New Delhi: There’s some good news for all Indians. Sixteen NRIs including the founder of Britain's largest Asian publishing house, Solanki and the Chairman of Radisson Edwardian Hotel Group, Jasminder Singh have been chosen in the New Year's Honours' List for 2007.
While 75-year-old Solanki is the sole NRI recipient of the award CBE (Commander of the British Empire) for services to publishing and to community relations, Jasminder Singh, the well- known hotelier has been selected for the OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to the hotel industry.
Besides Jasminder Singh there are four other recipients of OBE and 10 MBEs from the NRI community.
The rock star Rod Stewart and Zara Phillips, the Queen's granddaughter, are among a total of about 1,000 who figure in the Honours list, generally considered to be non-controversial.
Even so, the appointment of John Scarlett, chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, as a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George seems likely to anger critics of the Government's involvement in the Iraq war.
Sir John's evidence during the Hutton inquiry into the death of the government scientist David Kelly was crucial to the case for war and his appointment to his post was criticized at the time by the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.
Zara Phillips, who this month was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year is appointed MBE for services to Equestrianism. It is the first time that a senior royal has been included in the New Year Honours' list.
Steven Gerrard, the England midfielder and Liverpool captain, is appointed MBE, David Davies, former executive director of the Football Association, becomes an OBE.
In entertainment the actor and comedian Hugh Laurie becomes an OBE, Penelope Keith, best known for her portrayal of aristocratic characters in the television series, The Good Life and To the Manor Born, is appointed CBE.
Ann Leslie, of the Daily Mail becomes a dame. John Wood, the veteran Shakespearean actor is appointed CBE.
James Dyson, the inventor who revolutionised the vacuum cleaner, is among the knighthoods.
BBC Foreign correspondent Brian Barron and Channel 4 presenter June Sarpong are appointed MBE, while Margaret Howell, the fashion designer, becomes a CBE.
Jazz pianist George Shearing is knighted. The 87-year-old was born blind and is one of the most renowned jazz musicians of his generation.
(With Inputs from PTI)
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