NRIs of the year: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Sania Mirza

By Anushka Maitra 2 min read

Bollywood Actor – Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has been named the Global Indian and Tennis Champion – Sania Mirza has been named the Global Icon of the Year at 2016 NRI of the Year Awards, New Delhi. Aishwarya Rai (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan)

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is an Indian actress, model and has won the Miss World pageant of 1994. She has established herself as one of the most high-profile and famous celebrities in India. She received many awards among which was the Padma Shri she received in 2009.

Sania Mirza is an Indian professional tennis player who is presently ranked No. 1 in the women’s doubles rankings. Since 2003 till her retirement from playing singles, she was ranked India’s No. 1 player in both singles and doubles by the Women’s Tennis Association. She is the most successful Indian tennis player and one of the highest-paid, high-profile athletes in the country too.

It was hosted jointly by ICICI Bank and news Channel- Times Now.

Actors – KabirBedi and MandiraBedi – together hosted the awards ceremony which was attended by the top personalities from industry and Bollywood. Piyush Goyal – Minister of State with independent charge for power, coal and renewable energy – had also been present.

17 individuals under seven different categories were recognized, categories including – entrepreneur, professional, academics, arts & culture philanthropy, special jury award, global icon and global Indian of the year award.

MK Anand, the Chief Executive Officer of Times Network said, “While you make our mark felt strong and clear across the continents, we in India are doing our bit, in putting our shoulders to the wheels of this gigantic chariot called India pushing it faster and farther.”

He added that Times Network has developed two times with expansion in small towns and rural areas in India, in the past two years. And last year they had entered UK which was a significant step towards expanding in Europe.

All the award-winners were congratulated by Chanda Kochhar (CEO of ICICI Bank). She said that the bank was proud to commemorate and give recognition to the accomplishments of the NRI community.

Vijay Chandok, the President of ICICI Bank said, “These awards give us the opportunity to honour members of the NRI community who personify the same approach to being leaders in their fields.”

Acknowledging and showing appreciation for the contribution of the NRIs, who have helped in furbishing India’s story, is very vital. For they have used their talents for the benefit and success of India. These NRIs have contributed to the betterment of our country, therefore, it is our duty to reward our guests as best as possible and treat them as our very own family.