Highlights: Women Of India Are NDTV’s ‘Indian Of The Year’

Union Minister Smriti Irani in her keynote address said, "Today you saw an actor, a sporting legend, a woman who was enabled scientifically to study the Sun, runs a cab, runs an NGO, a banker, a woman who has served in the armed forces accept, say thank you to the naysayers."

The women of India were awarded the 'Indian Of The Year' award. Union Minister Smriti Irani, tennis legend Sania Mirza, Squadron Leader Nikita Malhotra, Naina Lal Kidwai, members of the Indian Women's cricket team, scientists from ISRO, received the award.

Actor and social media influencer Prajakta Koli was awarded the 'Climate Influencer of the Year' award. Tennis legend Sania Mirza presented Ms Koli. Prajakta Koli has over 3 million followers on Instagram and is known by her Instagram handle 'Mostlysane'.

Vikrant Massey was awarded the 'Actor Of The Year' award. Vikrant Massey delivered a stellar performance in the superhit film '12th Fail' where he portrayed the life of IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma and his journey of clearing the Civil Services Exam. Vikrant Massey is known for his work in 'Haseen Dillruba', 'Lootera' and 'Death in the Gunj'.

Actor Kusha Kapila was awarded the 'Social Impact Influencer of the Year' award. Union Minister Smriti Irani awarded Ms Kapila.

Suvarna Raj, a para-athlete, and motivational speaker, and India's Women's cricket team was awarded the 'Sports Performance of the Year'. India's Tennis ace Sania Mirza awarded Ms Raj and the Indian Women's cricket team.

Superstar Sunny Deol won the 'Entertainer Of The Year' award. Sunny Deol made a grand comeback last year with his blockbuster-hit 'Gadar 2' a remake of his 2001 film.

Superstar Sunny Deol got emotional after listening to the plight of the workers. Mr Deol went on the stage and hugged them and clicked pictures with them. 

The heroes from the Silkayara tunnel rescue operation were awarded the 'India's Heroes' award. The Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi collapsed, trapping 41 workers. The team of  'rat miners' rescued the workers when all methods failed.

Film director, Atlee, was awarded the 'Director of The Year; award. Atlee directed the biggest Indian blockbuster 'Jawan' starring superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Nayanthara. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri awarded Atlee. 

Union Minister Hardeep Puri said, "What you describe as a challenge is also an opportunity. Energy is the lifeline of any economy. If you look at the two biggest economies, the second one is witnessing a plateauing energy consumption lines - pointing to fault lines. The real issue is how to control inflation and fuel prices. At a point when 80 crores were being provided 3 meals of dry ration every day, PM has managed to reduce fuel prices. The BJP-ruled state reduced VAT."

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri engages in a fireside chat on India's energy infrastructure in the current global context and the efforts taken by the government in transitioning to cleaner fuels.

NDTV's Marya Shakil welcomes Squadron Leader Nikita Malhotra. Squadron Leader Malhotra was conferred with the Vayu Sena Medal on the 75th Republic Day. She was part of the Tangail Formation during the Republic Day flypast over Kartavya Path.

"Every village is digitally connected. The 'Har Ghar Fiber' project is being completed in Panjim and we are starting the "Work From Beach" scheme.  Under this, people can come to Goa, relax, and also work," Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said.

"We have launched a homestay policy and are readying the infrastructure for that. We want to create human resources. We are making hospitality institutes and skilling up the youth," he added. 

The Chief Minister said, "We welcome people for spiritual tourism. We have started the Samudra aarti at the promenade at the Miramar beach. Goa in future will be known as Dakshin Kashi. There are many temples. Private investment is coming for yoga wellness centres in Goa."

On Covid hitting tourism in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said, "We started the Swayamoorna Goa mission under the PM's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Then we got the Centre's schemes and tapped all the central funds to states. We were scared to restart tourism. Goa was the first state to begin tourism after Covid. We revised the various non-tax revenues. Rest, we gave ease of doing business to industries which boosted the economy. With mining, tourism, and industries, we evolved the economy."

NDTV's Nikunj Garg engages in a conversation with Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. Goa was awarded the 'Best Performing Small State' award' at the event. 

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan presents the 'Best Performing Small State' award to Goa. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant received the award. 

NDTV's Arun Singh engages in a fun chat with influencer, bollywood actor Kusha Kapila

Peyush Bansal, the founder of Lenskart was awarded the 'Innovator of the Year' award. Peyush Bansal transformed a small idea into a multi-billion dollar company. Lenskart is one of the most popular eyewear brands in India.

Zomato co-founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal was awarded the 'Entrepreneur of the Year' by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. 

Suvarna Raj, a para-athlete and national awardee, speaks about her journey at the NDTV Indian of the Year awards. 

"One of the good parts of startup India is we have set up incubators not limited to just IITs. The way the startup ecosystem has evolved, the focus has been on solving real problems. We have focused on giving to women, and smaller towns. PM's focus was on democratising tech. Tech should be openly accessible," Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

On the bullet trains, Mr Vaishnaw said, "The bullet train is progressing very well. Almost 284 km, 8 rivers, and bridges are completed. under-sea tunnel work has started. The bullet train is not just about transport but about integrating economies."

"In railways, most of the large systems have shifted to an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system above 70 km/hour. But earlier governments never cared. Only in 2016, ATP was approved by the Prime Minister and the certification happened in 2019. It is a complex system. India needs a data centre and communication lines and the progress is very fast and rapid," he said.

