Category: Gold AWARD

Rajeev Shukla is a distinguished Indian leader whose career seamlessly spans politics, journalism, and sports administration. Born on 13 September 1959 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, he began as a sharp-witted journalist with Jansatta and Ravivar, quickly rising to prominence as a senior editor known for incisive political commentary. In 2000, he entered politics, first with the Akhil Bhartiya Loktantrik Congress and later the Indian National Congress, serving multiple terms in the Rajya Sabha. Representing Uttar Pradesh and, since 2022, Chhattisgarh, he has earned a reputation as an articulate parliamentarian with a focus on progressive initiatives.

His parallel journey in cricket administration began in the early 1990s with the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association. As media manager for the Indian cricket team during the celebrated 2002 NatWest series, he demonstrated exceptional communication and crisis management skills. He went on to chair the IPL Governing Council twice, from 2011 to 2013 and again in 2015, playing a pivotal role in the league’s growth, modernization, and global reach.

In December 2020, Shukla was unanimously elected Vice President of the BCCI, reflecting his enduring influence in Indian cricket governance. In 2025, he made history as the first person from Uttar Pradesh to serve as interim President of the BCCI, underscoring his leadership stature.

Beyond politics and sports, he is also an accomplished author; his book Scars of 1947—on the Partition—earned international recognition when he presented it to King Charles III at St. James’s Palace. Shukla’s career stands as a testament to diplomacy, vision, and transformative leadership.

Harsha Bhogle is widely regarded as the “voice of Indian cricket.” With a background in chemical engineering and management, he brought analytical clarity and eloquence to cricket commentary, setting a new benchmark in sports journalism.

For over three decades, Harsha has offered fans thoughtful insights, compelling storytelling, and unmatched passion from commentary boxes around the world. His work transcends boundaries—be it writing, hosting, or broadcasting.

A true ambassador of the game, Harsha Bhogle’s credibility, neutrality, and love for cricket have made him one of the most respected and beloved figures in global sports media.

Dr. Abbas Waziri is a visionary leader and serial entrepreneur whose impact spans pharmaceuticals, fintech, cement, agriculture, energy, and social enterprise. A Harvard-trained Ph.D. in Pharmacy, Dr. Waziri is the Group Chairman of TradoMed Pharmaceuticals, Nigeria’s first research-based indigenous herbal medicine company.

He also chairs Resident Cement Company Ltd., Resident Fintech Ltd., and Resident Microfinance Bank, leading transformations in financial inclusion, sustainability, and healthcare access. As Executive Director of Petro-Ex Canada Inc., he continues to drive innovation in the energy sector. Dr. Waziri’s leadership is marked by strategic expansion and social responsibility, championing community health and economic empowerment.

His philanthropic efforts—focusing on education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship—have touched thousands of lives. A man of integrity, vision, and action, Dr. Abbas Waziri exemplifies how one leader can bridge multiple sectors while delivering profound, lasting impact across industries and nations.

Dr. Soma Ghosh, born in Varanasi, stands as a beacon of the illustrious Benares Gharana, a distinguished vocalist whose mastery in Thumri, Dadra, Kajri, Tappa, Hori, Chaiti, and Ghazal has enraptured audiences worldwide. A literature graduate from Banaras Hindu University, she went on to earn her master’s and a doctorate (D. Mus) in Khayal from its Music College, embodying both scholarly depth and artistic brilliance.

A protege—and adopted daughter—of Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, Dr. Ghosh’s musical bond with the maestro blossomed into five jugalbandi duets, including monumental performances at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Indian Parliament, where Presidents and members of Parliament honored her artistry.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions to the arts, she was awarded the Padma Shri in 2016. Through her NGO, Madhu Murchhana, she champions the revival of endangered musical traditions and provides support to struggling artists via welfare initiatives and “Parampara” concerts aimed at engaging younger audiences.

This includes organizing court-style “Darbari Mehfil” performances and cultural platforms like the Sangeet Gram project. As Cultural Ambassador for Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, she deftly blends art with advocacy—using her voice to uplift women and foster social harmony.

Dr. Ghosh’s legacy is more than musical transcendence—it is a living, resonant embodiment of India’s rich artistic heritage and humanitarian spirit.