Category: LifeTime Achievement AWARD

Lt. Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd.) is a highly decorated former Indian Army officer and currently serves as the eighth Governor of Uttarakhand, having taken office on 15 September 2021.

Commissioned in 1976, he culminated a distinguished nearly four-decade military career, holding critical appointments such as Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Information Systems & Training), Adjutant General, and Corps Commander of the strategic XV Corps overseeing the Line of Control in Kashmir.

As Additional Director General of Military Operations, he shaped India-China border strategy, participated in key diplomatic forums for over a decade, and visited China seven times, including leading a military delegation in 2012.

Honored with four Presidential awards—the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal—and two Chief of Army Staff commendations, his service has been marked by exceptional leadership and valor.

As Governor of Uttarakhand, he has prioritized women’s empowerment, ex-servicemen welfare, technological innovation, organic farming, and reverse migration. He has introduced AI-driven governance at Raj Bhavan, transparent university appointments, real-time public outreach initiatives, and the state’s toughest anti-cheating ordinance to bolster meritocracy in recruitment.

Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh exemplifies strategic excellence, scholarly insight, and compassionate leadership—fortifying national security in uniform and nurturing Uttarakhand’s growth in office.

Alan Strutt is an internationally acclaimed British portrait photographer whose lens has immortalised some of the most recognisable faces in fashion, film, music, and royalty. Over a career spanning more than three decades, his powerful, cinematic imagery has graced the pages of Vogue, Vanity Fair, Elle, The Times, and numerous international publications, as well as exhibitions across Europe and North America.

Renowned for his rare blend of precision, atmosphere, and emotional depth, Alan’s portraits go beyond the surface to capture the soul of his subjects. His immersive approach often involves spending days with those he photographs, earning trust and revealing their most authentic selves. This distinctive style has made him the trusted choice for legends including Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Anthony Hopkins, Eric Clapton, Antonio Banderas, Pamela Anderson, Keith Richards, Kate Winslet, Christian Bale, Robbie Williams, Victoria Beckham, Jude Law, and global leaders such as Imran Khan and HRH Sultanah of Pahang.

From the fashion capitals of London, Paris, and Milan to cultural epicentres like New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and the Maldives, Alan’s portfolio reflects a global perspective and timeless vision.

Beyond his celebrated editorial and commercial work, Alan is deeply committed to humanitarian causes. His photography has supported organisations including Comic Relief, Save the Children, Born Free, and Ikamva Labantu, with his work helping fund initiatives such as building a school in Cape Town’s townships.

A true master of his craft, Alan Strutt continues to inspire, influence, and elevate the art of portrait photography worldwide.

Senator Mike Gabbard is a pioneering American lawmaker and environmental advocate with a legacy of impactful public service. Representing Hawaii since 2006, he is the first person of Samoan descent to serve in the State Senate. A passionate voice for sustainability, he has championed landmark legislation, including Hawaiʻi’s ban on reef-damaging sunscreens, the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act, and the state’s official climate emergency declaration.

Senator Gabbard blends wisdom, cultural pride, and policy acumen to drive change. His leadership in agriculture, clean energy, and environmental justice has earned him widespread respect.

Beyond politics, he is a devoted family man and father to former U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. Senator Gabbard’s enduring commitment to environmental stewardship and community upliftment continues to inspire a greener, more compassionate future.

Asha Bhosle is a living legend whose voice has defined the very soul of Indian music for over seven decades. Celebrated for her extraordinary versatility, she has sung in more than 20 languages and recorded over 12,000 songs, earning the Guinness World Record as the most recorded artist in music history.

From soulful ghazals and devotional bhajans to peppy pop hits and sultry cabaret numbers, Asha ji has mastered every genre with effortless grace. Her collaborations span the globe, working with legends from R.D. Burman to international artists like Boy George and the Kronos Quartet, showcasing her ability to transcend cultural and musical boundaries.

In Indian cinema, her songs have immortalized countless moments; from the haunting beauty of “In Aankhon Ki Masti” to the electrifying “Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja.” She has been the voice behind generations of actresses, her adaptability keeping her at the forefront of the industry through changing eras.

Her contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, and multiple National Film Awards. She has also received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for her lifetime contribution to Indian cinema.

Beyond numbers and awards, Asha Bhosle’s magic lies in her ability to infuse every note with emotion, weaving stories through melody. Her journey from a teenage playback singer to a global musical icon is a testament to talent, resilience, and reinvention. Today, she remains an eternal muse; an enduring symbol of grace, artistry, and innovation in Indian music.

Udit Narayan is one of India’s most celebrated playback singers, whose golden voice has defined Bollywood music for over four decades. Born on 1 December 1955 in Bihar, he began his career with the 1980 film Unees Bees but shot to fame with the chartbuster Papa Kehte Hain from Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988), which earned him instant national recognition.

Renowned for his versatility, Udit Narayan has recorded in over 36 languages, including Hindi, Nepali, Bhojpuri, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, lending his voice to some of the biggest stars of Indian cinema. His melodious renditions in films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Lagaan, and Swades have become timeless classics.

Over the years, he has been honored with numerous accolades, including three National Film Awards and five Filmfare Awards, making him one of the most awarded male playback singers in the industry. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian music, the Government of India bestowed upon him the Padma Shri in 2009 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016.

Udit Narayan’s signature style—marked by warmth, clarity, and emotion—has made him the voice of romance, youth, and joy for generations. His collaborations with leading composers, from R.D. Burman to A.R. Rahman, and his ability to adapt across eras have ensured his relevance in the ever-evolving music industry.

