Mumbai, Maharashtra, Pratham the largest NGO working to provide quality education to the underprivileged children of India is the recipient of the prestigious CNN-IBN Indian of the Year 09 award in the Public Service Category. The organization, which was established in 1994 to provide education to the children in the slums of Mumbai city, has grown in leaps and bounds. For the outstanding contribution in the field of universal literacy and education amongst children Pratham is the unanimous choice for CNN-IBN Indian of the Year in the Public Service Category.

The award was given to Pratham in a glittering ceremony held in the National Capital today. Chief Guest, Honble Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh graced the occasion in the presence of the top Cabinet Ministers, Industrialists, Corporate leaders and Eminent Citizens of the country.The award ceremony will be telecast on CNN-IBN on 25th December from 9:30 p.m. onwards.

The other winners in the categories of Politics, Sports, Entertainment & Business are:

• Politics - Mr. Rahul Gandhi - For energizing the Congress and being the key strategist behind the party revival in Uttar Pradesh.
• Sports- Ms. Saina Nehwal - For taking Indian badminton to unprecedented heights by becoming the first Indian woman to win a Super Series title.
• Entertainment - Mr. A. R. Rahman- For winning the Oscar and proving he is one of India biggest influences on world music.
• Business- The Satyam Revival Team consisting of Mr. Kiran Karnik, Mr. Deepak S Parekh, Mr. C Achuthan, Mr. Tarun Das, Mr.T.N. Manoharan and Mr. S Balkrishna Maina- For the deft handling of a crisis triggered by the monumental Satyam scam, and preventing loss of faith in Indian businesses.
• CNN-IBN Indian of the Year 2009- AR Rahman

CNN-IBN Indian of the Year Life Time achievement award was given to Pt. Ravi Shankar for his unparallel achievements that have risen above cultural and national barriers, finding billions of admirers. The special achievement awards were bestowed to Indian Test Cricket team and Veteran Actor Kamal Haasan for their outstanding contribution to the sports and the Indian film industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief of IBN18 Network said, "CNN-IBN Indian of the Year is an initiative that attempts to recognize the contribution of individuals who have not only made exceptional contributions in their respective categories but have also proved themselves to be first amongst equals. The pinnacle of Indian achievement, the award adheres to the unparalleled four-tier process, involving the participation of and representing the aspirations of a billion free Indian minds. I congratulate all the winners for their extraordinary contribution to our great nation."

Notes to Editor

About Network 18

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