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As part of South Asian Heritage Month, Farzana Baduel, CEO and co-founder of Curzon PR and president of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), has been recognized among the external honorees of the Rising Roots 2026 initiative. She received the honor during a special ceremony held at BBC Broadcasting House in London on July 30.
According to a statement, Rising Roots 2026 recognizes “people who bring communities and cultures together, champion inclusion and belonging, create opportunities for others and inspire future generations.”
Developed by BBC Embrace with support from BBC Asian Network, the initiative celebrates British-born and British-based South Asians whose leadership, creativity, advocacy, and community impact are helping shape the future of South Asian communities across the United Kingdom. Baduel was one of 10 external changemakers honored during the event.
The statement noted that the recognition reflects Baduel’s longstanding commitment to advancing representation in the communications industry and creating opportunities for others. In addition to leading the international strategic communications consultancy Curzon PR, she is serving as CIPR President for 2026 and is a co-founder of the Asian Communications Network, which supports and connects Asian professionals working across communications, media, and marketing.
Baduel also serves as a trustee of The HALO Trust and co-hosts BBC Radio 4’s When It Hits the Fan.
“I am honored to be recognized as a Rising Roots 2026 honoree alongside people making such valuable contributions across British society. My South Asian heritage has shaped how I lead and communicate, and I am grateful to BBC Embrace and BBC Asian Network for highlighting the many ways South Asian communities contribute to life in Britain,” said Baduel.
The theme for South Asian Heritage Month 2026, Unity in Diversity, celebrates the “cultures, languages, faiths and experiences” found across South Asian communities while recognizing the shared connections that bring people together.
