The Nominations...

Name:K S Gopinath
Email:ksgopi@rocketmail.com
Nomination:V Anand
Reason why:Excellent performance throughout the year.

Name:Sadanand Dhume
Email:sdhume@princeton.edu
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:Isn't it obvious?

Name:Jawahar Jeet Singh
Email:jjeet1@hotmail.com
Nomination:A P J Abdul Kalam
Reason why:For he led India towards the path of self reliance in the defence sector.

For the plain simple reason of putting India on the nuclear map.

Although personally, I am strongly against development and deployment of any nuclear or mass destruction weapons, the recent tests are more as a slap on the face of hypocritical Western powers. who act as global policemen.

Irrespective of the status of our real capability of nuke weapons, this firmly demonstrates that we are fully capable of defending our borders. No one dare mess with us.

Name:Sanjoy Dey
Email:sanjoydey@hotmail.com
Nomination:A P J ABDUL KALAM
Reason why:Amartya Sen may be an Indian and may have won the Nobel Prize, but has not done anything for India except giving lectures at seminars on his 'occasional' visits to India. A P J Abdul Kalam, on the other hand, has done selfless service to India in missile and nuclear development crucial for India's self-reliance and security.

Name:Rajiv NS
Email:rajivns@rediffmail.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:In these days of recession and gloom he was the only person who added a silver lining to the dark cloud.

With everything in tatters, he alone provided relief and made you proud that you both belonged to the same country. There is little to bring cheer to the minds of us Indians other than him.

The nuclear tests divided the nation into anti and pro nuclear activists but within the middle there was no such division. He was the sole unifying factor for the nation for the past year.

Name:Mahesh H S
Email:mahesh_hs@hotmail.com
Nomination:Abdul Kalam
Reason why:A great Indian scientist serving India to the best of his ability. Dedicated service for over more than three decades in a very sensitive area. This must be really appreciated. Unlike the so-called Nobel Prize winner who declined to accept any government office but made suggestions in public to government (Making suggestions are more easier than really implementing it), Abdul Kalam executed his duties and so to India.

He is the proud son of mother India and India will feel more proud to call him so. He was the key person who made whole world sit and take a notice of our capabilities.

Name:Vikas Sukla
Email:vsukla@usa.net
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:A winner, shows what a strong will and determination can do. For him, the sky is the limit.

Despite so many acheivements, he is still a humble person.

Above all, he plays for the nation.

I salute his killer instinct.

Name:P Ramya Swapnila
Email:ramya_bosch@hotmail.com
Nomination:Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar
Reason why:He is a wonderful example of a person's determination and commitment to his duties.

Name:Bhanu Venkata Nagesh Nallam
Email:nageshbv@wipsys.stph.net
Nomination:Dr A P J Abdul Kalam
Reason why:He is the person who makes Indians feel proud about themselves. His efforts for developing indigenious technology not only benefit the military but the whole R & D in the country as well.

He will remain the source of inspiration for us and all succeeding generations of Indians to come.

Name:Anunaya Ritwik
Email:anusunwik@hotmail.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:Because of his good batting he has become the talk of the town.

Name:S Ravindran
Email:hycare@vsnl.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:With his boxer's nose, poised serene and yet menacing looks, he has consistently made me feel proud to be an Indian.

Name:R Srinivasan
Email:r_srinivasan@hotmail.com
Nomination:Mallika Sarabhai
Reason why:The Darpana academy celebrating its golden jubilee is the right time to honour the person who has made Indian dance and art world class. She and Amma (Mrinalini Sarabhai) have together made the city they live in (Ahmedabad) the cultural capital of india.

Kudos to you, Mallika!

Name:Vineet Gupta
Email:guptavineet@hotmail.com
Nomination:Mr Bal Thackeray
Reason why:He is the only Indian I know who dares to speak his feelings about our dear neighbour.

Name:Mohammed Ishaq Ali
Email:ishaqali@hotmail.com
Nomination:Chandrababu Naidu N
Reason why:He changed the notion of being a chief minister. He ushered in a new era of openness using information technology.

He made the IT giants set up shop in India. He is also playing a key role at the national level; as convener of the National Front and United Front he was crucial in installing two governments.

Name:Subhash
Email:schandra_100@yahoo.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:Don't ask why ??? One man army.....

