KInG’S BIRtHDAY HONOURS

Visionary Initiatives To Light Up Lives

Vinod Daniel, OAM

For service to conservation and the environment

Chairman of AusHeritage, former Head of the Cultural Heritage and Science Initiatives Branch at the Australian Museum, and CEO and Managing Trustee of the India Vision Institute, Vinod Daniel has been honoured with the OAM.

His work in preserving heritage, bridging the demand-supply gap in vision care, and empowering underprivileged communities, stands recognised in the King’s Birthday honours this year.

Vinod Daniel's journey as a cultural heritage and conservation advocate has taken him across continents, making a profound impact on individuals and communities. Born from a deep commitment to preserving and celebrating cultural heritage, his work has left an indelible mark in Australia and beyond.

"I began my journey in Australia in 1995," Daniel shares. "I moved here from the US with a job offer from the Australian Museum and started work 4 hours after I landed as a new migrant! The role enabled me to start contributing to the conservation of cultural heritage globally as well as to museum development. I have worked in over 45 countries including Australia on museum-related aspects and served in several global leadership roles.”

His Indian heritage has also led him towards initiatives in India over the last 25 years, including helping conserve the original document of the Constitution of India, restoration of the remnants of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi’s kurta pyjama, as well development of several museums there.

Vinod Daniel’s unwavering dedication and expertise have earned him global recognition, including serving as Vice Chairman of the Committee for Conservation at the International Council of Museums.

However, Daniel's commitment to providing vision care to underprivileged communities in India truly sets him apart. As the CEO and Managing Trustee of the India Vision Institute (IVI), an NGO working to provide vision screening and free glasses to those in need, Daniel has transformed the lives of countless individuals.

"Imagine yourself as a 55-yearold, habitual of going about your day comfortably with a pair of spectacles improving your vision," Daniel says. "Think about every discomfort and trouble you would face if you removed the spectacles that sit on your nose. That's exactly the life for a lot of Indians every day."

The IVI, a joint initiative of the LV

Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad and the Brien Holden Vision Institute in Sydney, has been conducting eye screening camps across 22 Indian states since its launch in 2012. Through these camps, the IVI has screened over 900,000 underprivileged Indians, providing free spectacles to all who need them.

“Incredibly, a simple pair of spectacles can do so much for people, both adults and children."

Through his tireless efforts and the support of the IVI team, Daniel has brought about significant positive change in the lives of thousands. The impact