15 Indian-Origin Men, Women In Queen's New Year's Honours List

London: 15 Indian-origin men and women, including prominent educationist Asha Khemka, have been named in Queen Elizabeth's New Year's Honours List for 2014.

Khemka has been named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her service to the deprived areas of the West Midlands as principal of West Nottinghamshire College for the last eight years. "Under her leadership, it has become one of the most eminent further education colleges in the UK. She has embraced the apprenticeship agenda, leading the college to become the largest 16-18 provider in the UK and finding jobs for 700 young people in the first year," read a special citation accompanying the higher awards in this year's list.

"Her charitable trust, the Inspire and Achieve Foundation, is especially focused on those not in education, employment or training. She is in the process of opening a skills centre in India," it added.

A total of 1,195 candidates have been selected for honours this year, with 610 successful women candidates representing 51 per cent of the total. Actresses Angela Lansbury and Penelope Keith become dames in a list which features more women than men for the first time in history.

However, Wimbledon champion Andy Murray and former England soccer captain and global celebrity David Beckham were two surprising omissions from the list. The duo, who both have Order of the British Empire (OBE), were tipped to be knighted. Murray, 26, became the first Briton in 77 years to win the Wimbledon men's singles title in the summer, while Beckham, 38, retired from football in May after a 20-year career.
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