One Indian...One Nation...One Award

It is time again for the biggest awards in the domain of News television, the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year 2007 .

The award recognizes the Indian(s) whose contribution to the country, in a calendar year, has strengthened the foundation of our society and has helped build Brand India in the process. Kicking off the selection process was an interesting panel discussion on 'Where will India's next generation of icons emerge from?' The interactive Town Hall discussion was moderated by Rajdeep Sardesai and included participation from some of the country's top achievers in the fields of politics, academics, entertainment, business and sports. Priya Dutt (MP), Ramachandra Guha (historian), Pooja Bhatt (director), Avnish Bajaj (entrepreneur), Manavjit Singh Sandhu (shooter) and Suhel Seth (adman) were the distinguished panellists for the evening. The discussion was an attempt to understand and identify the icons of next generation who will pilot the nation ahead with their achievements and help it become a true superpower.

CNN-IBN Indian of the Year 2007 adheres to a unique four-tier process of selection, where the Network18 Editorial Board draws the list of nominees; The Jury ratifies them; followed by the Electoral College who votes along with the Citizens of India. The entire process is audited by Ernst & Young whose years of experience will ensure that this award is above reproach and bias.

The panel discussions in Mumbai and Bangalore (January 15) are aimed to provide authority and enrich the experience of selecting that one superlative candidate as the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year 2007!

Speaking on the occasion, Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, CNN-IBN & IBN 7 said,"Through panel discussions like these we hope to prompt popular opinion and gain understanding of the naissance of India's next generation icons. Enthusiastic participation from not only the panellists, but the audience as well made this initiative a tremendous success and brought us a step closer to identifying India's future leaders! "

"The panel discussion serves two purposes – one, to enrich the awards by involving eminent personalities; and two, to make the process interactive, participative & truly transparent. Together they make the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year the last word in honouring Indian achievement" said, Dilip Venkatraman, Director Marketing & Online Projects, CNN-IBN & IBN 7