"AI has both benefits and risks. The whole construct of our internet has to be seen in that. We need opportunities for our youth and startups. We need AI in forecast etc. Deepfakes must be controlled and we need a law for this. After the election, we must speak on a new law on this," Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said.

NDTV's Vishnu Som engages in a conversation with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.  Speaking of semiconductors, the Union Minister said, "They are the foundation. Everything that is switched on and off has a chip. If you need to be Aatmanirbhar (Self-Reliant), we need semiconductors. We have huge talent, close to 30% of global talent is in India. Every R&D is run by Indians. Why should it not be in India? The first attempts were made in every decade and finally, Prime Minister Modi has succeeded in doing it.

Manoj Gujaran, the Chief Compliance Officer and Head of Legal and CSR, at Poonawalla Fincorp, delivers a welcome address. The next segment will honour Entrepreneurs, Innovators.

NDTV's Arun Singh engages in a fun chat with ISRO scientists who played a key role behind Chandrayaan-3's success.

"The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is a reprieve for the persecuted. India has been a place for the persecuted for centuries. Media has to play its role. Media cannot be a registered, recognised, or unrecognised political party. Some people in the media leveraged decision-making... Media should not be a power-broker. It has to be accountable," he said.

NDTV Indian Of The Year Awards - "Media Needs To Take Proactive Steps," Says Vice President

"The media needs to reflect and take proactive steps. Democratic values flourish when there is equality. Equality before the law is the writing on the wall. That some are more privileged, that system has gone," the Vice President said.

"Global institutions earlier treated us the way they treated our neighbours. All global institutions are praising India, applauding our growth, and recognising our achievements. The rise is unstoppable and we have transformed," he said. "Gone are the days when we used to wait for the West to develop technology and would wait for it. India is now the epicentre - We harvesting technology. " Mr Dhankhar said.

"We have seen an unprecedented economic rise. The rise was over 7%. We have had exponential growth, envied by the world. Just imagine where we are. With a well-spread-out digital penetration in Tier II cities, people are reaching a level they couldn't imagine. India is rising. This will be remembered for its accomplishments - India became the voice of the South. We have a robust judicial system and India is an obvious peacemaker for global peace and harmony," Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said.

"My congratulations to the distinguished awardees. All of them have earned it and deserve it. An award like this carries credibility. I congratulated the jury for having chosen people who have contributed to the growth and rise of India. This award will inspire many to join our marathon march of Viksit Bharat," the Vice President said, adding, "Viksit Bharat is a definite and firm promise that in 2047 we will be a developed nation - none will be left behind. In the last decade, development has not been pyramidical, but like a plateau. Benefits went to everyone."

"Our economy entered the Big 5, leaving behind the UK, Canada, and France. We will be in top three, above Germany and Japan," he said in his speech.

"I was elected to Parliament in 1989. I came to know KC Tyagi and we have been in touch ever since then. He brings fresh air to politics. He is an antidote to adversarial behaviour. He has no enemies. It is a delightful moment for me to be a part of this," Vice President Dhankhar said.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar delivered a keynote address at NDTV Indian of the Year awards. 

"I will start with a disclaimer. I have known Sanjay Pugalia for 40 years now. I have seen his transformation from Hindi to English print, from Print to TV...We have in the audience very distinguished people - UK Sinha, Gopal Jain, Sushil Rungta, and Amjad Ali Khan. I know Amitabh Kant from my days as Governor of Bengal... In 2023, Mr Kant was involved in an assignment that could have compromised his career. Organising G20 and P20 was not easy. But he came out with flying colours," the Vice President said.

N Chandrasekharan, the Chairman of the Board of Tata Sons, won the 'Business Leader of the Year award'. K Kritivasan, the Managing Director & CEO, of Tata Consultancy Services accepted the award on his behalf. 

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar presented the 'Science Icons of the Year' to ISRO. The scientists helped India land near the south pole of the Moon and with the successful launch of Aditya-L1 spacecraft to study the Sun.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar presented 'The LiFE In India Award' to Meenakshi Gadge. She was awarded for her contribution to environment conservation and efforts to protect trees.

Dr Yazdi Italia wins the 'Health Leader of the Year Award'. The Vice President presented the award to Dr Italia. He was awarded for his contribution to the research of Sickle Cell Anemia. 

 

Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant wins 'India First Award'. The Vice President presented the award to Mr Kant. 

 

NDTV's Editor-In-Chief Sanjay Pugalia welcomed Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar with his address. The Vice President will deliver a keynote address shortly.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Chief Guest of NDTV Indian of the Year awards, has arrived at the event. 

The event features some of the biggest names from entertainment, politics, business, sports and culture, honouring their contribution to the nation's progress. 

Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs and Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri and Union Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw will be attending the event. The ministers will be presenting awards to winners in different categories.

Since the very first Indian of the Year was held in 2005, NDTV's signature event has grown to become an important platform to honour individuals and organisations dedicated to the nation's progress. The awards have consistently celebrated India's heroes, famous or unsung, acknowledging their extraordinary contribution to society.

Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, will be attending the NDTV Indian of the Year awards. The minister will also deliver a keynote address. 

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will be the chief guest at the NDTV Indian of the Year awards. The Vice President will deliver a keynote address. The NDTV Indian of the Year awards will highlight the theme of "India - A Transformative Power".

The awards acknowledge distinguished visionaries, political figures, sports icons, and entertainers who have not only fortified the pillars of our society but have also contributed to the development of India.

The aim of the initiative is to honour exceptional Indians from various fields.