Name:S Kanakasabapathy
Email:anisaba@aol.com
Nomination:A B Vajpayee
Reason why:Having the nerve to test nuclear bombs in spite of knowing how the world is going to react. His foreign policies, trying to run the government with so many problems. There are lot of failures, but still I think he is the man of the year for at least whatsoever he has achieved.

Name:Shashank Puntamkar
Email:ssp@cdac.ernet.in
Nomination:A B Vajpayee
Reason why:For his bold steps taken in the national interest.

For his bold steps taken for economic reforms and, of course, for his efforts to popularise the Internet in India.

Name:Alok Wadhawan
Email:alokwadhawan@mailcity.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:He has given joy to 900 million people in a year where there is very little to be cheerful about.

Ideally, one would consider a political figure for such an honour. However sadly, not a single politician has been able to look beyond his own gains.

Amartya Sen could have been considered but he hasn't been living in India for a long time.

Name:Sumedha Kshirsagar
Email:sumedha.kshirsagar@cui.unige.ch
Nomination:Dr Raja Ramanna
Reason why:He has a great contribution in India's nuclear programme. The most important is to stay in India and use the knowledge and skills for India, rather than looking for bright career opportunities abroad.

Name:Asim K Dutta-Roy
Email:adr@rri.sari.ac.uk
Nomination:Professor Amartya Sen
Reason why:Professor Sen is a 1998 Nobel Prize winner in economics. He is still an Indian citizen despite working in the UK and the States for a long time. His work on economics has been lauded by giant economists of the world. He has given the new definition of poor people's economics. He is a Master of Trinity college, arguably the most prestigious academic post in the UK. Considering all these acolades, in my opinion he is the most famous Indian of this year.

Name:Arvind
Email:arvobj@hotmail.com
Nomination:Dr Abdul Kalam
Reason why:For having streamlined India's nuclear programme.

Name:Giridhar G Prabhu
Email:giridhar_prabhu@hotmail.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:Sachin has taken the world of cricket by storm.

Name:Uma
Email:u_iyer@hotmail.com
Nomination:Dr Abdul Kalam
Reason why:For making india self reliant and creating a strong defence for India.

Name:The Other One
Email:hyperactiv@hotmail.com
Nomination:The Common Man
Reason why:The Common Man is the guy who has been around through the ages and seen it all. Seen times change, people come and go, buildings rise and fall. Dreamt of good times, seen the worse. Yet he continues to dream every day, his hope and resilence is transferred into the ambitions of those who actually strive to do something positive for this Common Man who refuses to let anything stop him from hoping for a day when his dreams will come true.

Every election he casts his vote hoping things will change.

Everyday he gets up hoping for a better day.

Everyday he sees his children go to school hoping they will get something better than him.

Every year he watches celluloid dreams and hopes they'll get better.

Everyday he spends his hard earned money that keeps the cycle of economy running.

The courage of the everyday Common Man deserves to get him an award, at least an honourary mention, 'coz had it not been for him, we would have had no progress. The Common Man is a mass of men and women who live in their shells ......hoping.

One award to salute the Common Man isn't hoping too much, is it?

Name:ABHISHEK NARULA
Email:NARULA@REDIFFMAIL.COM
Nomination:SACHIN TENDULKAR
Reason why:1998 WAS THE BEST YEAR FOR TENDULKAR. HE BROKE THE RECORD OF HAYNES. HE ALSO MADE NINE ONE DAY INTERNATIONAL CENTURIES, WHICH MANY GREAT PLAYERS COULD NOT DO IN THEIR ENTIRE CAREER. APART FROM BATTING HIS BOWLING WAS ALSO TREMENDOUS.

THERE SHOULD BE NO DOUBT IN SELECTING SACHIN TENDULKAR AS THE INDIAN OF THE YEAR.

Name:Gaurav Sood
Email:gaurav_sood@hotmail.com
Nomination:SACHIN TENDULKAR
Reason why:Is'nt it obvious!!!!????? Who else has given as much joy to the common man as he has over the last one year?

Name:drrajivbhagi
Email:rajivbhagi@hotmail.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:Sachin gives a reason to be proud of the country and the game.

