Name:Samir Amin
Email:amin@cti.zko.dec.com
Nomination:Gujral
Reason why:He gave his best shot in running the country for eight months!

Name:S Sawant
Email:sandeep_sawant@hotmail.com
Nomination:CBI Joint Director U N Biswas
Reason why:He dared to tame the 'tiger' Laloo by his tail in his own den. Hats off....Wish we see some result for his team's hard efforts.

Name:Deepa Vaidya
Email:dvaidya@atl.dfi-aeronomics.com
Nomination:President K R Narayanan
Reason why:For the tough stand taken during the recent UP crisis.

Name:Venkatesh K
Email:kumivenkat@hotmail.com
Nomination:I K Gujral
Reason why:Pragmatic approach in the present crisis. Nominating Narayanan as the President. If he had a majority party, he might have done a better job

Name:Anupam Shrivastava
Email:ashrivas@mailbox.syr.edu
Nomination:Mahesh Bhupathi
Reason why:In an era where no Indian sportsperson is doing well, this guy with limited talent got us our first Grand Slam. Isn't that great!

Name:Srinivas Manda
Email:srinivas_manda@ccm.sc.intel.com
Nomination:Arundhati Roy
Reason why:In an era of political outwitting and in times where mediocrity reigns supreme, one person brought the literary elite of the West to their knees and reminded Indians around the world that one Indian can still create that literary chutney that is palatable to all tastes.

Name:Alok Kumar
Email:kumara@state.mi.us
Nomination:Leander Paes
Reason why:Leander has made India proud when all others including our so-called politicians, bright cricketers have done nothing substantial. Leander has climbed up the world rankings in singles and in doubles. Along with Mahesh Bhupathi, he makes a formidable pair. No wonder they are world number 4 today. Hence, Leander Paes is my choice for the Indian of the Year.

Name:Murali Vemulapalli
Email:murali@persistence.com
Nomination:Mother Teresa
Reason why:Isn't it obvious?

Name:Venkat Kumar P
Email:vkp@unlinfo.unl.edu
Nomination:K R Narayanan
Reason why:He showed one and all what a President can do, if the politicians misuse power. He showed that democracy is still at work in India. He instilled faith among people and that he is capable of leading the country in the right direction.

Name:Prashant Mathur
Email:prashant_mathur@hotmail.com
Nomination:Saurav Ganguly
Reason why:The reason why I nominate him as the person is because he is the only Indian who has not gone into the negative books. He has held the nation's flag high, time and again this year.

Name:Sudeep Nair
Email:sudeepnair@hotmail.com
Nomination:Mahatma Gandhi
Reason why:Gave us ahimsa to liberate the masses against oppression. Led a simple life and aptly called the Father of the nation.

Name:Ramana Murthy
Email:ramana@niharika.com
Nomination:Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Reason why:Atalji exemplified once again, what stuff great leaders are made of. His poise, restraint and boldness manifested itself again this year. His conduct in and outside of the Parliament has been very reassuring to a public wary of politics and politicians. Common folk, like me, don't expect politicians to deliver us everything under the sun, but appreciate genuine effort in accomplishing that goal. Atalji fits the bill. Hence I nominate Atalji as the Rediff Indian Of The Year.

Name:Ganesh Kaveripakkam
Email:gunsnsuj@hotmail.com
Nomination:Chandrababu Naidu
Reason why:Pioneer in the growth of the IT industry in India. Who has successfully focused his and the nation's interest (at least partially) on the horizons ahead in technology growth and deviating from dirty politics that others are indulging in. That Bill Gates himself is interested in the state of AP is ample testimony to this man's sincerity, and devotion for the growth of India and a clear message to others.

Name:Ven Kalyanaraman Sharma
Email:sachdrav@hotmail.com
Nomination:Manoj Prabhakar
Reason why:For letting the Indian public know about match-fixing in international cricket

Name:Madhup Rathi
Email:madhuprathi@hotmail.com
Nomination:President K R Narayanan
Reason why:He was the first President in recent times, who lived up to the expectation of the makers of our Constitution, by putting his foot down during the UP imbroglio.

Name:R Mathi
Email:mathir@aecl.ca
Nomination:President K R Narayanan
Reason why:From being the first dalit President and being a good one at it. At least so far.

Name:Subbu Ganesan
Email:ganesan@flash.net
Nomination:ISRO
Reason why:Be it after a delay of about 10 years, ISRO launched the PSLV. In spite of, I am sure, mountains of issues, ISRO launched the PSLV. In spite of very little public and political support ISRO managed to pull this off. Hats off to ISRO.

Name:Deivanayagam M
Email:deiva@cv.hp.com
Nomination:G K Moopanar
Reason why:Since he played a major role in selecting the last two prime ministers of India, and was even proposed as the PM of India. He and his party are playing a major role in the decision making of the Union Government. He is the most talked person of 1997 and is always mentioned in both the electronic and visual media.

