British Indian entrepreneur and UK peer Lord Karan Bilimoria has been conferred an Honorary Fellowship by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, recognising his notable contributions to business and education.
At a ceremony held earlier this week, Bilimoria—founder of Cobra Beer and Chair of the UK arm of the International Chamber of Commerce—described the accolade as a personal milestone, calling it “a dream come true.”
The Royal College, an esteemed institution with a membership of over 15,000 medical professionals worldwide, honoured Lord Bilimoria for his enduring support for student development and educational excellence.
“As a child in India, I used to see doctors proudly display ‘FRCS Glasgow’ after their names. Standing here today, at this historic institution, feels surreal,” Bilimoria said.
The Fellowship was formally presented by College President Professor Hany Eteiba, who commended the crossbench peer for his “inspiring dedication” to academic growth and student support.
Professor Eteiba expressed that Lord Bilimoria embodies their core principles, especially prioritising education as a driver of progress. He added that they look forward to collaborating with him to advance this mission on a global scale.
Bilimoria shared the stage with newly inducted members and fellows from across disciplines—including surgery, medicine, dentistry, and podiatry—at a ceremony that celebrates outstanding professional achievements.
At 63, Lord Bilimoria holds several distinctions: he is one of Cambridge University’s first Visiting Entrepreneurs, a founding member of the Indian PM’s Global Advisory Council, and notably, the first Zoroastrian Parsi appointed to the UK’s House of Lords in 2006.
