Canberra: A dentist hailing from Kerala was awarded the highest Civilian honour in Australia. Sajeev Koshy settled in Melbourne was given the Order of Australia on the occasion of Australia Day.

Sajeev Koshy was given the award for his service to dentistry in Victoria, Australia.

Koshy, who has served as the president of the Kerala Dental Council, president of the Indian Dental Association, was honoured on the Australia Day Awards 2016, by the Governor-General of Australia.

Koshy is currently the head of the endodontics at the Royal Melbourne Dental Hospital, which is the teaching hospital for the University of Melbourne.

Dr Koshy has received many awards for his services to the community, However, the highest civilians honour of Australia is the biggest award he could get.

He has several roles like Senior Specialist Endodontist, The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne, Director of Dental Services, Plenty Valley Community Health and Director of Dental Service, Boort District Health Services.

Dr Koshy also has served as the Federal Secretary of the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Endodontists Inc.

Coincidently India celebrates its Republic Day on the same date on which Australia celebrated Australia Day. India has a large diaspora in Australia and a lot more going for education and other opportunities. (IANS)