Name:Srinivas Bharadwaj
Email:srini@arch.sel.sony.com
Nomination:Mother Teresa
Reason why:

Name:Manoj Nagulapally
Email:manoj@aem.umn.edu
Nomination:Indian
Reason why: In these times of political brouhaha, natural calamities, mindless violence and endless gory, the common Indian has faced all traumas and traversities with utmost equanimity. If not for the hope of the common man that things are a changing for the better, India wouldn't be moving forward. It is this hope that keeps India alive today and will do so forever in spite of many an adversity. The common man has bravely faced many a hurdle in his day-to-day life and keeps chugging along, slowly but surely.

The political uncertainties, the killings, the bandhs are nothing but daily distractions for the Indian who is least troubled by the unpleasant happenings in the country. It gives me great pleasure to salute the spirit that so well embodies Indianness. It is with a feeling of pride and hope that I nominate the common Indian as the Indian of the year.

Name:Harish Venkatachalam
Email:damuk@hotmail.com
Nomination:Mother Teresa
Reason why:The Mother of orphans should definitely be honoured with this title. Though not an Indian by birth she had lived all her life for the poor, helpless orphans of India. She deserves any award for her tireless work she did throughout her life. So I believe the Best Indian Web site should honour the best woman of this century!

Name:Dhan Ammasai
Email:dammasai@hotmail.com
Nomination:Abdul Kalam
Reason why:For his contributions to India's space programme

Name:Arun
Email:arun@hotmail.com
Nomination:I K Gujral
Reason why:Great contributions for India's foreign policy

Name:Sanjay Deshmukh
Email:sdeshmukh@simsci.com
Nomination:President Narayanan
Reason why:Since the time we Indians know the word "democracy" we know only one meaning of word "politician": irresponsible, shameless, misbehaving, self centered person. This man is exactly the opposite. It is amazing that despite being in Indian politics for a long time, he could keep his conscience awake. He should not only be "Indian of year 97" but "Indian of the decade." To the man who revived the hope for Indian democracy.

Name:Manish Yashvant
Email:manish@giant.ie.twsu.edu
Nomination:I K Gujral
Reason why:He was a prime example of how a principled and educated man can better handle the affairs of a state.

Name:Chaitanya Kuber
Email:year@hotmail.com
Nomination:Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi
Reason why:For their efforts in tennis doubles and promoting Indian tennis around the world. Also helping the sport in India by performing so well throughout the year. And also for Leander's performances in singles during the year.

Name:Samuel Poozhikala
Email:spoozhikala@mvsn.com
Nomination:Leander Peas
Reason why:Well, for getting an Olympic medal and for promoting tennis awareness in India with his brilliant performances in the Davis Cup and other doubles tournaments

Name:Mihir Wagle
Email:wagle@cems.umn.edu
Nomination:Mahesh Bhupathi
Reason why:India's first and only Grand Slam title winner, now with Leander Paes, part of a fourth ranked world class doubles team.

Name:ramesh kumar
Email:Ramesh.Kumar@MCI.com
Nomination:Saurav Ganguly
Reason why:

Name:S Thamarai Selvan
Email:stselvan@hotmail.com
Nomination:Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi
Reason why:These are the two guys who makes us proud in this year. They have shown the strength of unity and how we can improve. They are showing the path how each and every Indian should live, joining their hands and marching towards the goal which makes all Indians proud.

Name:jogin
Email:jogind@hotmail.com
Nomination:Mother Teresa
Reason why:No reason to elaborate.

Name:Prasad
Email:spmalladi@hotmail.com
Nomination:I K Gujral
Reason why:Well principled.

Name:Srinivasa Reddy Manda
Email:msreddy@qualcomm.com
Nomination:Mahesh Bhupathi
Reason why:Undoubtedly he is the Man of the Year. He became the first Indian to win a Grand Slam (French Open, Mixed Doubles). Along with Leander, he became the first Indian to be seeded in any ATP tournament. While Sitaram Kesri became the puppet of the year by toppling the second government in one year. No one can challenge him for this award.

Name:NANJANGUD SUBASH
Email:akshang@linkaerve.com.ng
Nomination:Mother Teresa
Reason why:No need for any explanation.

Name:Vipin Gopal
Email:vipin@htc.honeywell.com
Nomination:K R Narayanan
Reason why:To me the choice is straightforward. When elected President in the fiftieth year of Indian Independence, Narayanan let the whole world know that India has come of age, regardless of the innumerable problems we are trying to break out from. Through his staunch resolve to uphold the Constitution and redefine the role of the President, K R Narayanan has made an impression in the minds of the Indian masses who are fed up with the synonymity of corruption, inefficiency and Indian politics.