With a career spanning over 40 years, Udit Narayan remains a true legend—an enduring icon whose songs continue to inspire, captivate, and define the soundscape of Indian cinema.

Ronald Gerald Wayne is a legendary inventor and co-founder of Apple Inc., widely recognized for his pioneering role in the world of personal computing. With over 71 years of experience in electronics and product development, Ronald was instrumental in shaping early Apple, drafting its original partnership agreement in 1976 alongside Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.

A seasoned engineer and mentor, his contributions to design and operational guidance helped catalyze one of the most influential tech revolutions. Beyond Apple, Ronald has spent decades supporting innovation, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and advocating for responsible technology development.

His humility and foresight remain admired across generations. Ronald Wayne’s legacy is etched not just in Apple’s foundation but also in the values of curiosity, collaboration, and courage that define true innovation.

Dar Barot is a world-renowned hair designer and fashion stylist whose career spans over 50 years, redefining beauty for Hollywood stars, Bollywood icons, rock legends, and royalty. Trained in 1973 under the legendary Vidal Sassoon in London, he mastered precision cutting—sculpting hair to enhance facial structure with timeless elegance.

Encouraged by his childhood friend Gillian, Dar transitioned into editorial and fashion styling, pioneering photo-shoot hairstyling and pushing creative boundaries. His artistry has graced icons including Aishwarya Rai, Jacqueline Fernandez, Goldie Hawn, Nicole Scherzinger, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Fiona Fullerton (crafting her iconic “Bond girl” look in A View to a Kill), and Samantha Fox.

Renowned for innovation, Dar introduced the “V-cut” technique, allowing long hair to retain length while adding movement and face-framing layers—a perfect union of functionality and artistry. Today, he operates from Hair by Dar in the courtyard of St. James’ Court, a Taj Hotel beside Buckingham Palace, blending Eastern finesse with Western sophistication for a global clientele.

Clients praise Dar not only for technical brilliance but also for his uplifting energy. One admirer notes, “Dar rescued my fine hair with a sharp bob that barely needs blow-drying—you leave his salon glowing with positive energy.”

Dar Barot’s legacy transcends hair—it’s about transformation, confidence, and enduring style. A creative visionary and trendsetter, he continues to inspire the fashion and beauty industry, proving that true artistry is timeless.

Dr. V. Ponraj is a prominent Indian scientist and former Scientific Advisor to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, India’s 11th President. A senior scientist at the Ministry of Defence’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Dr. Ponraj co-authored several national initiatives including India Vision 2020, PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas), and Aerospace Vision 2050.

He is the key architect of the Pan-African e-Network project, which digitally connected India with 53 African nations—earning the Hermes Prize for Innovation in 2010. Today, as Chairman of IonTach Academy’s Advisory Committee, he champions experiential and tech-driven rural education. His work with the Abdul Kalam Vision India Movement continues to inspire young minds toward innovation, entrepreneurship, and national service.

A mentor, speaker, and nation-builder, Dr. V. Ponraj is a torchbearer of inclusive development and futuristic thinking rooted in grassroots transformation.

Dr. Dnyandeo Yashwantrao Patil is a visionary educationist and social reformer who has transformed India’s academic landscape. A former Governor of Bihar, West Bengal, and Tripura, and recipient of the Padma Shri in 1991, Dr. Patil has spent decades advancing both governance and grassroots education.

From early political roles in Maharashtra to founding some of India’s most reputed educational institutions—including D.Y. Patil University, D.Y. Patil Medical Colleges, and international schools—his focus has always been accessibility and excellence. With institutions across India and even in Belgium, his contributions span engineering, medicine, sports, and biotechnology.

A firm believer in education as a vehicle of national transformation, Dr. Patil’s legacy is built on empowering thousands of students through world-class learning environments. His leadership has left an indelible mark on higher education, combining academic innovation with ethical values.

Babasaheb Neelkanth Kalyani is one of India’s most impactful industrial leaders and the driving force behind Bharat Forge, the world’s second-largest forging company after Germany’s ThyssenKrupp. Trained at BITS Pilani and MIT, he transformed Bharat Forge from a regional auto-parts manufacturer into a global engineering behemoth with a presence across automotive, aerospace, defence, energy, and infrastructure.

Under his leadership, the Kalyani Group pioneered innovation with strategic global partnerships—including alliances with Israel’s Rafael, Sweden’s Saab, and Alstom for power systems—while expanding into clean energy through Kenersys (wind turbines) and collaborations on solar and hybrid technology successstory.com.

A visionary in defence manufacturing, he spearheaded the creation of Kalyani Strategic Systems (KSSL), delivering cutting-edge AI-enabled weaponry—ranging from ATAGS to ultra-light howitzers—and significantly boosting India’s defence exports with over 100 artillery guns sold in 2024.

His contributions extend beyond industry: he founded the Pratham Pune Education Foundation, transforming primary education for underprivileged children in Pune, and leads Bharat Forge’s CSR and sustainability efforts.

A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, his excellence has been recognized internationally: through honors like Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Germany’s Cross of the Order of Merit, Sweden’s Polar Star, and France’s Legion of Honour.

Babasaheb N. Kalyani’s legacy is built on innovation, globalization, and social responsibility; making him a true architect of India’s industrial renaissance and a revered figure in modern business leadership.