Australia
South Asian Australians Honoured in King’s Birthday Honours List 2026: Australia’s South Asian community is celebrating a significant achievement following the announcement of the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List, with distinguished Australians of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Sri Lankan heritage receiving some of the nation’s highest civilian recognitions for their contributions to medicine, journalism, community service, emergency response, multiculturalism, aged care, education, and faith leadership.
The honours recognize Australians whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact on society and reflect the important role played by South Asian Australians in shaping the nation’s multicultural success story.
The following Indian-origin Australians received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM):
- Dr. Abhishek Kumar Verma – for service to medicine and medical administration, including migrant and refugee healthcare.
- Dr. Dilipkumar Gahankari – for service to plastic and reconstructive surgery.
- Noshir Irani – for leadership in multicultural organizations and community initiatives.
- Chethicad Oommen Thomas – for more than five decades of service to Victoria’s Indian community and for founding the Malayalee Association of Victoria.
- Usha Kiran Chandra – for service to the Indian community of Queensland.
- Dr. Atul Kumar Garg – for service to the community through a range of organizations.
- Saurabh Mishra – for volunteer work in palliative care, mentoring, cultural preservation, and community service.
- Bijinder Dugal – for service to aged welfare and community support through the Aasha Australia Foundation.
Indian-Origin Australians Receive National Recognition
Professor Valsamma Eapen was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to psychiatry, neurodevelopmental research, child and adolescent mental health, and tertiary education. Internationally recognized for her work on autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, Tourette syndrome, and early childhood mental health, Professor Eapen has made a profound contribution to healthcare and research.
Professor Balasubramaniam Venkatesh was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to critical care medicine, infection control, medical research, and higher education.
Bangladeshi-Origin Australian Honoured
Mr. Ziaul Islam Ahmad of New South Wales was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to journalism and the Muslim community. Through his work in media and community engagement, Ahmad has contributed significantly to promoting multicultural understanding and community representation.
Pakistani-Origin Australians Recognized
Mr. Mohammed Shabbir Alam of Victoria received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community through emergency response organizations. His dedication to volunteerism, public safety, and emergency services has made a meaningful difference to communities across Australia.
His Eminence Professor Sheikh Salim Mahmoud Alwan of New South Wales was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to Islam and Qur’anic studies. A respected Islamic scholar and educator, Professor Alwan has devoted decades to religious education and community leadership.
Sri Lankan-Origin Medical Leader Honoured
Professor Suran Loshana Fernando was recognized for service to medicine in the field of immunology. His contributions to medical research and healthcare have advanced scientific understanding and improved patient outcomes.
Celebrating South Asian Excellence
The recognition of Australians from Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Sri Lankan backgrounds underscores the significant contributions made by South Asian communities to Australia’s social, cultural, medical, educational, and civic life.
From pioneering medical research and healthcare innovation to journalism, faith leadership, emergency response, aged care, multicultural advocacy, and community service, this year’s recipients exemplify the values of leadership, compassion, and public service.
Their achievements not only reflect individual excellence but also highlight the growing contribution of the South Asian diaspora to Australia’s prosperity and multicultural identity. The 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List stands as a celebration of those whose dedication continues to strengthen communities and inspire future generations across Australia.