This man, who worked his way up from a not-too-easy surroundings in a Kerala village to become a diplomat of world stature is undoubtedly India's man of the year. His very presence tells each and every Indian citizen that nothing in impossible!

Name:Phani Adidam
Email:padidam@cwis.unomaha.edu
Nomination:President K R Narayanan
Reason why:For the first time in India's modern history, the President showed that he has a spine, and that he can guard the Constitution without succumbing to political and criminal subverters like Romesh Bhandari, Mulayam Singh Yadav, and the former PM IK Gujral.

Name:Vikram
Email:agni@acm.org
Nomination:Leander Paes
Reason why:Why? what a question to ask! Now that I nominated him, I don't mind explaining. The Indian who singlehandedly got us an Olympic medal, the Indian who gave a scare to the best players in the world, and the Indian who with another Indian is almost on the verge of becoming the greatest sports person ever, for India. And you ask why!

Name:Vasist Havanur
Email:havvas@hotmail.com
Nomination:Comman man of India
Reason why:He is a silent spectator for many evil things that have happened since Independence. His dreams of Ramrajya have been reduced to Ravanrajya. And yet, he has kept his hopes alive which keeps India alive.

Name:Ateeq Ahmad
Email:ishq@hotmail.com
Nomination:K R Narayanan
Reason why:It is a few times that the mettle of a man is tested and to perform acts of fair-mindedness in such environs is worth a thousand 21 gun salutes. He vindicated the confidence that the fathers of our nation had placed in the sagacious advice of the President by asking his Cabinet to reconsider the imposition of President's rule in Uttar Pradesh.

Name:SREENIVAS ALURU
Email:VASU@ENGR.UKY.EDU
Nomination:Paes Leander and and Bhupathi Mahesh
Reason why:When the gloom of defeat was lurking all around the world of Indian sport, the duo showed to the world that victory is achieved by determination, desire and understanding. They made us proud when we were surrounded by gloom after the death of 'Mother'.

Name:Mohan Marette
Email:cyberian@worldnet.att.net
Nomination:Dr Abdul Kalam
Reason why:The reasons should be rather obvious. Here is a man who has contributed tremendously to the nation in the area of defence, and science in particular. Need I say more?

Name:S Anand
Email:may2192@mbox4.singnet.com.sg
Nomination:N R Narayana Moorthy
Reason why:The CEO of Infosys has created a superb enterprise -- not just for himself -- but for his entire team. A visionary with heart. While declaring 'Human Assets' in the balance sheet was the coup of 96. Changing Infosys's accounting practices to international formats is a landmark for '97. Truly the torch-bearer of Indian multinationals. My vote is for Sri N R Narayana Moorthy, CEO Infosys

Name:Dr.K.Murali
Email:cvekm@nus.edu.sg
Nomination:Dr Abdul Kalam
Reason why:I do not see anybody who has contributed with such dedication to the nation.

Name:Narayana Shastry
Email:shastry@sun4u.corp.sun.com
Nomination:Kapil Dev
Reason why:For his achievement in cricket

Name:Rajesh Ahuja
Email:ahujar@singnet.com.sg
Nomination:Arundhati Roy
Reason why:She is the only Indian whose achievements stand out at a time when the country is infested with decadent politics and deteriorating social and moral values. She comes across as a fearless and free spirit in her work. She symbolises the true, gritty Indian striving to make a mark in the world in the 50th year of India's independence.

Name:Abhay Shah
Email:mgalib@hotmail.com
Nomination:T N Seshan
Reason why:All of us, people who believe in values and honesty, always thought that we can't do anything on our own. One man against the whole system doesn't work. Seshan shattered this myth. He singlehandedly taught discipline to PMs and CMs ((including that of Bihar) Now we see individuals stand up even in administrations, that is all post-Seshan. He deserves admiration for carrying the torch of honesty when it was almost going to die in the Indian political scene.

Name:S Jagadish
Email:sjagadish@mailcity.com
Nomination:Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi
Reason why:Hey they play together as a team which means they are virtually one :) An Indian Tennis doubles team ranked 36 last year has moved up to number 4 after reaching the finals of the World doubles championship. Add to it their Davis cup heroics Hence the proof

Name:Ramagopal Natrajan
Email:ramgopal@wipsys.soft.net
Nomination:P Chidambaram
Reason why:For his Liberalisation policies.

Name:Naresh Singhal
Email:ncsinghal@worldnet.att.net
Nomination:Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Reason why:Among the crowd of powerhungry politicians, he is the only one clean enough to command any respect, although many believe he is the right man with the wrong affiliation. Such is his charisma that even his opponents listen with rapt attention when he speaks. He is known as a moderate in his own party and does not mince words when it comes to criticising some of the hard-line attitude in his party. If there were no dirty party politics, he would be the best consensus candidate for the top post in the country.