Canberra, June 8: Ten Australians of Indian origin have been recognised in the prestigious 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List for their outstanding contributions across fields including medicine, psychiatry, community service, aged care, education, business, and multicultural engagement.
The 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List celebrates 948 Australians for exceptional achievements and distinguished service in sectors such as healthcare, science, education, public administration, defence, sports, arts, and community development. The recognition of several Indian-origin Australians highlights the growing impact and contributions of the Indian diaspora in Australia.
Among those honoured are Professor Valsamma Eapen (AO), Professor Balasubramaniam Venkatesh (AM), Dr Abhishek Kumar Verma (OAM), Dr Dilipkumar Gahankari (OAM), Noshir Irani (OAM), Chethicad Oommen Thomas (OAM), Usha Kiran Chandra (OAM), Dr Atul Kumar Garg (OAM), Saurabh Mishra (OAM), and Bijinder Dugal (OAM).
The Indian High Commission in Australia congratulated the awardees, describing the King’s Birthday Honours as among the nation’s highest civilian recognitions.
In a post on X, the High Commission stated, “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.”
Contributions Across Diverse Fields
Melbourne-based community leader Chethicad Oommen Thomas received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his decades-long service to Victoria’s Indian community. Having migrated to Australia in 1969, Thomas played a pivotal role in establishing several community and charitable organisations, including the Malayalee Association of Victoria and the Victorian Indian Community Charitable Trust.
Renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist Professor Valsamma Eapen was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her significant contributions to psychiatry, neurodevelopmental research, child and adolescent mental health, and higher education. She is internationally recognised for her work on ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, Tourette syndrome, and early childhood mental health.
Critical care expert Professor Balasubramaniam Venkatesh was named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contributions to intensive care medicine, infection control, and tertiary education.
Melbourne-based general practitioner Dr Abhishek Kumar Verma received the OAM for his service to medicine and medical administration, particularly in clinical governance, healthcare regulation, medical education, and migrant and refugee health services.
Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Dilipkumar Gahankari, based on the Gold Coast, was honoured with the OAM for his distinguished service to medicine through his work in reconstructive and plastic surgery.
Entrepreneur and community volunteer Saurabh Mishra was recognised with the OAM for his contributions to community welfare. His work spans palliative care, mentorship initiatives, cultural preservation, healthcare innovation, and support for Hindustani classical music in Victoria.
Sydney-based volunteer Noshir Iran received the OAM for his extensive involvement in multicultural organisations, civic engagement initiatives, and community service activities across New South Wales.
Community leader Dr. Atul Kumar Garg was honoured with the OAM for his efforts in neighbourhood safety, charitable initiatives, and multicultural community engagement, including his leadership roles in Neighbourhood Watch and Indian community organisations.
Usha Kiran Chandra of Queensland was recognised for her dedicated service to the Indian community through cultural festivals, the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Queensland, and initiatives promoting multicultural participation.
Meanwhile, Sydney-based community advocate Bijinder Dugal received the OAM for her service to aged welfare. As co-founder of AASHA Australia Foundation, she has championed programs focused on active ageing, dementia awareness, elder rights, and social inclusion for senior citizens.
The recognition of these 10 Indian-origin Australians reflects the significant role played by the Indian diaspora in enriching Australia’s social, cultural, healthcare, and community sectors.
