Network18 announces winners of CNN-News18 'Indian of the Year' 2015

Celebrating the iconic Indian citizens who made a significant contribution to the society thereby inspiring the nation, Network18 felicitated the winners of ’CNN-News18 Indian of the Year’ 2015 today in New Delhi. The awards night witnessed the presence of the most prominent personalities from all walks of life. The line-up of eminent guests included Arun Jaitley, Nitin Gadkari, Kiran Rijiju, Sheila Dixit, Balbir Singh Dosanjh, Sania Mirza, Kangana Ranaut, SS Rajamouli and Leander Paes to name a few.  The event which saw a grand turnout of dignitaries from all walks of life, was followed widely on social media and trended on twitter with #IndianoftheYear all through the evening. The audience included not just the ones seated at the venue but also across the nation through LIVE telecast on CNN-News18 and the live blog on News18.com.

Speaking on the occasion, Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman, Network18 said, “‘CNN-News18 Indian of the Year’ is our endeavor to laud the inspiring citizens of our country by honouring them with this prestigious title which has set exceptional standards during the last decade and is amongst the most coveted awards India has seen. Today we mark its 10th Anniversary and I take immense pride in announcing the winners for 2015.  Every year turns out to be significant in the history of our nation when such role models, as true ambassadors of brand India contribute to strengthening our society in their own field of work. It is a privilege of Network18 to honour such achievers. “

Instituted in 2006, the CNN-News18 Indian of the Year has over the years achieved prestige and credibility unmatched by others in the media industry. The award distinguishes itself by celebrating not only exemplary individuals and their achievements but also the ideas that have inspired India and impacted lives of the citizens. The awards adhere to a transparent and robust selection process that includes the Editorial Board drawing up a list of nominees, further leading to the final selection of winners by a Jury comprising a select group of distinguished personalities. This year’s jury comprised eminent members like Soli Sorabjee, Harish Salve, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Deepak Parekh, Kiran Karnik, Leander Paes, Kunal Bahl and Mohanlal Nair.

Speaking on the occasion, Radhakrishnan Nair, Managing Editor, CNN-News18, said, “It is our great pride that Indian of the Year has achieved the 10-year milestone and is still considered one of the most prestigious awards in the country. From the People of Chennai to who worked selflessly during the floods to Bandhan banks who provided financial services to the poor, all the winners tonight make us proud Indians. I wish all of them hearty congratulations.”

Honorable Finance Minister Arun Jaitely said,“India is back on the global radar. Perception about India is undergoing a change”.“Some change we are about to make in the film certification process. In the next few days a few radical changes will be announced.”

Actress Kangana Ranaut at the event,said “The award means a lot to me at this time in my life”Kangana's plea to Jaitley with regards to the censorship issue: Concerned with the way things are going. Hope the issue will be suitably addressed

SPORTS

Sania Mirza: In 2015, Sania Mirza scripted a glorious high for Indian tennis and Indian sport by rising to the top of the World rankings in Women's Doubles. Her partnership with Martina Hingis had no parallel in the women's game as the duo won 9 titles together including Wimbledon and the US Open. They closed out the year with the season-ending WTA Tour Final title and were declared World Champions in Women's Doubles by the International Tennis Federation. For Sania personally it was the most successful year on the WTA circuit with 10 titles and she also took home the country's highest sporting honour, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.

BUSINESS

Bandhan Financial Services: For making us believe that providing finance services to the poor is profitable. Bandhan Financial Services has touched the lives of over 6.5 million of India’s poorest borrowers, including women entrepreneurs, self-help groups and small businesses. In August 2015, it turned into a full-fledged bank and today has 605 branches across 27 states with deposits of over 5000 crore rupees.

PUBLIC SERVICE

The People of Chennai:  For their heroism and selflessness during the devastation which followed the worst rains in the city in 100 years. From opening their homes to opening their hearts, the people of Chennai came out on flooded roads to carry out neighbours, organise boat rescues, cook and distribute food to the hungry and homeless.

ENTERTAINMENT

SS Rajamouli: An incredible genius, he directed ‘Baahubali: The Beginning’, which became a pan-India mega success & third highest global grossing Indian film of all time.

Outstanding Achievement (SWACHH BHARAT)

Bindeshwar Pathak: Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak made cleaning India his mission over four decades ago. He has revolutionised millions of lives, lifting manual scavengers out of degradation and restoring their dignity.   His technology has been cited by WHO, UNDP, UNICEF and World Bank and used by countries around the world. Dr. Pathak is the evangelist of India’s Swachh Bharat dream and a catalyst for social change.  

Outstanding Achievement (MAKE IN INDIA)

United Technologies: Most global companies have realised the superpower India is today! The pioneers of made in India like United Technologies, are already reaping the benefits. The company believed in the India growth story and lead by example to turn India into a world-class manufacturing hub. It empowered the country's human resource with the necessary cutting edge tools to make them future ready. From Installing the first elevator in India in 1892 to manufacturing helicopter cabins with 100% indigenous parts in India the company has lit the path for all those who want to make in India.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Kangana Ranaut: For breaking the glass ceiling in a predominantly male-driven industry with smart money-spinners like Tanu Weds Manu Returns, which benefitted also from a knockout performance by her. Kangana Ranaut has displayed grit and an ‘unputdownable’ spirit and has emerged a role model for young women everywhere.

Ranveer Singh: He has emerged as the most bankable young star in Bollywood and delivered solid performances in two very different films in the same calendar year - Dil Dhadakne Do and Bajirao Mastani.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Balbir Singh Senior: The sport of hockey at the Olympics is synonymous with India, riding on a rich legacy of eight gold medals. Balbir Singh Dosanjh is one of the greatest to have played the sport. In 1948 he scored two goals in the final against Great Britain as a young India asserted its supremacy at the world stage yet again despite an exodus of players. At the Helsinki Olympics, Balbir Senior scored five goals in the final, a world record that stands till date. Four years later at Melbourne he captained the Indian hockey team to its sixth consecutive gold medal, completing a golden hat trick. CNN-News 18 salutes India's greatest living Olympian for his outstanding record as a player and for his contribution in giving India an identity in world sports post-independence.

CNN-News18 INDIAN OF THE YEAR 2015

The People of Chennai: For their heroism and selflessness during the devastation which followed the worst rains in the city in 100 years. From opening their homes to opening their hearts, the people of Chennai came out on flooded roads to carry out neighbours, organise boat rescues, cook and distribute food to the hungry and homeless.

SPECIAL JURY AWARD

Leander Paes: At an age where most of his contemporaries have long retired, Leander Paes continues to defy the odds. India's most successful tennis player scripted another glorious run in 2015. He became the only Indian to win three grand slam titles in a calendar year, winning the Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open mixed doubles titles with Martina Hingis.  In a special gesture, CNN-News 18's eminent jury honours one of its own for a record-breaking run.