Left to right: Mandy Sanghera OBE, Gian Power OBE, Balbir Singh Khanpur Bhujhangy BEM, and Satwant Deol CBE
Sikhs and people of Sikh heritage from many different walks of life, from the worlds of commerce and charity work through to refugee resettlement and defence, are amongst those being honoured in the New Year Honours List of 2025.
Amongst the recipients is Mandy Sanghera, who for the last three decades has supported refugees and migrants in the UK and around the world. She played a pivotal role in rescuing over 400 Afghans after the Taliban offensive in 2021 and was involved in the evacuation of British nationals from Lebanon amid the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict. Her previous efforts includes aiding individuals from Ukraine, Syria, Sudan, and Iraq. She receives her honour for working with government departments in resettling British nationals from Hong Kong. Her partnership with local authorities across the country has been instrumental in providing support to asylum seekers.
When asked about her honour, she said “I’m incredibly grateful to be receiving an OBE. My work has always been led by my values of Sikhi and standing up for justice, promoting equality and serving others. For the last three decades I have been around the world advocating and supporting women and refugees, and it was an honour to support Afghans Sikhs escape persecution from the Taliban.”
Another recipient is Gian Singh Power. He is the Founder and CEO of TLC Lions, a company committed to humanising workplaces through the power of storytelling. Starting his career at Deutsche Bank, Gian later qualified as a Chartered Accountant at PwC. Following a personal tragedy in 2015, he launched TLC Lions to create emotionally connected workplaces and inspire cultural change. Gian is also a board member of This Can Happen, the UK’s largest mental health conference, and a passionate advocate for workplace well-being and inclusion. He receives an OBE.
On hearing the news, Gian said “Receiving this honour is very personal to me and I accept this award in memory of my father Ranjit Singh Power who taught me so much in my life and on behalf of everyone who has supported me on the journey. It’s been my mission at TLC Lions to make the world more human and to raise awareness of the importance of mental health, because by speaking up, we can change and save lives”.
Balbir Singh Khanpur Bhujhangy is a pioneering Punjabi musician and founder of the Bhujhangy Group, established in 1967 in Smethwick. Recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest-running bhangra artist in the UK, he has been performing for over 55 years. Balbir’s music blends traditional Punjabi sounds with modern Western influences, significantly contributing to the development of bhangra music in the UK. He receives a BEM.
Balbir said “I am truly humbled and honoured to receive the British Empire Medal for my contribution to Bhangra music. Bhangra has been a lifelong passion, and it brings me immense joy to see it embraced on a global stage. I dedicate this award to everyone who has supported me throughout this journey, and I hope this inspires future generations to keep our traditions alive while continuing to innovate and share them with the world.”
Other recipients of Sikh heritage in the list include:
CBE
- Satwant Kaur DEOL – Lately Principle and Chief Executive Officer, The Henley College, Oxfordshire. For services to Further Education (Maidenhead, Berkshire)
- Charles Pritam Singh DHANOWA OBE KC (Hon) – Registrar, United Kingdom Competition Appeal Tribunal. For services to Competition Law (London, Greater London)
OBE
- Tarsem Singh DHALIWAL – Chief Executive Officer, Iceland Foods. For services to the Welsh Economy, Retail and Charity (Mold, Clwyd)
- Monica KOHLI – President, Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association UK and Chair, Indian Maritime Association UK. For services to Promoting Diversity in the Maritime Industry (London, Greater London)
- Savraj Singh SIDHU – Assistant Head, Ukraine Task Force, Security Policy and Operations, Ministry of Defence. For services to Defence (London, Greater London)
BEM
- Jaswinder KUMAR – President, Management Committee of Sri Guru Ravidass Sabha Bedford. For Charitable Services in Bedford (Bedford, Bedfordshire)
Jasvir Singh CBE and Param Singh MBE, Co-Chairs of City Sikhs, said “We congratulate all of the recipients on the New Year Honours List, and we hope that they will continue to inspire us. Once again, it is wonderful to see people from all parts of the Sikh community being honoured by the King in this manner. Sikhs across the UK do amazing work each day in the name of sewa or selfless service, and to see people being rewarded for that is truly heartwarming.”
Notable interfaith allies of City Sikhs who have received honours from the King include:
- Hina BOKHARI – Co-Founder, Naz Legacy Foundation. For services to Young People, to Charity and to Inter-Faith Relations (London, Greater London). She receives an OBE.
- Ubaid-ul REHMAN – Senior Diversity and Inclusion Advisor, College of Policing and Co-Founder, Imaan and Chair, Goslings Badminton Club. For services to Equality in the LGBTQ+ Community (Watford, Hertfordshire). He also receives an OBE.
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NOTES FOR EDITORS: For further information or quotes, please email media@citysikhs.org.uk or info@citysikhs.org.uk