The World’s Top 10 Nurses Now Includes a Name from Lakshadweep 

A nursing professional from Lakshadweep has earned a place among the finalists of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, one of healthcare’s most prestigious international recognitions. The achievement shines a global spotlight on a career that has quietly served island communities for more than five decades. 

Hindumbi Kaurom Kakkada, a senior nursing professional at Government Indira Gandhi Hospital in Lakshadweep, has been named among the Top 10 finalists for the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026. The achievement places her among a select group of nurses recognised internationally for their contribution to healthcare and marks a significant milestone for the Union Territory. 

The annual award celebrates nurses whose work has created a meaningful impact through patient care, leadership, innovation, education and community service. This year’s edition attracted more than 134,000 registrations from 214 countries and territories before the field was narrowed to just 10 finalists. Reaching this stage reflects not only professional excellence but also the ability to make a lasting difference in the lives of patients and communities. 

At 80, Kakkada has spent more than 53 years in the nursing profession, dedicating her career to serving the people of Lakshadweep. Working through Government Indira Gandhi Hospital, she has provided care in an island region where healthcare professionals often take on responsibilities that extend well beyond clinical treatment. Her years of service have supported patients, families and communities across the archipelago while contributing to the delivery of public healthcare. 

According to the award organisers, finalists were selected through a rigorous evaluation process that assessed their professional achievements, leadership, commitment to patients and broader contribution to healthcare. Kakkada’s selection highlights the growing international recognition of nurses who continue to improve health outcomes in remote and underserved communities, often with limited resources but unwavering dedication. 

For Lakshadweep, the recognition carries significance beyond an individual achievement. It places the islands on a global healthcare platform and showcases the standard of nursing excellence that exists far from major metropolitan hospitals. It also reflects the vital role nurses play in strengthening healthcare systems, particularly in communities where access to medical services depends heavily on experienced frontline professionals. 

The winner of the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026 will be announced later this year. Regardless of the final result, Kakkada’s place among the world’s Top 10 finalists has already secured international recognition for a lifetime of service, bringing well-deserved attention to both her remarkable career and the contribution of Indian nurses to global healthcare. 

Source:

https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/80-year-old-lakshadweep-nurse-among-global-top-10-finalists-for-prestigious-international-nursing-award-2026-06-24-129664

https://www.asterguardians.com/hindumbi-kaurom-kakkada/