Name:SUDHA SANTHANAM
Email:sudha.pnq@kbl.co.in
Nomination:Chandrababu Naidu
Reason why:He changed the face of AP, got World Bank aid despite sanctions, made Hyderabad "Cyberabad" and changed the face of the measly politician to look like a "CEO" of the state and now has other CMs now vying to be like him!

Name:Mukesh Kanchan
Email:kanchan_mukesh@hotmail.com
Nomination:Sachin R Tendulkar
Reason why:He is a real hero on the cricket pitch... his behaviour and statements inspire lots of youth to be better persons. I think he should be the person of the year as he is one of the factors to bring good things to Indian youth. He also unites India in a way.

Name:Vigneshwaran S
Email:vigneshwar@hotmail.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:He has made everyone in this world think highly about INDIA.

Name:Mukesh Kumar
Email:billagio@vsnl.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:He is great after Gavaskar, and brings glory to country. We are proud of him.

Name:Sundar
Email:sundar@vicon.net
Nomination:Jyotirmoy Sikdar
Reason why:She won India 2 gold medals in the Asian Games after so many years..

Name:Anup
Email:anup_vittal37@yahoo.com
Nomination:Amartya Sen
Reason why:The first Nobel winner that really based his work in India -- and hasn't shied away from calling himself an INDIAN !!

Name:Susheel
Email:toezz@mailcity.com
Nomination:Chandrababu Naidu
Reason why:Revolutionised the art of being a CM!

Name:Venkat Kumar
Email:vkp@unlinfo.unl.edu
Nomination:Professor Amartya Sen
Reason why:Proud that an Indian has won the highest honour that can be bestowed upon any individual.

Name:Prakash Chandra
Email:chandra@uiuc.edu
Nomination:Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Reason why: Successfully conducted nuclear tests.

- firm stand among the world community.

- honest and sincere.

- successfully resolved Cauvery water issue.

- successfully avoided sabotage by small parties.

- GREAT Prime Minister overall!!

Name:Srinivasan Balasubramaniam
Email:bsrinivas@hotmail.com
Nomination:Dr A P J Abdul Kalam
Reason why:Dr Kalam, along with other scientists, has raised the image of India in the world by blasting the N Bomb. The developed countries can no more ignore India. He has been a source of inspiration to the youth of the country and his statements have instilled confidence in the people and we know now "We can do it". I think he is the Indian of the year.

Name:Saikat Banerjee
Email:saikatb@hotmail.com
Nomination:Amartya Sen
Reason why:He is a shining beacon in a bleak year for us Indians.

He has done India proud by winning the Nobel prize for economics. But it is time that we also do him proud by listening to what he has to say to us and try to implement his ideas in a prudent fashion. He has earned that much respect to have our ears.

He is the Indian of the year 1998.

Name:Sujay
Email:sujay_gopinathan@hotmail.com
Nomination:Dingko Singh
Reason why:He fought against corruption in Indian sport and won gold.

Name:Jayakumar
Email:jjayakumar@rediffmail.com
Nomination:Amartya Sen
Reason why:He has made us all Indians proud. Here is someone whose work world recognises as a significant contribution.

He would remain a source of inspiration for all of us in India to strive to be the best and join the elite club of Nobel laureates.

Name:Praful Mattoo
Email:Praful.Matoo
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:One should excel in whatever one does. Sachin is the best not only in India, but in the world. No other Indian has achieved such success and position in his/her field.

Name:Jordan Atlantis
Email:atlantis@hotmail.com
Nomination:Average Indian Citizen
Reason why:The Average Indian Citizen that I refer to is typically a married male/female with kids, middle class, trying to make ends meet and provide for their and their children's future, while grappling with the realities of Indian life where the unwashed, impoverished, illiterate masses and the elite few decide their future and fate...

Kudos to these hardworking people for surviving the toughest of odds.

Satyameva Jayete. Jai Hind.

Name:Jitendra Muchhal
Email:jmuchhal@diaspark.com
Nomination:SACHIN TENDULKAR
Reason why:Sitting here in the USA far away from the motherland, it gives us immense pride to see one glimmer of hope, genuis and pursuit of excellence in an otherwise sea of mediocrity and palm greasing. SACHIN IS THE INDIAN OF THE YEAR !!

