04 February 2025
An AA Driving School Instructor Trainer and Mentor from London has been awarded the BEM (British Empire Medal) in the 2025 New Year’s Honours for services to the community in his local area of Newham, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest.
Sanjib Bhattacharjee, who became an instructor in 2014 and a Driving Instructor Trainer in 2018/19, supports local causes to help local people. These include working with organisations who advocate raising awareness, and engaging with communities to improve safety for motorists and other road users. He has been volunteering since 1998.
“It has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life.”.
The British Empire Medal is granted by the monarch in recognition of meritorious civil or military service. Although those awarded the honour do not receive it from the monarch in person, but from the Lord Lieutenant of their county, recipients are invited to a Buckingham Palace garden party to celebrate their achievement.
Mr Bhattacharjee said, “When I received an envelope stating 'On His Majesty's Service', I was shocked - especially after reading that the Prime Minister would like to recommend me to His Majesty The King for recognition. It was a mixture of surprise and absolute joy.
“Seeing what all of the other wonderful people there had also achieved was most inspiring, and it has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life.”
Edmund King, AA President, said: “We’re delighted to hear that Sanjib has been recognised in this way, and especially as he shares our passion of improving road safety. Congratulations Sanjib.”