10 Indian-Australians Receive King's Recognition
As many as 10 Indian-origin Australians have featured in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours List, with the recipients recognised for their distinguished service and contribution to Australian society, local media reported.
The 2026 King's Honours List recognises 948 Australians for outstanding service and achievement in community service, medicine, science, education, public administration, defence, sport and the arts. The list features several prominent Indian-Australians awarded the 'Medal of the Order of Australia' (OAM) and higher honours, demonstrating the growing contribution of Indian community to the Australian society.
Indian-origin Australians who feature in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List include Professor Valsamma Eapen (AO), Dr Abhishek Kumar Verma (OAM), Dr Dilipkumar Gahankari (OAM), Professor Balasubramaniam Venkatesh (AM), Noshir Irani (OAM), Chethicad Oommen Thomas (OAM), Usha Kiran Chandra (OAM), Dr Atul Kumar Garg (OAM), Saurabh Mishra (OAM), and Bijinder Dugal (OAM), honoured for their outstanding service in medicine, psychiatry, community leadership, business, aged care and multicultural engagement, 'The Australia Today' reported.
The Indian High Commission in Australia on Monday congratulated the 10 Australians of Indian origin who featured in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours List
"The King’s Birthday Honours are among Australia’s highest civilian honours, recognising distinguished service and outstanding contribution to the nation. Heartiest congratulations to the 10 Australians of Indian origin recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List," the Indian High Commission in Australia posted on X.
Melbourne-based community leader Chethicad Oommen Thomas received the OAM for service to the Indian community of Victoria, recognising his over 50 years of leadership and institution-building. He came to Australia in 1969 and dedicated his life to supporting new migrants and strengthening community connections.
He founded the Malayalee Association of Victoria in 1976, served as a leader of the Australia India Society of Victoria, set up the Victorian Indian Community Charitable Trust, and played a key role in making the Indian Orthodox Church network in Victoria. His work helped build cultural, charitable and faith-based institutions that continue to serve Indian Australians.
Leading child and adolescent psychiatrist Professor Valsamma Eapen has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her service to psychiatry, neurodevelopmental research, child and adolescent mental health, and tertiary education. She is known across the world for her work in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourette syndrome, autism spectrum disorder and early childhood mental health.
Intensive care specialist Professor Balasubramaniam Venkatesh has been appointed as Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his work in critical care medicine, infection control and tertiary education.
Melbourne-based general practitioner Dr Abhishek Kumar Verma has been honoured with OAM for his service to medicine and medical administration. Dr Verma has been recognised for his leadership in clinical governance, medical education and healthcare regulation and service in migrant and refugee health, The Australia Today reported.
Gold Coast-based plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Dilipkumar Gahankari has been honoured with the OAM for his work in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Melbourne-based entrepreneur and community leader Saurabh Mishra received the OAM for service to the community. Apart from being an entrepreneur, he has been involved with volunteer work in palliative care, cultural preservation and mentoring through organisations like TiE Melbourne. In addition, he has supported Hindustani classical music and healthcare innovation initiatives in Victoria, 'The Australia Today' reported.
Sydney-based community volunteer Noshir Irani has been awarded the OAM for his service to the community. He has been recognised for his leadership in multicultural organisations, volunteer services and civic engagement in New South Wales, including his involvement in cultural associations and neighbourhood initiatives.
Community leader Dr Atul Kumar Garg has been honoured with OAM for service to the community through neighbourhood safety initiatives, multicultural engagement and charitable work, including leadership roles in Neighbourhood Watch and Indian community organisations.
Queensland-based community leader Usha Kiran Chandra has been honoured for her service to the Indian community through cultural festivals, Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Queensland and initiatives promoting multicultural participation and civic engagement.
Sydney-based community advocate Bijinder Dugal has received the OAM for her service to aged welfare. She is the co-founder of the AASHA Australia Foundation and has worked for improving the wellbeing of elderly Australians through programs focused on active ageing, dementia awareness, elder rights education and social inclusion.
