Mathematician and physicist, best known for his work on quantum mechanics in the early 1920s, providing the foundation for Bose–Einstein statistics and the theory of the Bose–Einstein condensate.^[23]

One of the pioneers of modern Indian art and worked on illustrations on the Constitution of India.

Independence activist and education philosopher, served as Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (1948–56) and the Governor of Bihar (1957–62). Elected as Vice President of India in 1962 and became the third President of India in 1967. Later conferred the Bharat Ratna in 1963.

Independence activist, lawyer, social worker, served as Prime Minister of Bombay (1937–1939, 1946–1947) and the first Chief minister of Bombay State (1947–1952).

Academic, politician, and non-career diplomat. Served as Permanent Representative to the United Nations (1952–1962) and as Minister of Defence (1957–1962). One of the architects of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Third Druk Gyalpo (King) of Bhutan (1952–1972). Played important role in democratizing and modernizing Bhutan and in diplomacy with India.

Social reformer and educator, known for works related to woman education and remarriage of Hindu widows. Established the Widow Marriage Association (1883), Hindu Widows Home (1896), and started Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey Women's University in 1916. Later conferred Bharat Ratna in 1958.

Industrialist, philanthropist, and aviation pioneer, founded India's first airline Air India and various other institutes including Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Tata Motors, etc. Later conferred Bharat Ratna in 1992.

Judge and former head of the States Reorganisation Commission which determined the boundaries of several Indian states in 1953. Served as Governor of Odisha (1952–1954) and as Governor of Assam (1956–1959).

Independent activist, worked for Gauseva and the betterment of the lives of harijans. Served as President of Akhil Bhartiya Goseva Sangh for many years since 1942. First female to be conferred the Padma Vibhushan.

Administrator and civil servant who served as British Governor of Orissa (1946–1947) and as the first Governor of Punjab (then East Punjab) after Independence in 1947 and later as Governor of Andhra Pradesh (1953–1957).

Businessman, philanthropist and independence activist. Conceived the idea of organising a commercial bank with Indian capital and management. Founded Birla Engineering College and Technological Institute of Textile & Sciences.

Freedom fighter, politician and activist. Served as first High Commissioner to Pakistan (1947–1949), Governor of Assam (1949–1950), Governor of Madras (1950–1956), Governor of Bombay (1956–1962).

Eminent jurist and served as the first and longest Attorney General of India (1950–1963) and as the first Chairman of the Law Commission (1955–1958).

Noted economist who served as independent India's first Railways Minister (1947–1948) and later served as Minister of Finance (1948–1950).^[24]

Indian Ambassador to the United States (1952–1958).

Eminent jurist and member of United Nations' International Law Commission (1952–1966). Later appointed as one of the three Asian judges of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East.

Civil Servant who served as the first Cabinet Secretary of India (1950–1953) and then as the Secretary General in the Ministry of External Affairs (1953–1959). Later also served as Ambassador to France (1959–1961).

Civil servant who served as the sixth Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1957–1962).

Freedom fighter and politician. Served as the Governor of West Bengal (1956–1967).

Freedom fighter, diplomat and politician who served as the President of the United Nations General Assembly (1953–1954) and the first female holder of the position. Later served as Governor of Maharashtra (1962–1964).

Linguist, educationist and litterateur. Popularly known as "Bhashacharya Acharya".

Educationist and physician who served as the Vice-Chancellor of Madras University for 27 years. Also served as Chairman of the World Health Organization Executive Board (1949–1950) and then as Vice-President of the World Health Assembly (1955).

Lawyer and politician who served as Vice-Chancellor of University of Poona and a member of the Constituent Assembly of India. Later served as Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism (1956–1957) and as Governor of Madhya Pradesh (1957–1965).

Independence activist, social reformer, journalist and an eminent follower of the philosophy and methods of Mahatma Gandhi. Served as member of Rashtabhasha Samiti to popularize Hindi-Hindustani language as the national language of India, and as member of Rajya Sabha (1952–1964).

Sanskrit scholar, Indologist and philosopher, and editor of the Sarasvati Bhavana Granthamala.

Chief of the Army Staff (1962–1966) and played important role during Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

Bureaucrat and administrator who served as the Secretary to the Executive Council during Nizam rule. Later served as Governor of Gujarat (1960–1965).