Name:Prakash Velamuri
Email:pvelamur@us.oracle.com
Nomination:A B Vajpayee
Reason why:He has sailed through the first eight months as the PM and is about to stabilise himself, and he is ready to take India into the next millennium.

Name:Raghu Valisammagari
Email:vraghu@ipcell.com
Nomination:A B Vajpayee
Reason why:Making India a great country.

Name:M Sridhar
Email:m_sridhar@email.com
Nomination:N Chandrababu Naidu
Reason why:In spite of a lack of charisma and proper English, he has made Indians (and others) realise that we need not think that politicians have to be the slimy greaseballs most of them are...that we can have hardworking, intelligent guys in charge who want to be judged on their performance and not on their bluster...

Name:Rishikesh Chanda
Email:rishikeshc@hotmail.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:He has taken his game of cricket to a place where no one can even imagine. He is towering over his compatriots around the world in a way that anyone in any profession would dream of. His commitment, mastery and execution makes him the best Indian of 1998.

Name:Ashish Chandra
Email:achandra1@att.com
Nomination:Avul Pakeer Jainulabbdin Abdul Kalam
Reason why:Probably ensured the security and untiy of Bharat for generations. One need only look at what is happeneing to Iraq today and infer that the same could happen to India should we decide to solve the Kashmir problem once and for all. If Japan had the BOMB, the annual bells at Hiroshima and Nagasaki on 6th and 9th of August would not toll.

Name:Dinesh Jain
Email:zen@vsnl.com
Nomination:Dr A P J Abdul Kalam
Reason why:He is one of the greatest and most dedicated scientists India has ever produced. He should be the Man of the Year this year because of the testing of our indigenous nuclear capability, his books INDIA - VISION 2020 and his autobiography, both of which are going to be great reading for youngsters searching for role models.

Name:Ilias Paiker
Email:iliasmd@hotmail.com
Nomination:Abdul Kalam
Reason why:He was responsible for the nuclear technology which India enjoys today.

Name:Ashish Kamani
Email:ashishkamani@hotmail.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:He has done India proud. Don't you think so?? Thank you.

Name:Rajesh
Email:rajesh_k_r@hotmail.com
Nomination:Tendulkar
Reason why:The world knows it. Rather he should be the Universal Man of the year. He has brought fame to his country and the sport through his own way. No violence, no hatred. Pure dedication.

Name:Kalyana Bonthala
Email:bkalyan@rocketmail.com
Nomination:Chandrababu Naidu
Reason why:He is the politician thinking positively about the Indian economy.

Name:Vijendra Sawhney
Email:sawhney_v@vsnl.com
Nomination:A B Vajpayee
Reason why:For authorising the nuclear tests and standing up to American pressure.

Name:Rajeev Bishnoi
Email:bishnoi@hotmail.com
Nomination:A P J Abdul Kalam
Reason why:For a very obvious, widely accepted, crystal clear reason. He's the man who brought the smile, sense of patriotism and Indianness to every proud Indian. I'm proud to be Indian.

My second choice would be A B Vajpayee. In spite of a thin majority and unstable coalition (with constituents being headed by highly self-centered, power and limelight hungry politicians for whom the primary concern is their kink making stance even via the means of blackmailing) parties, he has taken some prolonged nation building initiatives.

To name a few building infrastructure, opening the economy in a very controlled fashion (unlike the bubble economies of Asian 'now history' tigers), sustaining the defence and space R&D (these two are major revenue generating areas for Western countries and that's what actually frustrates them. Things like disarmament, NPT, CTBT are bull. They're just means of containment and keeping their monopoly in this high revenue business).

Name:Devendra Singh
Email:deve@cyberway.com.sg
Nomination:Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Reason why:For the first time India has shown the world that we are not a nation of slaves, cowards and eunuchs. Jai Hind.

Name:Amarnath Chitti
Email:A.Chitti@dialogic.com
Nomination:Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Reason why:Took over as prime minister when there was a broken verdict from the electorate. Had he not taken the initiative, it would have had a disastrous effect on our democracy itself. The job he accepted is like walking on a knife edge. His aim is to keep walking resisting all the pain and humiliation. He is doing that for the country selflessly. He is not taking the alternate easy route like P V N Rao.

By conducting the Pokhran tests, he exposed and humiliated Pakistan and brought it to its knees. He is sowing the seeds for many developmental projects. Hope they germinate and emerge as plants in his current stint as prime minister of India, Bharat.

