At NDTV's Indian Of The Year, these were the opening remarks of NDTV co-chairperson Prannoy Roy.Good evening. Today NDTV takes pride in honouring a selection of wonderful people that improve and transform our everyday lives. It is moments like this that make us once again recall and re-affirm the greatness of our country. Welcome to NDTV's Greatest Indians of the Year.
Now for some ground rules - not eligible for awards today are journalists or the media - that's because by and large we are in a precarious state - doing more damage to ourselves than anyone else does to us. We are turning tabloid, focusing on the wrong things, defaming anyone and anything - and frankly missing the wood for the trees and in the process damaging ourselves - Story of 3 journalists sentenced to death by guillotine in Paris - an American, an Englishman and an Indian tabloid journalist. The American journo is asked what's your last wish - he says I'd like a cheeseburger and take a last look at the Stars and Stripes. Guillotine..
Next the English journalist - what's your last wish - I'd like to send a message to the queen and have a pint of beer please. Guillotine. Finally the Indian journalist. What's your last wish? Indian answers.. Ends the story..
But I am still hugely proud of our vibrant - fearless - and creative media - we will one day lead the world's soft power - mark my words. And our youngsters will lead the way.
Also, after the unprecedented response we got to the NDTV 25 living legends - we have extended the principle of keeping this non-political. In our selection, as part of the fundamental rules we have not included any politician from any party. This is not to say that there aren't some great political leaders - it's just that they are not part of the selection process for awards today.
And the exclusion of politics today also has nothing to do with the strange times that we are passing through - where fringe and extremist elements of our society are historically at their most vile - and are a disgrace to our nation. I am talking of the cowardly fringe that hides behind the anonymity of the Internet to shame the very things that the world admires about India.
So we by and large chose not to answer the fringe - and tonight is no different - except in one respect - we are here to thank all of you - our viewers and the genuine India. Thank you deeply for all your support and your trust. It means the world to all of us at NDTV. And your answer to the extremists is all that matters to us - and I hope they are listening - here is your answer:
We have just been informed that NDTV has once again been awarded the Most Trusted Brand Across All Television In India. This is for the third year running that NDTV is the most trusted brand. Thank you deeply - we give each one of you a standing ovation.
And...to the extremists and others who attack NDTV - this is the message - the more you attack us the more the people of India Trust us. Thank you once again for your faith and your trust in us.
And I must say one thing which I will not be forgiven for and will get me in deep trouble. All of us at NDTV owe the trust, the highest ethics and the fierce editorial freedom to one person: Radhika Roy.
So we start tonight in an unusual way - with a Big Bang - we are announcing The Indian Of The Year - right up front. Let me give you a hint - it's a group of young people - in my Lexicon they are revolutionaries - they are the future of India - they are on a mission to change India - not just make money - the Indians of the Year goes to the 6 Unicorns - the 6 start-ups that have cracked the billion-dollar valuation. God bless them. God bless the new India.