NDTV Good Times to Honour Innovation at the Gadget Guru Conclave and Awards 2011

In a first of its kind Tech Event in India, which would have a Conclave, an Experience Zone and Gadget Awards, NDTV Good Times presents Gadget Guru Conclave and Awards 2011 at the Kingdom of Dreams on Monday, March 21, 2011. These are the biggest awards that the country has seen so far in the field of Consumer Electronics, Gadgets and Technology to honour innovation. This unique event will be hosted by NDTV's Technology gurus Rajiv Makhni and Vikram Chandra who have been at the forefront to bring the best of news and reviews for the Indian Consumers and the team behind India's longest running tech show - Gadget Guru.

The event will provide a platform for companies and experts alike to share ideas, debate and discuss latest trends in the field of technology. It will showcase, celebrate and honour the best innovations that the world of technology has seen in the last one year. The awards comprise of 17 categories across gadget categories which include Audio Product of the Year Below Rs. 1 Lakh); Audiophile System of the Year (over Rs. 1 Lakh); Portable Audio Product of the Year; Computer Peripheral of the Year; Computing Device of the Year; Consumer Electronic of the Year; Design of the Year; Budget Phone of the Year; Smartphone of the Year; Imaging Device of the Year; TV of the Year; Brand Ambassador of the Year; Application of the Year; Gaming Hardware of the Year; and Innovation of the year.

Excited about the forthcoming awards, Smeeta Chakrabarti, Chief Executive Officer, NDTV Good Times said, "We aim to make Gadget Guru Awards a benchmark the field of Consumer Electronics, Gadgets and Technology. These awards are to honor those companies and brands who excel in both strike a perfect balance between the customer appeal and the innovation."

A very stringent, comprehensive and detailed process has been put into place for the Awards. The nominations for the awards have been received by a comprehensive 3 way process. Apart from companies who nominated products launched between 1st January 2010 & 31st January 2011, the nomination process was also open to consumers, so as to allow people to nominate products they feel should win an award.

Apart from the companies and people, an eminent Jury also had a chance to nominate FIVE products across all categories. The distinguished jury comprises of award winning actor Gul Panag, India's best know technologist - Atul Chitnis, Techonolgy consultant - Kishore Bharagava , Nishanth Padiar, Ashish Bhatia - Independent technology writer and columnist, Prasanto Kumar Roy - President and Chief Editor of Cyber Media's ICT Group besides Vikram Chandra & Rajiv Makhni. A special audio jury includes KJ Singh - National Award Winner for Sound Design in Omkara and Milinid Rane Rao - Electro-Acoustic Expert.

Speaking on NDTV's deep-rooted relationship with technology, Vikram Chandra, CEO, NDTV Limited Networks said, "The biggest asset of the Gadget Guru awards is credibility. Not only is a rigorous system followed for nominations, but we have been able to assemble as a jury some of the most respected names in the field. That leads to heated moments in the jury room, but it ensures that the best gadgets win."

Rajiv Makhni, Managing Director, Technology, NDTV Limited added, "The recognition from the industry, the confidence of the consumer and the credibility with viewers ' it's all reflected in this extraordinary event. It is a great showcase of the best of gadgets and devices, the hottest debates and recognising the efforts of the technology world."

All nominations have been tested and rated by NDTV Good Times Knowledge Partner, Living Digital. The final winners will be shortlisted based on the test results and an extensive Jury Meet process and rating system qualified by Ernst & Young.