MUMBAI: As the first among the many events marking the occasion of selecting the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year, a panel discussion, 'Search for India's icons', was organised at the Taj Lands End in Mumbai on January 17, 2006. This riveting round-table meet was moderated by Rajdeep Sardesai and involved active participation by a panel comprising of Uday Kotak, Milind Deora, Shobha De, Prasoon Joshi, Flavia Agnes and Michael Ferreira, each an outstanding Indian and an expert in a different discipline. The focus of the panel discussion was on the qualities necessary in an individual to qualify him/her as a proud symbol of India and how their accomplishments might resonate not only within national borders, but internationally as well.

Elaborating on the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year Awards CNN-IBN and IBN 7 Editor-in-Chief, Rajdeep Sardesai said, 'CNN-IBN is very proud of instituting such a title and is making all efforts to make sure only the most deserving candidates are short listed. This interactive panel discussion has been one such initiative. I would like to thank the eminent panellists, the guests and the media for making this evening a success and bringing us one step closer to selecting the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year.'

'The panel discussion has proved to be a great platform to showcase the proud sponsors of the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year award. Such an event has provided them with ample visibility and will definitely prove beneficial to anyone who chooses to advertise with us. We look forward to welcoming advertisers to other such events in the future.' CNN-IBN and IBN 7 National Sales Head Sanjay Dua

The event, which will also be held in Bangalore, is aimed to enrich the experience of selecting that one superlative candidate as the CNN-IBN Indian of the Year. The evening began with a brief presentation by Rajdeep Sardesai on the inspiration behind such a prestigious awards title and the four-tiered selection process involved.