Name:K K
Email:KK@americleansystems.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:The way he tranformed the Indian team in 1998 (Rather I should say the Indian team's performance by his batting as others in the Indian team speak almost same story as that of 1997.)

Name:Giri Nanduru
Email:gnanduru@rocketmail.com
Nomination:N Chandrababu Naidu
Reason why:Mr Naidu exhibited rare enthusiasm and vision which was hitherto lacking and entirely new to Indian politics, reflected in his style of functioning. He sets a valuable example to other leaders of the country at all levels by adopting a pro-growth approach in his policies and governance which would change the lives of the people effected and projects a new image of the country in the twenty first century. In my opinion, he stands out as a leader by example.

Name:Raghu Chadalavada
Email:r_chadalavada@hotmail.com
Nomination:Chandrababu Naidu, CM of Andhra Pradesh
Reason why: For being the most able politician and getting India high on the IT front and for his good appraisal by Bill Gates.

Name:Sulabh Shrivastava
Email:sulabh@yahoo.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:Only person who inspires the country without fail, consistently, rises to the occasion and brings some consolation to our countrymen who otherwise are deprived of the sense of pride.

Name:Maumita
Email:maumita@hotmail.com
Nomination:Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Reason why:For simply leading the country amidst almost no majority, chaos, backstabbing and an unfriendly media. The people should look at the performance of India in total perspective -- at the national as well as international level. What India has achieved in the past nine months would positively affect each individual's life within a year and for good. Nobody could have achieved this with such restraints except him, without engaging in negative strategies but being positive, positive and positive.

Name:Sanjay Jhunjhunwala
Email:sanjayj@vsnl.com
Nomination:Amartya Sen
Reason why:Indian society is in a desperate need for role models. In winning a Nobel Prize for economics, Amartya Sen estabilishes himself as an achiever who transcends national boundary. He symbolises the aspirations of millions of Indians who are waiting for India to find its rightful place in the sun. His achievement is all the more gratifying because very few people from the developing countries have ever won this award.

Name:Alok Gautam
Email:Alok_Gautam@dca.ca.gov
Nomination:A B VAJPAYEE
Reason why:COURAGE TO TAKE DECISIONS WHATEVER THE RESULT BE, TO MAKE INDIA THE SIXTH NUCLEAR POWER.

Name:RAMNARAYAN VISWANATHAN
Email:ramna1@hotmail.com
Nomination:CHANDRABABU NAIDU
Reason why:Firstly I feel, in today's political environment if there is hope for the future of India it is Mr Chandrababu Naidu. Achievements apart, a man of courage, wisdom and vision which makes him most apt for the Indian of the year award.

Name:K Elangovan
Email:elango_3@hotmail.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:It's been the best year for Sachin and India. He has hit a lot of centuries in both versions of the game. He is the best batsman in the world and stands next to Bradman as all time greats. He is playing at his best and bowlers are not keen to bowl to him.

Name:Parimal Pandya
Email:pp162@columbia.edu
Nomination:Shabana Azmi
Reason why:One of the most elite personalties in the Indian socio-political scene. If she can be hailed by the National Public Radio in Washington US, she has the mettle. Her comments are highly weighed and with credence. I think she will be the perfect candidate. And please, don't grant this honour to any politician for god's sake. As for Mr Sen, the Nobel is certainly a matter of pride for the nation. But his contribution does little to Indian society in general. Also, not to take the credit away from the scientists, but again, nothing that effects the daily lives of the Indian masses.

It's about time we award honest commentators and contributors to the Indian society. For their enlightened word is more valuable to uplift the level of thinking of our population than the lectures of some of our politicians.

Name:Ankit Mehta
Email:ankit.mehta@pandora.be
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:Spectacular dedication to cricket this year, thus bringing results with it. Three cheers to Tendlya.

Name:Raj Kapoor
Email:prithvirajkapoor@hotmail.com
Nomination:Laloo Prasad Yadav
Reason why:He is the fodder of the nation!

Name:Rosario A Edgar
Email:r_edgar@hotmail.com
Nomination:A P J Abdul Kalam
Reason why:Dedicated to the nation, totally indigenous, role model for every young aspirant Indian who wants to live in a developed India.

