Indian-origin cancer researcher knighted by Queen Elizabeth II

LONDON: A top Indian-origin cancer research expert has been conferred Knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II for being "hugely influential" in his work on prevention and treatment of cancer, according to the annual New Year's Honours list released in London.

Harpal Singh Kumar, 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."

"CRUK's income and research spend are at an all-time high. Under his leadership, it has been instrumental in pushing the government to take further measures to reduce smoking and to ban sun-beds for under-18s," Kumar's citation reads.

"He also chaired the Independent Cancer Taskforce and authored the NHS Cancer Strategy 'Achieving World Class Cancer Outcomes. A Strategy for England 2015-20', published in July 2015," it said.

Kumar leads this year's honours list of Indian-origin names, covering fields of entrepreneurship, financial services and community service.

"He has been instrumental in setting up the Francis Crick Institute as a world-leading centre of biomedical research and innovation," the citation added.

Samir Desai, founder-CEO of Funding Circle, receives a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his work in the field of financial inclusion and Raminder Singh Ranger, chairman of Sun Mark Ltd, is awarded a CBE for services to business and community cohesion.

Among the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) list are Kala Patel, managing director of Kiddycare Ltd Nurseries, for services to childcare business and Daljit Lally, deputy chief executive of Northumberland Country Council, for services to integrated care.

A British Empire Medal has been awarded to Aatin Ashok Anadkat, managing director of Hotel Maiyango in Leicester, for services to entrepreneurship.

The largest Indian-origin representation is among the list of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) which include Rekha Mehr, founder of Indian sweets inspired bakery Pistachio Rose, for services to entrepreneurship and enterprise; Ayesha Hazarika, chief of staff to the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, for political service.