Chief of the Air Staff (1964–1969) and led the air force during Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. Later promoted as the first and only Marshal of the Indian Air Force in 2002.^[25][26]

Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church and served as Archbishop of Bombay (1950-1978).

Eminent lawyer and first Solicitor General of India (1950–1963). Later served as the Attorney General of India (1963–1968) and as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha (1972–1978).

Politician and former Union Minister of Power and Irrigation. Also served as the Governor of Punjab (1964–1965).

Civil servant and Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (1961–1967).

Civil servant and writer. Served as the sixth Defence Secretary (1962–1965).

Educationist, freedom fighter, statesman, modern Sanskrit poet and politician. Popularly known as "Loknayak Bapuji" and played important role during Indian freedom struggle. Served as a member of Viceroy's Executive Council (1941–1943) and then as the Governor of Bihar (1948–1952).

Indian-American theoretical physicist and recipient of Nobel Prize in Physics in 1983 for "theoretical studies of the physical processes of importance to the structure and evolution of the stars".

Scientist and statistician, widely known for Mahalanobis distance. Served as member of the first Planning Commission and made pioneering studies in anthropometry. Founded the Indian Statistical Institute and contributed to the design of large-scale sample surveys. Considered as the father of statistics in India.

Spiritual master and President of the World Fellowship of Religions (1957–1971).

Civil servant who served as the first Union Law Secretary (1948–1958) and then as the Chief Election Commissioner (1958–1967). Later served as Chairman of the Fifth Law Commission (1968–1978).

Diplomat and former Foreign Secretary (1967–1968). Also served Ambassador to France (1965–1967) and head of the United Nations Operation in the Congo.

Civil servant and ninth Cabinet Secretary of India (1966–1968).

Indian-American biochemist and recipient of 1968 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for research showing the order of nucleotides in nucleic acids, which carry the genetic code of the cell and control the cell's synthesis of proteins.

Diplomat and founder of Vidya Bhavan group of institutions and Seva Mandir in Udaipur. Served as member of the Constituent Assembly (1946–1947), Ambassador to the Netherlands (1949–1951), High Commissioner to Pakistan (1951–1955), Ambassador to Switzerland, Austria and Holy See (1955–1958).

Civil servant and former Chairman of the Railway Board and Secretary to the Ministry of Railways (1955–1957).

Archaeologist and historian specialising in the ancient history and culture of India. Former Vice-Chancellor of Allahabad University.

Indian Air Force pilot. Commander of Halwara Air Force Station Base (1967–1969) and Director of the Aircraft & Armament Testing Group of the Indian Air Force (1969–1970). Died in an air crash while test flying a HAL HF-24 prototype.

Civil servant and politician. Played eminent role in liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule. Served as Lieutenant Governor of Tripura (1969–1971) and as Governor of West Bengal (1971–1977).

General officer and sixth Chief of the Army Staff (1967–1969).

Lawyer, diplomat, and statesman and first President of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (1946–1947). Also served as the Dewan of Mysore (1946–1949).

Diplomat and former Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (1956–1967). Also served as Ambassador to the United States (1951–1952).

General officer in Indian Army and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Command (1964–1969), played important role during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.

Freedom fighter and politician. Served as Chief Minister of Assam (1957–1970).

Sarod player and multi-instrumentalist, composer and one of the most notable music teachers of the 20th century in Indian classical music.

Businessperson credited to have become the first woman in the world to head an organisation of ship owners. Chaired the Indian National Steamship Owners Association, later also elected as Vice-President of World Shipping Federation.^[27]

Dancer and choreographer, best known for creating a fusion style of dance, adapting European theatrical techniques to Indian classical dance, imbued with elements of Indian classical, folk, and tribal dance. Pioneer of modern dance in India.^[28]

Obstetrician and gynaecologist. Noted contributions include cervical cerclage, also known as "Shirodkar cerclage", operations for prolapse repair, tuboplasty and creation of neovagina, etc.

Civil servant and tenth Cabinet Secretary of India (1969–1970).

Noted judge who served as the seventh Chief Justice of India (1964–1966) and later as the Chairman of the 6th & 7th Law Commission (1971–1974).

Civil servant and former Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. Served as the first Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (1959–1962) and then as the first Lieutenant Governor of Delhi (1966–1972).

Chief of the Air Staff (1969–1973) and played important role in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Later served as Chairman of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Air India.

