In a glittering ceremony held in New Delhi on Wednesday, the 13th edition of the CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2023 awards celebrated the exceptional contributions of remarkable individuals across seven categories, spanning Business, Entertainment, Sports, Youth Icon, Rising Sports Star, Social Change, and Climate Warriors.

According to the channel’s press release, the coveted Indian of the Year award was bestowed upon Bollywood’s iconic figure, Shah Rukh Khan.

In an emotional and introspective acceptance speech, the King of Bollywood candidly shared insights into his life and career, highlighting his journey through failures, family struggles, and the triumphs that marked his successful 2023. SRK made a bold statement, expressing that he doesn’t just feel like the Indian of the Year 2023 but the Indian of all Years.

Renowned filmmaker Mani Ratnam secured the CNN-News18 Indian of the Year in the Entertainment category, while Karnataka’s first transgender doctor and actor, Trinetra Haldar, was honored with the Youth Icon of the Year award (Jury). Music composer and singer Anirudh Ravichander received the Youth Icon (Popular) title.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was recognized with the Indian of the Year 2023 award for its outstanding achievements in pushing the boundaries of space exploration.

Neeraj Chopra, the celebrated athlete, clinched the Indian of the Year award in the Sports category, acknowledging his remarkable contributions to Indian sports. Chess Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa was named the Rising Sports Star.

In the Climate Warriors category, Arun Krishnamurthy, founder of the Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI), and Saalumarada Thimmakka, the 112-year-old climate warrior from Karnataka, were honored for their significant contributions. Thimmakka, known as the “Mother of Trees,” has planted over 8,000 trees.

Distinguished oncologist Ravi Kannan was named the CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2023 in the Social Change category for his revolutionary approach to people-centric and pro-poor healthcare, particularly in the field of cancer treatment in Assam.

Dinesh Khara, Chairman of the State Bank of India (SBI), received the prestigious Indian of the Year 2023 award in the Business category, recognizing his decades-long commitment and rise through the ranks as India’s largest public sector lender.

Special recognition was given to the Heroes of Uttarkashi, including NDRF Director General Atul Karwal, rat miners Munna and Wakil, foreman Gabbar Singh Negi and Saba Ahmed. Their pivotal role in the successful rescue effort in the Silkyara tunnel garnered nationwide acclaim.

This year’s event featured a unique blend of expert judgment and public voting, with 50 percent of the decision-making power resting with the audience and the remaining 50 percent entrusted to a distinguished panel of judges.

The CNN-News18 Indian of the Year platform continues its rich legacy of honouring exceptional individuals across various fields, with past recipients including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Olympic gold medallist Neeraj Chopra, cricket star Virat Kohli, and many other distinguished personalities.