Name:Soumya K Bhowmic
Email:soumya.bhowmic@mailcity.com
Nomination:Balasaheb Thackeray
Reason why:For his unchanging views about morality and Hindutva.

Name:Balaji
Email:balaji@vennela.2kweb.net
Nomination:Chandrababu Naidu
Reason why:You know why. He was the only politician who seemed to know that they were elected to work for the people.

Name:Sesha Mudumbi
Email:mseshas@hotmail.com
Nomination:Chandrababu Naidu
Reason why:Whatever be the contributions of several Indians to several fields, if the people of India have to benefit from it, the ball is finally with the political system. Hence, I feel that a politician who has made the most difference to most people's lives has to be chosen as the Indian of the Year. By this logic, I would say that two politicians have made the most difference to the people of India.
1 N Chandrababu Naidu
2 Digvijay Singh

I suggest that Chandrababu Naidu be chosen the man of the year. His vision of turning the state machinery into a paperless, red-tape less system, making the system transparent to citizens, accountability to the common public is a praiseworthy effort. He is the first CM in India to have clearly formulated what his vision for his state is, and where he sees his state on a long term basis. He clearly deserves the man of the year award.

Name:ARJUN GARIKIPATI
Email:falguna@hotmail.com
Nomination:SACHIN TENDULKAR
Reason why:Does his nominations need an explanation?

Name:Narendra Nathmal
Email:Narendra.Nathmal@FMR.com
Nomination:Abdul Kalam and R Chidambaram, scientists
Reason why:For being very patriotic and work diligently for the security of the country.

Name:Shaligram L D
Email:lshaligram@excite.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:He is the role model for the young Indian generation. The Indian youth sees people like dirty politicians, corrupt bureaucrats, deterioriting performance in international sports etc.

Sachin is the brightest star in this whole scenario who shows that one can dominate the world through determination, hard work and of course talent. He shows the youth that they can follow his footsteps and excel in their respective fields. Undoubtedly Sachin Tendulkar should be made the Indian of the year.

Name:Prabhat Kumar
Email:prabhatk@mailcity.com
Nomination:Chandrababu Naidu
Reason why:For the simple reason that he is the only politician in India seen to be doing his job. And well at that. He seems to be a man with a purpose to do something for his state. And the only role model politician India has at the moment.

Name:Vinit
Email:vinitshinde@hotmail.com
Nomination:Nara Chandrababu Naidu
Reason why:For his achievements in development in AP and giving a push to the IT industry in India. They are truly the steps of a visionary.

Name:Kaushal Rege
Email:regek@rpi.edu
Nomination:A B Vajpayee
Reason why:Despite his party's failure at the hustings and extremely bitter opposition from the Sangh, the Indian prime minister has identified the country's short term and long term priorities. His efforts regarding the revival of reforms as reflected in the patents bill and the IRA bill, upgrading national security, earning friends like France, initiating dialogue with Pakistan, holding strong in the wake of the nuclear explosions, solving the Cauvery dispute, envisioning a viable telecom policy and initiating infrastructure development projects are steps in the right direction. He's coming to a decisive mould and a prime minister bent on performing is what India lacked for the past two decades or so. Given more time and appreciation for his work, Vajpayee will take further concerned steps for the development of India which I am optimistic will bear fruit.

Name:Sriram
Email:spsri@hotmail.com
Nomination:Dr A P J Abdul Kalam
Reason why:Even though nuclear tests were not the need of the hour, I can't stop admiring Dr Kalam for his ability, dedication and his vision for the future.

Name:Vasudeva
Email:vkalya@uswest.com
Nomination:Dr Abdul Kalam
Reason why:Simply because India needs patriots like him. Pokhran brought patriotism back into the life of millions. Result -- onions. Yes... freedom, patriotism has its price to pay. But, the spark of patriotism is priceless.

Pray to god to bring into light the efforts of hundreds, thousands and millions of Abdul Kalams who are working hard behind the scene throughout India in various fields.

Long live patriotism.

Name:Shailabh Nagar
Email:nagar@cse.psu.edu
Nomination:The Common Man
Reason why:For continuing to register his disapproval of our politicians, ruling or otherwise.

For refusing to let the euphoria over nuclear self-reliance mask the incompetence in managing the more basic and important problems.