Chief of the Army Staff (1969–1973) and played important role in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Promoted to the rank of a Field Marshal in 1973 becoming first army officer to be promoted to a five-star rank.^[26][29]

Politician and non-career diplomat. Served as the first Chief Minister of Gujarat (1960–1963) and then as the High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (1963–1966).

Chief of the Naval Staff (1970–1973) and played important role in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Upon retirement, served as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Shipping Corporation of India.

Politician and former Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir (1964–1965) and then as chief minister (1965–1971).

Physicist and astronomer who initiated space research and helped develop nuclear power in India and came to be known as the "father of Indian space program". Served as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India (1966–1971) and thereupon as Chairman of ISRO (1963–1971).^[32]

Jurist, lawyer and writer, considered to be a renowned constitutional expert, and his works are cited popularly in various Indian cases as well as journals.

Independence activist and contributed actively to various political and social movements and continued with social work post-independence.

Independent activist and politician. Served as the Chief Marshal of Saurashtra (1948–1954) and as the President of the Indian National Congress (1955–1959).

Scientist and educationist. Known for works on statistical thermodynamics and the theory of white dwarf. Served as Scientific Advisor to the Ministry of Defence (1948–1961) and Chairman of the University Grants Commission (1961–1973).

Englishwoman who fought for Indian Independence. Served as the first woman alderman for Calcutta and then as the President of the Indian National Congress (1933–1934).

Eminent lawyer and administrator. Served as the Chief Election Commissioner (1972–1973) and later as the President of the International Court of Justice (1985–1988).

Civil servant and diplomat. Served as the Ambassador to Belgium (1966–1970), then as the Cabinet Secretary of India (1970–1972), and as the Chief Election Commissioner (1973–1977).

Eminent lawyer and jurist. Served as the Solicitor General of India (1967–1968) and then as the Attorney General of India (1968–1977).

Noted artist and one of the pioneers of Indian modern art and a key figure of Contextual Modernism. One of the earliest artists in modern India to take up to murals as a mode of artistic expression which all depicted a subtle understanding of environmental through pioneering architectural nuances.

Economist, politician and educator. Established three noted institutions in social science research in India which includes the Delhi School of Economics, Institute of Economic Growth and the Institute for Social and Economic Change. Served as Union Minister of Transport and Shipping (1967–1969) and as Union Minister of Education and Youth Services (1969–1971).

Civil servant and writer. Served as Union Defence Secretary (1968–1970).

Civil servant and the first Indian to be appointed Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1943–1949). Thereupon served as the Union Finance Minister (1950–1956)^[24][33] and Chairman of the University Grants Commission (1956–1961).

Freedom fighter, lawyer, social worker and politician. Served as a member of the Constituent Assembly of India and Planning Commission in which she mustered support for a national policy on social welfare. Later served as the Chairperson of the Central Social Welfare Board and National Council on Women's Education.

Eminent philanthropist, known for establishing several NGOs in Chennai and across India. Played important role in establishing orphanages, promoting female literacy, the care and rehabilitation of disabled people, etc.

Physicist and academic. One of the pioneers of nuclear physics in India and known for building India's first cyclotron at the University of Calcutta. Served as scientific advisor to the Government of India and member of the Planning Commission.

Physicist, best known for his role in India's nuclear program in its early stages. Expanded and supervised scientific research on nuclear weapons and was the first directing officer of the small team of scientists supervising and carrying out the test of the nuclear device, under the codename Smiling Buddha, in 1974. Later also served Union Minister of State for Defence (1989–1990).

Nuclear scientist and chemical engineer. Served as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission during the first nuclear test, codename Smiling Buddha in 1974. Played important and central role in India's civilian nuclear program as well as the construction of nuclear power plants.

Carnatic classical vocalist known for her divine voice and is often hailed as "Queen of Songs". First Indian musician to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award. Later conferred the Bharat Ratna in 1998 becoming the first ever musician to receive the honour.

Educationist and Gandhian. Contributed immensely in field of education and philanthropy and dedicated herself to the cause of women's education. Served as Chairperson of the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust (1956–1972) and as first Vice-Chancellor of the SNDT Women's University.

Ornithologist and naturalist, sometimes known as "Birdman of India". First Indian to conduct systematic bird surveys across India and wrote several bird books that popularized ornithology in India. Became a key figure behind the Bombay Natural History Society after 1947 and used his personal influence to garner government support for the organisation, create the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and prevent the destruction of the Silent Valley National Park.

