysis of the list shows that approximately 5.3 per cent of recipients are of South Asian heritage, making British Asians one of the most represented ethnic minority groups honoured this year. Their achievements span healthcare, business, education, public service, technology, policing, the arts and community leadership, underlining the increasingly important role South Asians play in every aspect of British life.

Leading the South Asian recipients is Professor Dame Parveen Kumar, who has been elevated to Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) – one of the highest honours in the British honours system. The internationally renowned physician and educator was recognised for services to global medical education and healthcare, capping a career that has influenced generations of doctors and medical professionals around the world.

The honours list also reflects the increasingly prominent role British Asians are playing in tackling some of the country’s most pressing social challenges.

Among the highest-profile recipients is Yasmin Akhtar Khan, who receives a CBE for her tireless work supporting victims of domestic abuse, forced marriage and honour-based violence. Through decades of advocacy and frontline support, she has helped transform safeguarding services for vulnerable women and girls while ensuring hidden forms of abuse are brought into the national conversation.

Innovation and technology also feature strongly. Entrepreneur Vishal Kumar Marria receives a CBE for services to technology, economic crime prevention and the data and artificial intelligence sector, highlighting the growing influence of British Asian entrepreneurs within industries helping to shape the future economy.

Public service is another area where British Asians continue to make an impact. Kunal Patel receives a CBE for public service, while Dr Damitha Adikaari is honoured for pioneering work in science and innovation aimed at tackling climate change.

The list also celebrates those opening doors for future generations. Professor Monder Ram receives a CBE for his longstanding contribution to ethnic minority entrepreneurship, while Sukriti Prova Sen is recognised for her leadership in children’s social care and improving outcomes for young people.

Healthcare remains one of the sectors where British South Asians continue to make an extraordinary contribution. Professor Mohamed Wasim Hanif receives an OBE for services to diabetes care and reducing health inequalities, while Dr Arun Kumar Gupta is recognised for his contribution to medicine and patient care. Dr Rashmi Mantri is honoured for services to mathematics education, while Dr Geeta Kumar receives recognition for her contribution to women’s health.

Business leadership also features prominently. Rohan Malik, Managing Partner of EY UK and Ireland, receives an OBE for services to business and professional services, while entrepreneur Ifty Nasir is recognised for his contribution to employee ownership and the energy sector.

Yet the honours are not reserved solely for nationally recognised figures. They also acknowledge the countless individuals whose work takes place away from the spotlight.

Foster carers, volunteers and grassroots community champions including Nafiza Aktar Anwar, Satbinder Bains and Tahira Ali have all been recognised for their dedication to supporting families and vulnerable people, demonstrating the vital role community service continues to play in strengthening society.

Entrepreneur Hiren Bhimjiyani receives an MBE for his work in trade, supply chain intelligence and machine learning innovation, while Aditya Chakrabortty is recognised for improving public understanding of economics and wider social issues. Others honoured include Dr Azhar Mahmood Chaudhry for services to the community in Peterborough, Sundas Khalid for charitable and healthcare work, and Shuvo Loha for parliamentary and political service.

The arts and culture sector also features prominently. Anjum Nahid Malik is recognised for services to British South Asian arts, while Parvinder Kaur Matharu and Ravinder Singh Matharu are honoured for their contribution to British tailoring and menswear, celebrating the creative talent and entrepreneurial spirit that continues to enrich Britain’s cultural landscape.

Among the most distinctive honours is that awarded to Jagjivan Singh Khangura, who receives the Royal Victorian Order following a distinguished career protecting members of the Royal Family, including King Charles III. His recognition reflects years of dedicated service at the very heart of national life.

The list also celebrates perseverance and philanthropy. Leah Chowdhry, the first British Asian woman to swim the English Channel, receives an MBE for charitable fundraising and philanthropy after raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for cancer research and youth initiatives inspired by her family’s personal experiences.

Several recipients from Yorkshire and the North have also been recognised for their contribution to public life and community service. Police Constable Dharmesh Mistry receives a British Empire Medal for services to policing and the community in Bradford and Leeds. Imran Hafeez is awarded an MBE for services to literacy development and social inclusion, while Kamal Jit Sharma is recognised for his contribution to community life in Bradford.

The honours extend beyond the UK’s major cities. Professor Ronjon Nag receives an overseas OBE for services to entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence, while Jayne Elizabeth Grimshaw is recognised internationally for her work through Mango Tree Goa, supporting disadvantaged children in India through education and welfare programmes.

Collectively, the achievements recognised in this year’s honours list tell a powerful story about the evolution of Britain’s South Asian communities. Once largely associated with migration, manufacturing and small business, today’s generation is increasingly influencing national life at every level – from scientific research and healthcare to technology, public policy, entrepreneurship, education and culture.

Their stories are not simply about personal success. They are stories of service, resilience, innovation and a commitment to improving the lives of others.

As Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer noted, the honours recognise people who are quietly changing lives and strengthening communities. He said: “Across the UK, people are quietly changing lives and strengthening their communities. This Honours List is a chance to recognise them. Their dedication shows how lasting change is built – through compassion, resilience and a commitment to others. It speaks to the decent, hopeful country we are proud to be, and on behalf of the whole nation, I want to say thank you.”

For British South Asians, the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List serves as a powerful reminder that contributions often made without fanfare are now being recognised at the highest level, reflecting a community whose impact continues to be felt across every corner of modern Britain.