For over two decades, the NDTV Indian of the Year awards have stood as one of the nation’s most prestigious platforms for celebrating excellence. The 2025 edition is set to continue this illustrious legacy on December 19 in New Delhi, bringing together the most influential voices across governance, business, sports, and cinema.
Themed ‘Ideas. Inspiration. Impact’, this year’s gathering promises to be a powerful reflection of India’s national progress and global influence.
Lending immense credibility to the platform, the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, will lead the assembly of achievers. His presence underscores the national importance and gravitas of the awards, which recognize those who have profoundly shaped the idea of India through their work and conviction.
The guest list for 2025 reflects India’s expanding footprint in the global economy and scientific frontier. Key attendees include:
- Sridhar Vembu: Founder of Zoho and a pioneer in Indian SaaS.
- Sunil Vachani: Founder and Executive Chairman of Dixon Technologies, a key driver of India’s electronics manufacturing revolution.
- Jay Shah: Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
- Shubhanshu Shukla: Indian astronaut representing the country’s soaring ambitions in space exploration.
The evening will also shine a spotlight on the historic rise of Indian women’s cricket. ICC ODI World Cup-winning captain Harmanpreet Kaur will be in attendance alongside star teammates Jemima Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma, and head coach Amol Muzumdar.
From the world of entertainment and contemporary culture, the event will feature:
- Vicky Kaushal
- Janhvi Kapoor
- Aryan Khan
- Ahaan Panday
These individuals represent the evolving face of Indian cinema and creative expression on the global stage.
This year, NDTV will honor excellence across 14 distinct categories, including:
- Business Leadership & Innovation
- Philanthropy & Governance
- Sports & Entertainment
- Culture & Science
Rahul Kanwal, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of NDTV, noted that the 2025 edition reflects the energy of a “renewed NDTV.” He stated, “The platform has always been about recognizing those who move India forward through ideas, conviction, and leadership. As India enters a defining decade, we celebrate the individuals and institutions shaping the country’s future.”
Key Highlights:
- Event Details: The NDTV Indian of the Year 2025 will take place in New Delhi on December 19, centered around the theme “Ideas. Inspiration. Impact.”
- Key Dignitaries: The event will be led by the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, alongside global leaders like Sridhar Vembu and ICC Chairman Jay Shah.
- Diverse Representation: The ceremony will celebrate achievers from 14 categories, ranging from World Cup-winning women cricketers to top Bollywood stars and space explorers.
- National Impact: Organized by NDTV under the leadership of Rahul Kanwal, the awards aim to recognize those who have significantly moved India forward over the past year.