Politician and Punjabi language writer. Served as Chief Minister of Punjab (1966–1967).

Eminent cartoonist, considered as the father of political cartooning in India. Founded Shankar's Weekly in 1948.

Physicist and meteorologist. Served as the first Director of the Physical Research Laboratory and was the first President of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (1954–1957).

Film director, screenwriter, documentary filmmaker, author, essayist, lyricist, magazine editor, illustrator, calligrapher, and composer. Widely considered one of the greatest film-makers of all time and credited with bringing world recognition to Indian cinema. Later conferred the Bharat Ratna in 1992.

Educationist, distinguished parliamentarian and politician. Served as Union Minister of Education (1958–1963) and then as Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University (1969–1977).

Politician and educationist. Served as member of the Constituent Assembly of India, member of the Lok Sabha (1952–1956), Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (1956–1962) and then as member of Rajya Sabha (1964–1969).

Noted dancer, best known for her rendering of Bharatanatyam.

Diplomat and noted administrator. Served as Ambassador to Argentina (1952–1954), Ambassador to Egypt (1954–1958), Ambassador to France (1961–1965) and Ambassador to the United States (1968–1970). Later served as Governor of Maharashtra (1971–1976).

Civil servant, engineer and politician. Served as first Chairman of Central Waterways Irrigation and Navigation Commission of India in 1945, then as Vice-Chancellor of University of Roorkee (1954–1959). Nominated to the Rajya Sabha in 1958 and served till 1964. Later also served as Governor of Orissa (1962–1966, 1966–1968).

Chief of the Air Staff from 1973 to 1976. Upon retirement, served as Governor of Maharashtra (1980–1982) and as Governor of Rajasthan (1982–1985).

Independence activist and politician. Served as three-time Chief Minister of West Bengal (1967, 1969–1970, 1971).

Freedom fighter, diplomat and administrator. Served as Ambassador to Nepal (1949–1952), as Governor of Punjab (1953–1958) and later as Governor of Uttar Pradesh (1980–1985).

Hindustani classical shehnai player, Khan played the instrument for more than eight decades and is credited to have brought the instrument to the centre stage of Indian music. Later conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2001.

Eminent author and scholar. Founder director of Bharat Kala Bhavan.

Mathematician and aerospace engineer, widely regarded as the father of experimental fluid dynamics research in India. One of the most eminent researchers in the field of turbulence and boundary layers, leading the successful and indigenous development of the Indian space programme. Served as third chairman of ISRO (1973–1984). ISRO's primary spaceport Satish Dhawan Space Centre is named after him.

Sitarist and composer, sitar virtuoso, he became the world's best-known expert of North Indian classical music in the second half of the 20th century. Winner of four Grammy Awards. Later conferred the Bharat Ratna in 1999.

British supporter of the Indian Independence Movement who in the 1920s left her home in England to live and work with Mahatma Gandhi. Devoted her life to human development and the advancement of Gandhi's principles.

Chemist, well-known for his works mainly in field of solid-state and materials chemistry, spectroscopy and molecular structure. Recipient of honorary doctorates from 84 universities around the world and authored around 1,774 research publications and 56 books. Later conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2014.

Physicist and policymaker, played prominent role in the development of science and technology. Undertook experiments with cosmic rays to explore the properties of fundamental particles and was actively involved in setting up balloon flight experiments, as well as deep underground experiments with cosmic ray neutrinos. Served as Chairman of ISRO in 1972 and later elected to Rajya Sabha in 1986 and served as Union Minister of State for Science and Technology (1989–1990).

Social worker and social activist known particularly for his work for the rehabilitation and empowerment of people suffering from leprosy. Widely regarded as modern Gandhi of India. Returned the award in 1991 along with his Padma Shri conferred in 1971 in protest against the ill-treatment given to tribals during the construction of Sardar Sarovar Dam^[h]

Dancer, composer, singer, and exponent of the Lucknow "Kalka-Bindadin" Gharana of Kathak dance. Also practised Hindustani classical music and was a vocalist. Noted to have been able to sing the thumri while dancing on it.^[35]

Medical scientist known for making pioneering discoveries in the areas of neurosciences and respiratory sciences. Major contribution include the development of a single-fiber technique for recording afferent impulses from individual sensory receptors. Also discovered several sensory receptors including atrial B receptors, pulmonary J-receptors, ventricular pressure receptors, stomach stretch receptors, and muscle pain receptors.