For not giving up on our democracy even though it has failed him so often.

To the much burdened common man goes my vote for the Indian of the year.

Name:Nirmal Balaraman
Email:balaraman_nirmal@si.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:The one Indian who can claim without a doubt to be the best in the world at his chosen profession for the period of 1998.

Name:ramesh
Email:ramesh@connection.com
Nomination:A P J Abdul Kalam
Reason why:In a world of artificial boundaries it took a Muslim from South India to show India's might to the racist and discriminatory regime of the Anglo Saxon clique (USA, Britain, Canada, Australia).The point being made here is not an anti white person one it is an anti racist one.

Name:Bhuva Valluri
Email:bhuva@minn.net
Nomination:Chandrababu Naidu
Reason why:He is a 21st century model politician.

Name:Nags Rajaraman
Email:nagaraj.rajaraman@ual.com
Nomination:Dr A P J Abdul Kalam
Reason why:Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, father of our missile programme brought back national pride to Indians with the nuclear tests. There were other great scientists, but he was the moving force. Recently, I glanced through his book India 2020... and it so inspiring and amazing. It really makes the point that India can be one of the superpowers of the world in the next 20 years. HE DEFINITELY IS THE MAN OF THE YEAR AND IS THE PERSON OF MY CHOICE!

Name:Kaushik Chatterjee
Email:kaushikc_@hotmail.com
Nomination:Chandrababu Naidu
Reason why:He is trying to bring improvement in the livelihood of the common man by using information technology. He is using information technology for the much needed control measures which are required in a country like ours. These control measure can solve the problem of corruption which is the main cause for the lack of social upliftment in the whole country. The trend set by Naidu will be followed by other states and this will make the difference for the economic development of the country. Resources will be utilised in the right direction and utilisation of resources can be tracked using information technology.

Name:Sivasubramaniam
Email:shiva73@usa.net
Nomination:Amartya Sen
Reason why:Because he is Indian.

Name:Sourav Dasgupta
Email:dakku@worldnet.att.net
Nomination:Amartya Sen
Reason why:He has done India proud by winning the Nobel Prize (or the bank of Sweden Prize as some would like to describe it).

Name:Kamalesh
Email:kamaleshn@aol.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:His unassuming personality, zeal to excel and ability to contribute (to his team and country) when needed the most has made him a darling for one and all, be it rich or poor. He has always been a team player and loss of captaincy also failed to deter him from his chosen path. For a country with 100 million people but poorly famished as far as role models go, Sachin Tendulkar is like an OASIS in the desert. He has always brought smiles back to millions of Indian faces otherwise harassed with zillions of day to day problems. He has been consistent and dependendable through out the year and hence deserves to be acclaimed as the "THE INDIAN OF THE YEAR"

Name:Jayachandran Punnackal
Email:jaycp@hotmail.com
Nomination:Dr Abdul Kalam
Reason why:This was the year when India proved to the world that it won't succumb to the pressure tactics of the West by testing the nuclear bombs. My nomination goes to the man behind India's defence projects, Dr Abdul Kalam.

Name:Raghavan
Email:phc@hcm.vnn.vn
Nomination:Chandrababu Naidu
Reason why:For reforming the 'way the government works.' Splitting of APSEB for emphasis on effective distribution; for impressing the government at the Centre for governance; taking technology to the people in a way that affects them; projecting the state itself as a competitive enterprise; creating competition between states; a strong silent performer.

Name:Amogh Chaphalkar
Email:amoghchap@excite.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:The name says it all. Players do not get nine centuries in their entire career. He has got them in one year!

Name:Nadadur Janardhan
Email:janardhan.unescap@un.org
Nomination:Abdul Kalam
Reason why:Indians are not short of ideas. They seem to lack the ability to execute them with perfection. Dr Abdul Kalam is one of the rare exceptions. He has practically demonstrated anything is possible. All that is needed is will, determination and tenacity of purpose.

Name:Sunil Rao
Email:Sunil.Rao@act.cmis.csiro.au
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:At a time when Indian sport is in utter chaos, be it cricket or any other sport, he stood out from the rest and gave us something to cheer about. (Though Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Vishwanathan Anand are in the same class and mould.)

