As many as 10 Indian-origin Australians have been recognized in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours List for their exceptional service and contributions to Australian society. The honorees, including Professor Valsamma Eapen, Dr Abhishek Kumar Verma, and others, have been awarded for their achievements in various fields such as medicine, community leadership, and business. The Indian High Commission in Australia extended congratulations to these individuals for their distinguished recognition.
Melbourne-based community leader Chethicad Oommen Thomas, who has been serving the Indian community for over 50 years, received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his significant contributions. Professor Valsamma Eapen, a renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her outstanding work in psychiatry and neurodevelopmental research.
Professor Balasubramaniam Venkatesh, an intensive care specialist, was honored as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contributions to critical care medicine. Dr Abhishek Kumar Verma, a general practitioner from Melbourne, was recognized with the OAM for his service to medicine and healthcare regulation. Dr. Dilipkumar Gahankari, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon from Gold Coast, received the OAM for his work in plastic surgery.
Saurabh Mishra, an entrepreneur and community leader from Melbourne, was honored for his service to the community, including volunteer work in palliative care and cultural preservation. Noshir Irani, a community volunteer from Sydney, was awarded the OAM for his leadership in multicultural organizations. Dr. Atul Kumar Garg, a community leader, received the OAM for his contributions to neighborhood safety initiatives and multicultural engagement.
Usha Kiran Chandra, a community leader from Queensland, was honored for her service to the Indian community through cultural festivals and initiatives promoting multicultural participation. Bijinder Dugal, a community advocate from Sydney, received the OAM for her service to aged welfare through programs focused on elder rights education and social inclusion.
