The inclusion of Indian-heritage organisations underscores both the contributions of the Indian diaspora and the UK’s evolving multicultural volunteer network
King Charles III’s 77th birthday was marked with ceremonial gun salutes and the announcement of 231 King’s Awards for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the UK’s highest honour for community organisations. This year’s list includes several Indian-heritage charities recognised for their contributions to mental health support, youth empowerment, community welfare and culturally rooted service.
A new official portrait released by Buckingham Palace depicted the monarch at his Sandringham estate, reaffirming his well-known interest in gardening and countryside conservation. Charles is spending his birthday in Wales, accompanied by Queen Camilla, at a community reception in Merthyr Tydfil.
- The Department for Culture, Media and Sport unveiled the 2025 awardees, highlighting their transformative work across the country
- UK Minister for Civil Society Stephanie Peacock praised volunteers as the “lifeblood of communities,” noting their impact on the vulnerable and their role in strengthening social cohesion
Among the winners is the London-based Yog Foundation, known for promoting physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing through volunteer-driven initiatives rooted in sewa—the Indian tradition of selfless service. Also honoured are Saathi House and Nishkam Healthcare Trust, both based in the West Midlands. Saathi House engages young people from Indian, Pakistani, Jamaican and Bangladeshi backgrounds, while Nishkam Healthcare Trust blends faith-based values with compassionate clinical care.
KAVS Chair Sir Martyn Lewis described the awards as a testament to the power of community action. Recipients are selected through rigorous local and national assessment involving Lord Lieutenants and committees evaluating impact, volunteer involvement, and long-term service quality.
This year, 185 awardees are from England, 25 from Scotland, 16 from Northern Ireland and five from Wales. A notable 78% of recognition went to groups outside London, reflecting the nationwide spread of volunteer-driven social initiatives.
While Charles’ actual birthday falls on November 14, his official celebration occurs in June during the Trooping the Colour parade. On his birthday, the nation honoured him with gun salutes near Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey rang its historic bells.
