AND THIS EVENING CHANGED THE GAME!
This award ceremony celebrated those who have contributed to the nation in their own unique ways
Great minds think alike — and, we managed to get the best of them under one roof at the first edition of Hindustan Times Game Changer Awards 2017, presented by Appu Ghar, The Retail.
Prowess, determination and confidence are some things common to the awardees, and this evening presented an opportunity to felicitate them.
Held at the The Oberoi, Gurgaon on May 24, Wednesday, the event was a power-packed affair. The evening kicked off with a performance by Dinero Ash and his troupe, and they infused a big dose of energy with percussion play. Hosted by the lovely and eloquent Gauahar Khan, the event honoured gamechangers from varied walks of life.
These included Commandant Chetan Cheeta, who took nine bullets for the nation while fighting militants and taxi driver Debendra Kapri who returned valuables worth lakhs left by a passenger in his cab, inspiring many. The winners also included paralympian Deepa Malik, tech maven Rahul Sharma and Mexican Ambassador to India Melba Pria who uses her eco-friendly auto to motivate Delhiites. MoS for Information & Broadcasting Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore was a winner for his indispensable contribution and actor Rana Daggubati for being an inspiration in the field of cinema. FDCI president Sunil Sethi was an awardee for changing the face of fashion in India, while social media star Bhuvan Bam, hospitality baron Priyank Sukhija and real estate leader Niti Saxena were also felicitated.
It was an evening that the city had been eagerly waiting for. After all, May 24 was the day when eleven inspirational, irrepressible people from various walks of life were to be awarded at the first edition of HT Game Changer Awards. As the evening rolled out, and the awards were handed over, the grand ballroom of The Oberoi Gurgaon, resonated with stories of grit and determination.
Answering questions posed to them by the emcee of the evening, Gauahar Khan, the winners spoke at length about things that prompted them to become game changers. “I don’t want to keep anything that is not mine. I am happy with the money I make with my honest labour,” said taxi driver Debendra Kapri when he was asked how he chose honesty over greed. Paralympian Deepa Malik shared the heart-wrenching story of how she came to terms with the fact that she would never be able to walk again. And asked what it takes to gain courage to face death, Commandant Chetan Cheeta said, “Love for your country.”