Left to right: Dr Harjinder Singh Lallie OBE, Neeta Atkar CBE, Balbir Singh MBE, Mani Kohli MBE, Prof Avtar Singh Matharu MBE and Professor Gurpreet Singh Jagpal OBE
Sikhs and people of Sikh heritage from a variety of different backgrounds and industries, from the worlds of academia and financial services through to fashion and the arts, are amongst those being honoured in the New Year Honours List of 2026.
Amongst the recipients is Dr Harjinder Singh Lallie. As founder of the Gurmat Sangeet Academy, he has made a sustained contribution to Sikh musical heritage over three decades through teaching and community leadership. Central to this contribution has been the training of a new generation of teachers and the creation of structured curricula, culminating in the world’s first globally recognised Sikh Sacred Music exams through the Music Teachers’ Board in the UK. This eight-grade system incorporates traditional instruments such as dilruba, taus, esraj, sarangi, and saranda, provides UCAS points for higher grades, and gives formal recognition comparable to Western classical music studies, helping preserve Sikh musical heritage while strengthening progression, consistency, and the long-term sustainability of Sikh sacred music worldwide. He receives an OBE for services to Musical Heritage, to Faith Communities and to Integration.
Reflecting on the honour, Harjinder I have never seen my academic work and my community work as separate. In both spaces, teaching is about enriching lives, creating opportunities, and helping people develop beyond the classroom. The principles of teaching excellence are the same wherever learning takes place.”
Another recipient is Neeta Atkar. She is a seasoned British financial services leader with over 30 years’ experience across risk, regulation, and governance. She began her career at the Bank of England and the Financial Services Authority before holding senior risk roles at organisations including Lloyds Banking Group and TSB Bank, where she served as Chief Risk Officer. Neeta is currently Senior Independent Director and chairs the Board Risk Committee at Quilter plc, while also serving as a Non-Executive Director and senior risk committee chair at British Business Bank and Nomura Europe Holdings plc, bringing deep expertise in risk management, regulation, and strategic leadership to her board roles. She receives a CBE.
Balbir Singh is a British choreographer and artistic director, founder of the Balbir Singh Dance Company (BSDC) in Leeds. Trained in Kathak and contemporary dance, he creates work that blends movement, live music, and storytelling to explore diverse themes and reach audiences in the UK and internationally. His projects often cross artistic boundaries, collaborating with sport, science, and community groups, reflecting the cultural diversity of modern Britain. Under his leadership, BSDC engages in innovative research and community initiatives, driven by a belief in dance as a tool for dialogue, transformation, and social connection. He receives an MBE.
On hearing the news, Balbir said “To be named in the King’s Honours List is both humbling and deeply meaningful. It’s a moment of reflection as much as recognition. The importance of culture, heritage and a Sikh upbringing have had a profound effect on the artist I am and how I see the world. As a role model I hope this inspires younger generations of Sikhs to believe in themselves and find meaning and purpose being human through creativity.”
Mani Kohli is a pioneering British fashion entrepreneur and founder of Khubsoorat Collection. She has been instrumental in shaping the visibility, professionalism and growth of South Asian fashion in Britain for over 40 years. Since founding Khubsoorat in 1985, her work has inspired new generations, brought South Asian style into mainstream culture, and supported women artisans and heritage crafts in India. She receives an MBE, and is the first South Asian female fashion designer to receive such an honour.
Mani said “I am truly honoured and humbled to receive this MBE. This recognition is a tribute to my parents, who instilled Sikh values within me as I grew up in an army household. The teachings of our Gurus, of being disciplined and grounded, laid the foundations for me to pursue this career with determination. My pledge to my work has always been to benefit the people who join us in support.”
Professor Avtar Singh Matharu is Professor of Chemistry at the University of York. His leadership of the York Interfaith Group has brought communities together to work with local authorities and the police to tackle hate crime and discrimination. As a founding member and former Chair of the University’s Staff Race Equality Forum, he has driven institutional change by highlighting racial inequalities, setting targets for improving BAME representation, and ensuring that staff and students feel welcomed and fully integrated at York. He receives an MBE.
Avtar said “It is an honour to receive this award, but the real reward is seeing communities strengthen through dialogue and mutual respect. Building bridges requires consistent effort and presence, especially when addressing complex issues like discrimination and inequality. I look forward to continuing this vital work, focusing on what unites us to create a more inclusive future for all.”
Professor Gurpreet Singh Jagpal is Chief Commercial Officer at Aston University, where he leads the University’s growth strategy and commercial development. A senior academic and leader in enterprise and entrepreneurship, he has previously held roles including Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director of Research, Enterprise and Innovation at other UK universities. His work focuses on driving business engagement, innovation, and partnerships that enhance the University’s impact on students, industry, and the wider region. He receives an OBE.
Gurpreet said “I am deeply humbled. As a British Sikh, I hope this honour encourages others from every background and community to pursue their aspirations with confidence. Enterprise and entrepreneurship can open doors and transform lives. I remain committed to building partnerships that drive innovation, widen participation and create meaningful real-world impact.”
Other recipients of Sikh heritage in the list include:
Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB)
- Daljit Singh REHAL – Chief Digital Information Officer, HM Revenue and Customs. For services to Technology and to Public Service (Surrey)
OBE
- Narinder Kaur SHERGILL – Security Advisor, Serious Fraud Office. For services to the Administration of Justice (Greater London)
MBE
- Kulwant Singh SEHMI – Lately Departmental Head, Imaging Service, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. For services to the NHS and to Diagnostic Ophthalmic Imaging (Greater London)
BEM
- Manjinder Singh KANG – Community Safety Manager, Network Rail. For services to Rail Safety and to Charity (West Midlands)
- Bhajan MATHARU – Assistant Headteacher, Deanesfield Primary School, London Borough of Hillingdon. For services to Education and Early Years (Greater London)
- Sabhijinder SINGH HAYER (Sam Hayer) – Gym Manager, Sam’s Gym and Head Coach, Oldbury Academy Weightlifting Club. For services to Weightlifting and to the community in the West Midlands (Worcestershire)
Jasvir Singh CBE and Param Singh MBE, Co-Chairs of City Sikhs, said “Our heartfelt congratulations go to all those receiving New Year Honours 2026. It is wonderful to see members of the Sikh community recognised for their dedication, humility, and service. The honours celebrate the spirit of sewa and the remarkable impact selfless service can have on wider society, while also inspiring others to continue the tradition of leadership and commitment that strengthens communities across the UK. Their achievements are a source of pride and inspiration for Sikhs and non-Sikhs everywhere.”
Notable interfaith allies of City Sikhs who have received honours from the King include:
- Dhruv Prashant PATEL CBE – Founder of City Hindus Network and first Indian-origin Chairman of the City Bridge Trust. For services to Civic Leadership and to Charity (Greater London)
NOTES FOR EDITORS
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