A mark of honour, a measure of legacy

From the editor’s desk

The King’s Awards and the Indian-Australian spirit of service

The 2025 King’s Birthday Honours have once again served not just as a ceremonial moment in Australia’s civic life, but as a powerful reflection of the nation’s evolving identity—one that is inclusive, multicultural, and forward-looking. Among the 830 awardees recognised for their service to Australia across sectors such as public health, the arts, education, advocacy, and government, eleven Australians of Indian origin were singled out for their distinguished and enduring contributions. Their presence on this prestigious list is not a coincidence—it is a testament to both the strength of Australia’s diversity and the deep-seated values of the Indian ethos that continue to guide their paths of public service.

These awards are more than individual recognition; they are a national acknowledgment of the collective impact made by people of Indian heritage on Australian soil. In many ways, the King’s Honours have become a measure of lasting value—an institutional yardstick that does not merely reward excellence but celebrates how excellence can be used for the common good. Whether in the field of medicine, community development, social justice, education, or cultural preservation, the honourees of Indian origin exemplify what it means to serve both the country of one’s birth and the country of one’s citizenship with equal devotion and integrity.

Take the example of Professor Gita Mishra, whose academic and research leadership in public health at the University of Queensland has led to improvements in healthcare outcomes for women across Australia. Or community advocate Krishna Arora, whose decadeslong work in Brisbane has created bridges between generations, cultures, and institutions. Their work is not limited to a narrow definition of success. It touches lives, empowers voices, and uplifts communities—often in ways that go unheralded until moments such as the King’s Birthday Honours draw public attention to them.

The Australian-Indian story relationship.

In a world marked by strategic uncertainties and shifting alliances, the AIBC offers a model of consistent, valuedriven engagement. It is not just a chamber of commerce — it is a platform for building the future of the Australia-India partnership. As both nations look to diversify their economic and strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific, the AIBC’s work will remain central to ensuring that this vital relationship grows stronger, deeper, and more resilient with each passing year.

is deeply interwoven into the larger Australian narrative. With over 780,000 people of Indian descent now calling Australia home, the community has not just grown in numbers—it has matured into a vital contributor to Australia’s social, intellectual, and economic capital. From bustling metropolises to regional communities, the Indian diaspora has left its imprint, energising local economies, shaping public debates, and adding rich threads to the national cultural tapestry.

This year’s honours recipients are part of that broader movement— people whose lives reflect a balance between professional accomplishment and public duty, between cultural pride and civic responsibility. Their values echo the ancient Indian principle of seva (selfless service), which is not simply charity, but a sacred obligation to act in the interest of others. It is this principle— rooted in the Indian philosophical traditions of dharma (duty), ahimsa (non-violence), and vasudhaiva kutumbakam (the world is one family)—that continues to inspire many IndianAustralians to give back to society in profound ways.

What makes these honours particularly meaningful is that they come at a time when the global community is facing a range of complex challenges— climate change, public health crises, rising inequality, and social fragmentation. In such a climate, those who dedicate themselves to healing, building, teaching, and advocating are more than professionals—they are global citizens performing vital acts of service to humanity. And this year’s awardees reflect that reality. Their work does not stop at the borders of Australia; its effects ripple outward, influencing international research collaborations, diaspora initiatives, humanitarian responses, and cross-cultural dialogue.

Australia’s recognition of Indianorigin citizens through its highest civilian honours also reflects the growing importance of the India-Australia relationship. Once rooted primarily in trade and strategic alignment, this bilateral relationship is now increasingly shaped by peopleto-people connections. IndianAustralians have become cultural ambassadors in the truest sense— not appointed by governments, but chosen by circumstances, commitment, and community. Their work enhances mutual respect and understanding between the two democracies, reinforcing shared values such as tolerance, freedom, and the rule of law.

It is also worth noting that these contributions are not limited to any single generation. The Indian-Australian experience spans first-generation migrants who came with suitcases full of dreams and second-generation professionals who carry dual cultural fluencies. Whether it is in the corridors of academia, the labs of innovation, the studios of the arts, or the grassroots of community action, Australians of Indian heritage are increasingly at the forefront of shaping what modern Australia looks like—and more importantly, what it stands for.

Recognition through honours such as the King’s Birthday list is vital not just for celebrating individuals, but for sending a message to wider society. It tells young Indian-Australians that their heritage is not a hindrance but a strength. It reminds Australian institutions that diversity, when truly valued and supported, can become a force multiplier for national progress. And it reassures the global Indian diaspora that the values they carry—of hard work, education, respect for elders, and compassion—are not only welcome but honoured.

Indeed, the significance of such awards stretches beyond personal pride and national gratitude. They serve as an ongoing dialogue between past and present, between migration and belonging, between heritage and integration. For every recipient of Indian origin who stands honoured today, there are countless others whose invisible work nourishes the social fabric of this country. The King’s Honours are also a tribute to them—a reflection of what Australia gains every day from the presence and participation of its Indian community.

As we look ahead to an increasingly interconnected world, the stories behind these honours offer a blueprint for global citizenship grounded in compassion, cross-cultural collaboration, and shared humanity. They remind us that borders may define geography, but it is values that define legacy. And it is legacy—not just lineage— that determines how we are remembered.

In this light, the King’s Honours are not just awards. They are mirrors, showing us who we are and who we can become. And as Australians of Indian origin continue to light the way— drawing from the best of both worlds—they strengthen not only the bonds between India and Australia, but the very foundation of Australia’s multicultural democracy.

Let us then not only celebrate these awardees for what they have done, but also support the systems, communities, and opportunities that enable many more to follow in their footsteps. For when one community rises, the whole nation moves forward. And when service becomes the highest calling, we all share in its reward.