MUMBAI: English news channel CNN-IBN is back with the ninth edition of CNN-IBN Indian of the Year. The award salutes iconic Indians who have made a significant contribution to India in the last calendar year. Hindustan Times has been the editorial partner of this initiative since its inception in 2006.
The year 2014 has been a momentous year in the history of India and has given rise to a set of role models who have been true ambassadors of brand India. The luminaries who have contributed to strengthening the foundation of the society in their own way are chosen from six different categories – politics, sports, entertainment, business, public service and global Indian. The winners of these will be felicitated at a glittering ceremony to be held at Taj Palace, New Delhi on 17 March, 2015 by the vice president of India Mohammad Hamid Ansari.
The selection criteria adheres to a unique and transparent process, which includes nominations from the Network18 editorial board, ratified by a jury panel consisting of a select group of distinguished personalities bestowed with the most prestigious Padma honours - former Attorney General of India Padma Vibhushan Soli Sorabjee (jury chairman), Padma Bhushan Deepak S Parekh (chairman, HDFC), Padma Shri & four-time National Award winner actor Mohanlal Viswanathan Nair, former president of NASSCOM Padma Kiran Karnik and Indian tennis champion Padma Leander Paes.
Over the years, the recipients of this award have included the NGO Stop Acid Attacks (2013), Indian chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand (2012), Anna Hazare (2011), Bihar CM Nitish Kumar (2010), A R Rahman (2009), G Madhavan Nair (2008), E Sreedharan (2007) and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (2006).
Speaking on the occasion IBN Network CEO Avinash Kaul said, “We take immense pride in announcing the ninth edition of CNN-IBN Indian of the Year Awards. We have created a benchmark in lauding the most influential, deserving and dynamic Indians, over the years. The success of the award in the past has raised the bar for this initiative and we are looking forward to a great show this year again.”
CNN-IBN managing editor Radhakrishnan Nair added, “Indian of the Year is our endeavour to acknowledge achievers, who have been exceptional in their respective fields in the last calendar year. We at CNN-IBN are privileged to bring them to the fore as an inspiration to others and honour them with these awards.”
