♦ British Indian artist Meera Syal was awarded a Damehood among some of the highest awards in King Charles III's New Year Honours list released in London on 30 December 2025. The London-based comedian, writer, actor and filmmaker has been made Dame Meera for "services to literature, drama and charity".

♦ 1,157 recipients have been awarded this year from every part of the UK, with a particular focus this year on those who have gone above and beyond for their communities.

♦ Syal, born in Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region of England to Punjabi parents who migrated from Delhi, is best known for popular comedies such as 'Goodness Gracious Me' and 'The Kumars at No. 42'.

♦ Among some of the other prominent British Indians to be named on the 2025 honours list are Paavan Popat, CEO of TLC Group, who has been awarded as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours List for his leadership around intergenerational housing, inclusive healthy placemaking and care for older people.