Indian excellence takes centre stage as NISAU honours UK grads

Seven outstanding achievers were recognised in the India UK Achievers Class of 2026 – celebrated at a glamorous ceremony in central London last week honouring UK-educated Indians making global impact across politics, science, business and culture.

Some 42 people making up the Class of 2026 were announced at a reception at the UK Parliament, with the seven outstanding achievers revealed later at a gala ceremony in London.

The honours formed part of a three-day program hosted by NISAU in collaboration with Universities UK International and the UK government that also included the India-UK Education Conference, bringing together policymakers, university leaders, investors, employers and student representatives from both countries.

The winners include India’s Union minister of state for skill Development and entrepreneurship and education, Jayant Chaudhary; chef and restaurateur Karan Gokani; global policy author Rajesh Talwar; healthcare entrepreneur Shuchin Bajaj; and executive advisor Niti Paul.

They are joined by pioneering robotic surgeon Arun Prasad; and author and disability inclusion advocate Aditya Tiwari. Meanwhile, IDP Education received the inaugural Agent of the Year Award, while the University of Roehampton Desi Society was named Best Student Society.

UK universities minister Jacqui Smith said international education continues to play a vital role in strengthening global partnerships. “International students from India positively impact our world-class higher education sector, economy and society as a whole and become global ambassadors for the UK. India remains a key education partner under the new strategy,” she commented.

India remains a key education partner under the new strategyJacqui Smith, UK universities minister

And Sanam Arora, chair of NISAU and founder of the Achievers Honours, said the program celebrates the growing influence of UK-educated Indians worldwide. “The Class of 2026 reflects the scale of that influence – from ministers and political leaders to scientists, entrepreneurs and cultural innovators. Their journeys show how education continues to power the Living Bridge between India and the UK,” she said.