News18 India successfully hosted the third edition of Amrit Ratna on December 2, 2024, honouring super achievers who have made remarkable contributions across various fields, making India proud on the global stage.

Held in a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere, the event highlighted excellence, dedication, and achievements, celebrating individuals who continue to inspire millions.
This year’s distinguished recipients included:
• L Subramaniam, Grammy Award-winning violinist
• Dhanush, actor and filmmaker
• Harbhajan Singh, former Indian cricketer
• Udit Narayan and Kavita Krishnamurthy, iconic singers
• Sonal Man Singh, classical dancer and former Rajya Sabha member
• Swaroop Sampat, actor and educationist
• Jadav Payeng, renowned as the “Forest Man of India”
• Puranchand Wadali and Lakhwinder Wadali, Sufi singing legends

Beginning with this edition, News18 India instituted a special posthumous honour to celebrate iconic legends. The inaugural recipient was Major Dhyan Chand, whose unparalleled contributions to hockey brought immense pride to India. The award was accepted by his son, Ashok Dhyan Chand, a former national hockey player.

The event was graced by notable personalities from politics, sports, and culture, including:
• Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
• Giriraj Singh, Union Minister of Textiles
• Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism
• Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Sports, Youth Affairs, and Labour
• Atishi, Chief Minister of Delhi
• Ravneet Singh Bittu, Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Railways
• Smriti Irani, former Union Minister
• P.T. Usha, legendary athlete and Rajya Sabha MP
• Dhanush, expressing his gratitude, said: “This recognition is not just a testament to my journey as an actor, producer, and director but also to the rich legacy of South Indian cinema. Every project I take on is a tribute to my fans and the incredible talent in this industry.”
• L Subramaniam, celebrating his musical journey, remarked: “This honour reflects the power of harmony in both life and art. It is dedicated to music lovers everywhere.”
• Harbhajan Singh highlighted the potential of India’s younger cricketing talent, adding: “My son, Jodhvir Singh, will surpass even Sachin Tendulkar and proudly wear jersey number ten.”
• Udit Narayan, reflecting on his career, said: “This honour celebrates my dedication and the timeless magic of music. It’s a deeply emotional moment as I look back on my 45-year journey.”
Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the significance of women empowerment through initiatives like Ladli Laxmi Yojana and Ladli Behna Yojana, saying: “This honour reflects our commitment to creating a society where every woman feels valued.”

Mansukh Mandaviya shared ambitious goals for Indian sports, stating: “With plans to host the FIFA World Cup, we aim to elevate India’s global sporting presence.”

Amrit Ratna 2024 was more than an awards ceremony; it was a celebration of individuals who inspire a nation to dream bigger and achieve greater. By bringing together luminaries from diverse fields, the event reinforced the values of excellence, resilience, and national pride that define India.