Social reformer and freedom activist, best remembered for her contribution to the Indian independence movement; for being the driving force behind the renaissance of Indian handicrafts, handlooms, and theatre in independent India; and for upliftment of the socio-economic standard of Indian women by pioneering the co-operation.

Plant breeder and agronomist, best known for his works on wheat genetics and breeding and for his interest in rose varieties. Served as the first Director of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (1965–1972) and worked on rust resistance in wheat and helped release several varieties.

Politician, economist, academician and bureaucrat. Served as Governor of Reserve Bank of India (1982–1985) and head of the Planning Commission (1985–1987). As Finance Minister, carried out several structural reforms that liberalised India's economy and proved successful in averting the economic crisis. Later served as the 13th Prime Minister of India from 2004 till 2014.^[24][36][37]

Chief of the Army Staff (1983–1986) and led the army during Operation Blue Star. Assassinated in August 1986 in vengeance of Operation Blue Star.

Judge and 15th Chief Justice of India (1977–1978). Upon retirement, served as the Chairman of the Minorities Commission.

Eminent poet, playwright, novelist and critic, widely regarded as the great Kannada poet of the 20th century. Notable works include Sri Ramayana Darshanam, Kanuru Heggaditi, Chitrangada, etc.

Hindi-language poet, essayist, sketch story writer and an eminent personality of Hindi literature. Considered one of the four major pillars of the Chhayawadi era in Hindi literature. Also addressed as the Modern Meera. Apart from her contributions to poetry, she had worked for social upliftment and welfare development among women.

Senior politician who served as the Union Minister of Works and Housing (1971–1972), Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare (1971–1973), Minister of Home Affairs (1973–1976) and then as Governor of Karnataka (1976–1977) and as Governor of West Bengal (1984–1986).

Hindustani classical musician of the Maihar gharana, known for virtuosity in playing the sarod. Composed numerous classical ragas and film scores.

Agronomist, agricultural scientist, plant geneticist, administrator and humanitarian. Global leader and main architect of the green revolution in India for leadership and role in introducing and further developing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice. His collaborative scientific efforts with Norman Borlaug, spearheading a mass movement with farmers and other scientists and backed by public policies, saved India and Pakistan from certain famine-like conditions in the 1960s. Referred to as the "father of economic ecology" by UNEP.^[39]

Scientist and founder chairman of Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy. Headed Defence Research and Development Organisation for ten years and served as Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister (1982–1985) and Secretary for Defence Research.

Civil servant who held several important positions in the Government of Rajasthan and the union government including serving as Chief Commissioner of Chandigarh, Chief Secretary of Delhi, Union Home Secretary, etc. Appointed as the Comptroller and Auditor General in 1984 and served till 1989. Later served as Governor of Karnataka (2002–2007).

Economist, academic and writer. Taught at Chittagong College and Presidency College, Kolkata. Served as Director of Public Instruction, Department of General Education and in 1965, appointed as Secretary of Education, Government of West Bengal. Later appointed as member of Fourth Finance Commission in 1964.

Classical singer well known for his unique vocal style and for his refusal to be bound by the tradition of any gharana. Remembered for his great legacy of innovation, questioning tradition without rejecting it outright, resulting in music in touch with the roots of Indian culture, especially the folk music of Madhya Pradesh. His innovative approach towards music led to the creation of new ragas from combinations of older ragas.

Aerospace and defence scientist, played important role in development of India's first satellite vehicle SLV-III and was the architect of Integrated Guided Missile Development Program. Played a pivotal role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998 and came to be regarded as the "Missile Man of India" for his work on the development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology. Served as Scientific Advisor to the Defence Minister and Director-General of Defence Research and Development Organisation. Conferred the Bharat Ratna in 1997 and later served as the 11th President of India (2002–2007).

Carnatic vocalist, affectionately addressed as "Semmangudi Maama" by his disciples. Considered as the "Pitamaha" or the grand sire of modern Carnatic Music. Widely renowned for his virtuosity as a concert performer and was famous for the meticulous planning that he put into every concert.

