Canberra, June 8: The 2026 King’s Birthday Honors List has recognized ten Indian-origin Australians for their exceptional contributions to Australian society. This honor reflects their significant service across various fields.
A total of 948 Australians were included in the honors list for outstanding achievements in community service, medicine, science, education, public administration, defense, sports, and the arts. Notable Indian-Australians received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and higher distinctions, showcasing the growing impact of the Indian community in Australia.
According to a report by ‘The Australia Today’, the Indian-origin Australians honored include Professor Valsamma Eapen (AO), Dr. Abhishek Kumar Verma (OAM), Dr. Dilip Kumar Gahankari (OAM), Professor Balasubramaniam Venkatesh (AM), Noshir Irani (OAM), Chethikad Oman Thomas (OAM), Usha Kiran Chandra (OAM), Dr. Atul Kumar Garg (OAM), Saurabh Mishra (OAM), and Bijinder Duggal (OAM). They were recognized for their remarkable service 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. They posted on the social media platform X, stating, “The King’s Birthday Honors is one of Australia’s highest civilian honors, recognizing exceptional service and contributions to the country. We extend heartfelt congratulations to the ten Indian-origin Australians included in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honors List.”
Chethikad Oman Thomas, a community leader from Melbourne, received the OAM for his service to the Indian community in Victoria. This recognition acknowledges his over 50 years of leadership and community-building efforts. He arrived in Australia in 1969 and dedicated his life to supporting new immigrants and strengthening community ties.
He founded the Malayali Association of Victoria in 1976, served as a leader of the Australia India Society of Victoria, established the Victorian Indian Community Charitable Trust, and played a crucial role in creating a network of Indian Orthodox churches in Victoria. His work has fostered the establishment of cultural, charitable, and faith-based organizations that continue to serve the Indian Australian community.
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, neuroscience research, and higher education. She is globally recognized for her work in children’s mental health.
Professor Balasubramaniam Venkatesh, an intensive care specialist, received the 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 services.
Dr. Dilip Kumar Gahankari, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon from the Gold Coast, was awarded the OAM for his contributions to plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Saurabh Mishra, an entrepreneur and community leader based in Melbourne, received the OAM for his community service.
Noshir Irani, a community volunteer from Sydney, was honored with the OAM for his service to the community, particularly in multicultural organizations, volunteer services, and civic engagement in New South Wales.
Dr. Atul Kumar Garg was recognized with the OAM for his contributions to neighborhood safety initiatives, multicultural engagement, and social service work. He has played a vital role in promoting community welfare and collaboration through leadership roles in Neighborhood Watch and Indian community organizations.
Usha Kiran Chandra, a community leader in Queensland, was honored for her service to the Indian community through cultural festivals, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) Queensland, and initiatives promoting multicultural participation and civic engagement.
Bijinder Duggal, a community advocate residing in Sydney, received the OAM for her service to the welfare of the elderly. As a co-founder of the AASHA Australia Foundation, she has worked on programs focusing on active aging, dementia awareness, education on elderly rights, and social inclusion for older Australians.
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