Meera Syal Awarded Damehood in New Year Honours

Congratulations to Murray Edwards Honorary Fellow, Meera Syal, who has been made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year Honors List, 2026.

Meera is one of the UK's leading and best-loved actors. A comedian, writer, playwright, singer, journalist and actor, she is perhaps best known for creating the sketch show Goodness Gracious Me, which explored and celebrated British Asian culture.

This prestigious award acknowledges Meera's outstanding contributions to the arts and her advocacy for diversity and equality.

We were thrilled to admit Meera as an Honorary Fellow of Murray Edwards College earlier this year. Her speech for the occasion invited our students to consider the meaning of female community, and concluded with an uplifting call to action:

"And if this old brown woman has learned anything it is this, pass it forward and bring other women up with you, work hard and know your worth, and always start with compassion and kindness."

We continue to be inspired by the profound impact Meera has made on the landscape of British film and television, as well as our college community.  

Congratulations, Dame Meera!