Carnatic vocalist, musician, multi-instrumentalist, playback singer, composer, and character actor. His concerts combined sophisticated vocal skills and rhythmic patterns of classical music with the popular demand for entertainment value.

Artist known for executing bold, vibrantly coloured narrative paintings in a modified cubist style and often regarded as the "Picasso of India". One of the most celebrated and internationally recognised Indian artists of the 20th century. His themes—sometimes treated in series—include topics as diverse as Gandhi, Mother Teresa, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the British Raj, and motifs of Indian urban and rural life.^[40]

Politician, lawyer and academic. Known for his profound and passionate oration in English and Bengali, and his natural eloquence was marked by a surpassing erudition and encyclopaedic memory. Served as member of the Lok Sabha from 1952 till 1977. Regarded as one of the most remarkable parliamentary speakers in India for all time.

Politician and economist who specialised in labour issues. Served as union minister holding various portfolios between 1952 and 1971. Briefly served as Interim Prime Minister in 1964 and 1966. Later conferred the Bharat Ratna in 1997.

Economist and a civil servant who served as the 14th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1977–1982). Also served as Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India (1961–1963, 1965–1967).

Freedom fighter, classical liberal, parliamentarian and farmers' leader. Founding President of the Swatantra Party, served as a member of the Rajya Sabha (1952–1957, 1977–1980) and as member of the Lok Sabha (1957–1971, 1980–1991). Fought against both the colonial and socialist Indian state to ensure dignity for farmers.

Police officer who held several postings in the Indian Police Services. Served as the first Director-General of Border Security Force (1965–1972). So far, the only police officer to receive the Padma Vibhushan.

Educationist and former member of the Lok Sabha (1971–1977). Also served as Vice-Chancellor of Kashi Vidyapith (1964–1971) and member of the National Commission on Labour.

Independence activist, educator, political activist. Best known for hoisting the Indian flag in Bombay during the Quit India Movement in 1942. Elected as the first Mayor of Delhi in 1958. Later posthumously conferred with the Bharat Ratna in 1997.

Eminent scholar of Sanskrit, Hindu Dharma and Marathi literary critic and supporter of Indian independence. Served as principal advisor to Mahatma Gandhi in his campaign against untouchability.

Hindustani classical singer who sang in the khyal genre and belonged to the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana. Well known for his command over a large number of rare (aprachalit) ragas, as well as his constant, mercurial improvisations in both melody and metre without ever losing the emotional content of the song.

Cardiologist and the first woman cardiologist in India and the first to establish a cardiac clinic and cardiac catheter lab in India. Served as Director of the National Heart Institute, Delhi, and the founder president of the All India Heart Foundation.

Poet, freedom fighter, anti-fascist and political activist, played important role in the freedom movement in Hyderabad State against the rule of the Nizam and committed to the promotion of human rights. Later, his birthday was designated as Telangana Language Day by the Government of Telangana.

Politician, peasant leader, philanthropist, social reformer, parliamentarian, and a founding member of the Communist Party of India. Played important role in Telangana Rebellion against the Nizam of Hyderabad. Renowned for fighting on behalf of the peasants and for his critical role in Andhra Mahasabha as its chairman in 1941. Also served as a member of Lok Sabha (1962–1967).

Filmmaker, film producer, screenwriter and actor known for his work in Hindi and Marathi films. Best known for films such as Dr. Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani, Amar Bhoopali, Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baaje, Do Aankhen Barah Haath, Navrang, Duniya Na Mane, Pinjara, Chani, Iye Marathiche Nagari and Zunj.

Freedom fighter and led people of the Marathwada region to fight against the rule of the Nizam of Hyderabad during the 1948 Hyderabad Campaign which ultimately resulted in the liberation of Marathwada region from Hyderabad State. Later served as the longest serving secretary and president of the Saraswati Bhuvan Education Society.

Politician and longest-serving union cabinet minister. Held numerous important portfolios as cabinet minister including serving as the Minister of External Affairs (1964–1966, 1970–1974) and as Minister of Defence (1966–1970, 1974–1976).

Parliamentarian for over four decades, elected nine times to the Lok Sabha, twice to the Rajya Sabha. Served as the Minister of External Affairs during 1977–79 and was awarded the "Best Parliamentarian Award" in 1994. Later served as the Prime Minister of India for three terms; 1996, 1998, 1999–2004.

