A television channel has started an initiative to identify 'The Greatest Indian' since Mahatma Gandhi.
From Jawaharlal Nehru and Lata Mangeshkar to Vikram Sarabhai and E. Shreedharan - a list of Indians who have shaped the country since its independence, have been listed under various categories as part of an initiative by a television channel to win "The Greatest Indian" title.
As many as 50 nominees across five categories - political leaders, arts and social leaders, movie related, entrepreneurs and idea leaders and sports and administrators, have been shortlisted for the initiative.
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Based on British show "The Greatest Briton", which has been adapted in 21 countries so far, the series, which went on air Monday, is set to trigger a debate on who is the greatest Indian after Mahatma Gandhi.
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The jury for the entire process consists of a panel of 28 Indians from different walks of life. It includes names like Shashi Tharoor, Nandan Nilekani, Rajkumar Hirani, Soli Sorabjee, Shabana Azmi and Arun Jaitley among others.
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Along with the nationwide poll, equal weightage will be given to the jury's selection as well as a separate market research poll.
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At first, a shortlist of the top 10 'Greats' will be decided, followed by the selection of the 'Greatest Indian'. The shortlist of top 10 'Greats' is slated to be revealed July 1 and the second round of voting will begin soon after.
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The initiative will culminate with the announcement of The Greatest Indian in a glittering ceremony to be telecast around Independence Day this year.
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As part of the nationwide poll, viewers can cast their vote via the internet or by giving a missed call to a unique number assigned to their nominee of choice.
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Here are the names of some leaders listed under each category:
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Political leaders - Atal Bihari Vajpayee, BR Ambedkar, Indira Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, APJ Abdul Kalam
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Arts and social leaders: Baba Amte, Mother Teresa, Pt Ravi Shankar, MF Husain, Bismillah Khan
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Movie related: Amitabh Bachchan, Raj Kapoor, Rajinikanth, Satyajit Ray, Dev Anand, Mohammad Rafi
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Entrepreneurs and idea leaders: Homi Bhabha, Dhirubhai Ambani, Ghanshyam Das Birla, JRD Tata, Ramnath Goenka, Amartya Sen
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Sports and administrators: Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Dhyan Chand, Viswanathan Anand, Milkha Singh
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