Canberra, June 8: Ten Indian-origin Australians have been recognized in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honors List for their exceptional service and contributions to Australian society. This prestigious acknowledgment highlights the growing impact of the Indian community in Australia.
The 2026 King’s Honors List features 948 Australians celebrated for their outstanding achievements in various fields, including community service, medicine, science, education, public administration, defense, sports, and the arts. Several prominent Indian-Australians received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and other significant honors.
According to a report by ‘The Australia Today’, the Indian-origin Australians recognized include Professor Valsamma Eapen (AO), Dr. Abhishek Kumar Verma (OAM), Dr. Dilip Kumar Gahankari (OAM), Professor Balasubramaniam Venkatesh (AM), Noshir Irani (OAM), Chethikad Oommen Thomas (OAM), Usha Kiran Chandra (OAM), Dr. Atul Kumar Garg (OAM), Saurabh Mishra (OAM), and Bijinder Duggal (OAM).
These individuals were honored for their remarkable contributions in fields such as medicine, psychiatry, community leadership, business, elder care, and multicultural engagement.
The Indian High Commission in Australia congratulated the ten Indian-origin Australians on their inclusion in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honors List via a post on the social media platform X. The post stated, “The King’s Birthday Honors is one of Australia’s highest civilian honors, recognizing special service and outstanding contributions to the country. Heartfelt congratulations to the ten Indian-origin Australians included in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honors List.”
Melbourne community leader Chethikad Oommen Thomas received the OAM for his service to the Indian community in Victoria, acknowledging his over 50 years of leadership and institution-building efforts. He arrived in Australia in 1969 and dedicated his life to supporting new immigrants and strengthening community engagement.
Professor Valsamma Eapen, a renowned psychologist specializing in child and adolescent mental health, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her contributions to psychiatry and neuroscience research.
Intensive care specialist Professor Balasubramaniam Venkatesh was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his work in critical care medicine, infection control, and higher education.
Dr. Abhishek Kumar Verma, a general practitioner in Melbourne, was honored with the OAM for his service in medicine and medical administration. He has been recognized for his leadership in clinical governance, medical education, and migrant health.
Dr. Dilip Kumar Gahankari, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Gold Coast, received the OAM for his contributions to the field.
Melbourne-based entrepreneur and community leader Saurabh Mishra was awarded the OAM for his social service efforts.
Noshir Irani, a community volunteer from Sydney, was recognized with the OAM for his service to the community, particularly in multicultural organizations and civic engagement.
Dr. Atul Kumar Garg received the OAM for his contributions to neighborhood safety initiatives and social service work, playing a vital role in promoting community welfare.
Usha Kiran Chandra, a community leader in Queensland, was honored for her service to the Indian community through cultural festivals and initiatives promoting multicultural participation.
Bijinder Duggal, a community advocate residing in Sydney, received the OAM for her work in elder welfare, co-founding the AASHA Australia Foundation, and focusing on programs that promote active aging and social inclusion for older Australians.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
