Now in its 15th edition, CNN-News18 Indian of the Year continues to honor individuals whose determination, vision, and achievements have shaped the nation’s journey. Since its inception in 2006, the awards have stood as the gold standard of credibility in news television, celebrating those who inspire India to dream bigger, aim higher and move forward with resilience.

This year, under the theme ‘India’s Invincible Icons’, the spotlight is on changemakers who embody courage, perseverance, and an unshakable spirit, standing tall as symbols of strength and progress in a transforming India.

Over the years, the Indian of the Year award recipients have included the likes of PM Narendra Modi, Shah Rukh Khan, Neeraj Chopra, Virat Kohli, NGO Stop Acid Attacks, Viswanathan Anand, A. R. Rahman, Manmohan Singh, ISRO, Kailash Satyarthi, Mary Kom, Deepika Padukone, N. Chandrasekaran, and Arvind Kejriwal, among others.