“I am so proud to be an Indian because India has not ‘invisibalised’ the transgender community”: Keshav Suri at the Prestigious India UK Achievers Honours in London
London, UK, 18 February 2025 – The India UK Achievers Honours 2025 celebrated outstanding Indian alumni of British education who have made a profound impact on society. This year, hospitality leader and social activist Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group and Founder of the Keshav Suri Foundation, was recognised in the Society and Policy category for his unwavering commitment to inclusivity and social change. Among the distinguished honourees this year were renowned actress Radhika Apte, entrepreneur and musician Ananya Birla, and public policy expert Nitish Mishra.
Reflecting on the recognition, Keshav Suri, Executive Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group and Founder, Keshav Suri Foundation shared, “The India UK Achievers Honours is a powerful platform that not only acknowledges individual achievements but also strengthens the living bridge between our two great nations. It is an honour to be recognized here for my work in championing inclusivity and social change.”
Delving into India’s trailblazing steps in recognising more than two genders, Mr. Suri added, “I am so proud to be an Indian because India has not ‘invisibalised’ the transgender community. To my fellow queer community, I need you to know that we see you, we hear you, we need you.”
Through the Keshav Suri Foundation, he has pioneered initiatives that create safer spaces, employment opportunities, and policy advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and marginalised groups in India. His work continues to drive meaningful impact, fostering greater equality and inclusivity.
Organised by the National Indian Students and Alumni Union UK (NISAU) in partnership with the British Council in India and the UK Government, the India UK Achievers Honours celebrates the deep educational ties between India and the UK. The initiative recognises Indian students and alumni who have pursued British education and have gone on to drive meaningful change in their respective fields.
Celebrating Excellence and Strengthening the Living Bridge
The India UK Achievers Honours 2025 has received strong support from British policymakers.
“I am delighted to pay tribute to all the students and alumni celebrated by this year’s India UK Achievers Honours,” said Gareth Thomas, MP and Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports at the Department for Business and Trade. “It is right that we reflect on the achievements of those who have travelled from India to make their home in the UK, and who have gone on to enrich our society and our culture with their talent and hard work.”
Highlighting the initiative’s role in fostering bilateral education and professional partnerships, Seema Malhotra, Minister for Equalities in the Department for Education and Minister for Migration in the Home Office, remarked: “The programme has created strong and growing networks between India and Britain through its India UK Education Conference and Achievers Dialogues, that have championed exceptional talent, facilitated cross-border partnerships, and played a key role in shaping the UK-India educational and professional relations.”
A Legacy of Inspiration and Impact
Sanam Arora, Chair of NISAU UK and the driving force behind the India UK Achievers Honours, reflected on the significance of this prestigious recognition: “In celebrating our achievers, we celebrate resilience, vision, and an unwavering ambition to make a difference. These honourees are not just individuals – they are pioneers, changemakers, and inspirations for future generations. The India UK Achievers Honours stands as a testament to what is possible when talent, education, and opportunity intersect across borders. This initiative represents the powerful collaboration between two nations striving for excellence.”
A Week of High-Impact Events
The India UK Education Conference, held on Thursday, brought together over 700 leaders from the Indian and UK education sectors for discussions on critical issues affecting international education and the bilateral relationship. The Achievers community was invited to participate in the deliberations.
The Achievers Class of 2025 was invited to London for a series of prestigious engagements, including a special recognition event at the British Parliament, where honourees had the opportunity to interact with British MPs, policymakers, and education leaders. The celebrations culminated in a grand gala ceremony, attended by influential figures from academia, business, government, and the Indian diaspora in the UK.