NDTV Indian of the Year 2008

NDTV's Indian of the Year Awards this year paid a fitting tribute the martyrs of the Mumbai massacre, who, in trying to save the lives of several innocent men, women and children, lost their own.

Ashok Kamte, Additional Commissioner of Police, Mumbai East, was gunned down by terrorists in the November 26 attack near Cama Hospital. Here, his wife Vinita Kamte, receives the Award for Indians of the Year, Mumbai's Bravehearts from Home Minister P Chidambaram.

Divya's father Vijay Salaskar was a cop who died at the hands of the 26/11 terrorists. Just a couple of hours before Salaskar was trying to secure Mumbai, his daughter Divya Salaskar had dinner with him. This was to be his last. 

Here, Divya Salaskar receives the Award for Indians of the Year, Mumbai's Bravehearts - in remembrance of her father.

During that fatal evening in Mumbai's history, the 26 of November, 2008, Vishnu Zende, a railway announcer from CST,  made continuous announcements about the terrorists even after being shot by them. “My only weapon was my mike. I kept announcing about the terrorists and their positions, so that people stayed put in the trains or outside the station. My aim was to make sure that no one enters the platform while the firing was going on. At that moment, logic took a backseat and though I didn’t know if my work will make any difference I continued,” said the braveheart.

Those few words of caution, made 'living' for an innumerable number of people possible. 'Thank you' is too miniscule an expression to measure our indebtedness to this man.

Here, at NDTV's Indian of the Year awards ceremony, held in New Delhi, on January 21, 2009, L K Advani awards him with the Indians of the Year, Mumbai Bravehearts award.

On November 22nd, 2008, India made history by successfully launching its first mission to the moon, Chandrayaan-1. And with that, India became the fourth nation in the world to do so. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), under the tenure of its Chairman, G Madhavan Nair, placed India on the global map. With 11 communication and weather satellites India's fleet in space is the largest in the Asia Pacific region.

And thus, the Moon Team was awarded the Extraordinary Indians of the Year for 2008. Yes, no mean feat and one that deserves a worthy recognition!

Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav presents the Award for Best Song Lyrics to Prasoon Joshi, for the year 2008.

NDTV's Indian of the Year 2008 was aimed at recognising excellence in individuals who have placed India high in the eyes of other nations. Through their deeds and achievements, they have made a mark for themselves in the global arena.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who won the Gen-Next Politician of the Year award, is seen here as part of the audience with Aamir Khan.

BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate for 2009, L K Advani and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit - two stalwarts of Indian politics were present at NDTV's Indian of the Year award ceremony, that was held in New Delhi, on January 21, 2009. The Lifetime Achievement award went to L K Advani, while Sheila Dikshit was voted to be the Political Leader of the Year 2008. 

This year, NDTV's Indian of the Year awards was celebrated with a difference. In the wake of the unthinkable terror attacks in Mumbai, there emerged a few heroes who braved their lives to save many others. And this year, apart from recognising the talents and efforts of those who excelled in cinema, politics, sports or business, amongst others - these bravehearts also received a fitting tribute. They were the real Indians of the Year.  

Here, Prince of the Indian cricket team Yuvraj Singh, is seen with Bollywood Actor Aamir Khan - sharing a light moment.

NDTV's Indian of the Year was a star-studded event, with the who's who from every field, be it politics, sports, entertainment or business as attendees.

Here, Golden Globe award winner Danny Boyle, director of Slumdog Millionaire, stands with Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor, who was also part of the film. This year, A R Rahman became the first Indian to win the Golden Globe award for Best Original Score for the movie.  

It's been a long wait - millions have voted, millions have judged and thus today, deeds of the deserving few have been applauded. NDTV's Indian of the Year awards was a grand opportunity to appreciate those who have made being an Indian meaningful and a matter of humble pride.

Here, (from the right) Suhel Seth, Omar Addullah, Aamir Khan with his wife Kiran Rao are seen seated as part of the audience.