An Indian-origin cancer research expert has received a Knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for his “influential” work on prevention and treatment of cancer in the annual New Year’s Honours list published in London. Harpal Singh Kumar, who is the chief executive of Cancer Research UK (CRUK), has been honoured for services to cancer research and being “hugely influential in promoting research into the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and cancer care.” Mr Kumar leads this year’s honours list of Indian-origin names, covering fields of entrepreneurship, financial services and community service.

Winners of Indian Origin

• Samir Desai, founder-CEO of Funding Circle, receives a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE).
• Kala Patel, director of Kiddycare Ltd Nurseries, receievs the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE).
• A British Empire Medal has been awarded to Aatin Ashok Anadkat, managing director of Hotel Maiyango in Leicester.
• Rekha Mehr, founder of Indian sweets inspired bakery Pistachio Rose, receievs the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).
• The other Indian-origins in the list include Gurmeet Kalsi, Jayshree Mehta, Yasmin Mohammed Farooq Nathani, Karnail Singh Pannu, Mukesh Sharma, Suresh Chandra Vashishtha are also among the winners list.

There are 578 successful women candidates in the List, representing 48 per cent of the total, and 5.7 per cent of the successful candidates come from ethnic minority backgrounds. The awards are presented in the name of the British monarch and published by the UK government in the London Gazette on New Year’s Eve every year.