For over two decades, NDTV Indian of the Year has stood as one of India’s most credible recognitions — honouring individuals and institutions whose work has helped craft the very idea of India.
With the theme of ‘Ideas. Inspiration. Impact’, the 2025 edition will continue that legacy, bringing together an exceptional assembly of leaders, achievers, and cultural voices for a defining evening in New Delhi, on December, 19.
Leading the distinguished gathering will be Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, whose presence underscores the stature and integrity of the occasion.
The evening will see the participation of eminent figures from across business, governance, sport, science, and culture. Among those attending are Sridhar Vembu, Founder of Zoho; Sunil Vachani, Founder and Executive Chairman of Dixon Technologies – the extraordinary business leader driving India’s electronics manufacturing revolution; Jay Shah, Chairman of the International Cricket Council; and Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s astronaut who propelled the country’s ambitions into space — each reflecting a facet of India’s growing global presence.
Indian sport will be represented by the ICC ODI World Cup-winning Captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, alongside teammates Jemima Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma, as well as Amol Muzumdar, Head Coach of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team — together reflecting a defining phase in Indian women’s cricket.
The evening will also bring together prominent voices from cinema and popular culture, including Vicky Kaushal, Janhvi Kapoor, Aryan Khan, and Ahaan Panday, representing the evolving creative expression of contemporary India.
This year, NDTV Indian of the Year will recognise excellence across 14 diverse categories, spanning business leadership, innovation, philanthropy, governance, sports, entertainment, culture, and science.
Commenting on the occasion, Rahul Kanwal, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, NDTV, said, ‘NDTV Indian of the Year has always been about recognising those who move India forward — through ideas, conviction, and the courage to lead. As India steps into a defining decade, this edition reflects the energy of a renewed NDTV and celebrates individuals and institutions shaping the possibilities of a new India.’
The NDTV Indian of the Year 2025 will honour individuals and institutions whose journeys reflect conviction, purpose, and the ability to influence the course of change.