Name:Dr Girish Phatak
Email:g-phatak@echo.nuee.nagoya-u.ac.jp
Nomination:Dr A P J Kalam
Reason why:1. Great sci-tech manager with even greater pride for India.
2. Successful nuclear tests during 1998.
3. The overwhelming response for jobs with DRDO indicates his magic.
4. Fantastic achievements with missile technology

Name:Syed Mohd Adil
Email:adils@delpo1.in.unisys.com
Nomination:Sonia Gandhi
Reason why:For halting the juggernaut of the BJP and exposing its inept handling of governing power.

Name:BRIJESH UNNIKRISHNAN
Email:brijeshu@wipsys.stph.net
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:He has already taken India to the 21st century.

Name:Ashraf Engineer
Email:ashraf_e@hotmail.com
Nomination:Amartya Sen
Reason why:For showing the way in development economics, whose principles India badly needs to implement, but continues to ignore.

Name:BRIJESH UNNIKRISHNAN
Email:manojnm@wipsys.stph.net
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:He is a genius.

Name:Gunta Srinivas
Email:guntasri@yahoo.com
Nomination:N Chandrababu Naidu
Reason why:He is the person who has realised that the government has no business to be in business, and he is the first politician of these turbulent times to mean business. His achievements speak for him.

Name:Ravindra K Aneja
Email:raneja@ikos.com
Nomination:Dr Abdul Kalam
Reason why:This person has led the Indian nuclear programme from the front. When the whole world closed doors to India for transfering high technology, this man made sure that "we can do it ourselves." He has made India stand among the top nations of the world, and today we do not depend on other countries for ensuring our security.

Name:ANURAG
Email:anu_asc@yahoo.com
Nomination:SACHIN TENDULKAR
Reason why:HE GAVE A NEW DIMENSION NOT TO INDIAN CRICKET BUT TO THE WHOLE CRICKET WORLD. HE IS NOT A PLAYER, HE IS A MASTER BLASTER.

Name:Sanjiv Seth
Email:sanjiv66@hotmail.com
Nomination:Amartya Sen
Reason why:For winning the Nobel Prize for economics in a year when the Indian economy is down in the dumps!!!

Name:Rolwin Lewis
Email:rolwinl@singnet.com.sg
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:In an otherwise dismal year for India, in sports or otherwise, his feats on the cricketing pitch have stood out giving Indians something positive to cheer about. He has had good years but I think this has been a great year for him. This is the year pundits of the game have crowned him. His performances in Sharjah stand out not just for sports value but for entertainment value as well. His rapid fire batting kept everybody at the edge of their seats more than a thriller movie ever could. I cannot think of a more appropriate choice for 'Indian of the Year.'

Name:Rohit Bhanot
Email:rohit_bhanot@hotmail.com
Nomination:Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Reason why:Weathering the storms and carrying the burden of being our leader in unforgiving and confusing times. Proving once again that homegrown leaders (a la Lal Bahadur Shastri, Narasimha Rao, Inder Gujral) are more capable than Cambridge and Oxford educated quasi-desi out-of-touch dynasties (Nehru, Indira, Rajiv, Sonia). If only people would have the faith in their own kind...

Name:Rupesh Sharma
Email:sonychandra@hotmail.com
Nomination:George Fernandes
Reason why:He is doing his duty to the fullest. Given the circumstances he is visiting remote border posts caring for security personnel, people and above all India. Considering the kind of politicians we are seeing today, I think he is the right nominee to be adjudged Rediff Indian of the Year.

Name:Tanuj Rastogi
Email:trastogi@hotmail.com
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:He is the best batsman in the world. He is no doubt among the top ten all time great batsmen. In my opinion he has done a lot for Indian cricket winning matches single handedly. We are really proud of him amd are thankful to god that he is born in India.

Name:Diptiman Bose
Email:Diptiman.Bose@wdr.com,dbose@surya.rws.soft.net
Nomination:Sachin Tendulkar
Reason why:He is a phenomenon, almost single-handedly won many tournaments for India this year, has created a plethora of records, apart from setting an example for others. Has displayed tremendous determination and dedication for the nation's cause. Has demolished almost every bowler this year with utter disdain. Centuries at Dhaka, scintillating batting display in the Madras Test, back-to-back breath-taking centuries, and again in Sri Lanka to clinch the Independence Cup.

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