Gandhian and freedom fighter, remembered for organizing the Congress Radio, an underground radio station which functioned during the Quit India Movement in 1942. Promoted Gandhian principles, thoughts and philosophy and also served as president of Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi.

Noted lawyer and jurist. Being the lead counsel in notable cases such as Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala, I.C. Golaknath and Ors. vs State of Punjab and Anrs., Minerva Mills v. Union of India, garnered him international recognition and cemented his reputation as one of India’s most eminent advocates. Also served as Indian Ambassador to the United States (1977–1979).

Revolutionary of the Indian independence movement, an officer of the Indian National Army, served as Minister of Women's Affairs in Azad Hind government. Later represented the Communist Party of India (Marxist) as a member of the Rajya Sabha and played important role in organizing relief camps and medical aid in Calcutta for refugees who streamed into India from Bangladesh during the Bangladesh Liberation War.

South African anti-apartheid activist and member of the African National Congress. Played important role in the fight against apartheid and also served as Deputy Secretary-General of African National Congress (1991–1994).

Activist, philosopher, spiritual leader, social revolutionary, and religion reformist, and founder of the Swadhyaya Parivar in 1954, through which he promoted the philosophy of original Vedic Dharma and the self-study of the Bhagvad Gita. Also widely referred to as Dada or Dadaji.

Physicist, well known for his integral role in India's nuclear weapons program and his coordination in test preparation for the Pokhran-I (1975) and Pokhran-II (1998). Served as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India (1993–2000) and as Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (2002–2018).

Social reformer and politician who worked in the fields of education, health, and rural self-reliance. Leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, he served as a member of the Lok Sabha (1977–1979) and member of the Rajya Sabha (1999–2005). Later conferred the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 2019.

Historian and former Chairman of the National Book Trust. Notable authored books include Radhakrishnan: A Biography and Jawaharlal Nehru: A Biography.

Painter, sculptor, muralist and writer.

Judge and pioneer of judicial activism and legal aid movement in India. Best known for being an ardent human rights activist and for his notable judgements. Served as a judge of the Supreme Court of India (1973–1980) and member of the Law Commission of India (1971–1973).^[41]

Hindustani classical vocalist belonging to the Kirana gharana. Widely known for the Khyal genre of singing with a "mastery over rhythm and accurate notes". Later conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2009.

Judge, jurist and advocate best known for propounding the basic structure doctrine in 1973 and for his attempts in upholding civil liberties during the Emergency in a lone dissenting judgement in 1976. Served as a judge of the Supreme Court of India (1971–1977) and briefly acted as the Minister of Law and Justice in 1979.

Known as the "Father of the White Revolution" in India, best known for his "billion-litre idea", Operation Flood, which made dairy farming India's largest self-sustaining industry and the largest rural employment sector providing a third of all rural income. Pioneered the Anand model of dairy cooperatives and replicated it nationwide, based on various "top-down" and "bottom-up" approaches, where no milk from a farmer was refused and 70–80% of the price by consumers was paid in cash to dairy farmers who controlled the marketing, procurement, and processing of milk and milk products as the dairy's owners.

Playback singer and occasional music composer. Considered to be the most celebrated singer in independent India and one of its most influential artists. Her contribution to the Indian music industry in a career spanning eight decades gained her honorific titles such as the "Queen of Melody", "Nightingale of India", and "Voice of the Millennium". Later conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2001 and served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha (1999–2005).

Diplomat and administrator. Held numerous diplomatic postings including serving as Ambassador to the United States (1961–1968) and as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (1973–1977). Also served as the Governor of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur and Nagaland (1968–1973), as Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (1981–1984) and as Governor of Gujarat (1984–1986).

Carnatic musician and playback singer for film songs in Tamil. Known for her evolutionary trends in Carnatic music being the first Brahmin woman to have performed this genre of music publicly. Along with her contemporaries M. S. Subbulakshmi and M. L. Vasanthakumari, they are popularly referred to as the female trinity of Carnatic Music.

Civil servant with a long and distinguished career in the civil service serving on posts including Chief Secretary to the Government of Bihar and Union Home Secretary. Later also served as Governor of Assam, Manipur Nagaland, and Tripura in the 1970s and 1980s.

Civil servant, non-career diplomat, administrator who served as Ambassador of Czechoslovakia (1954–1956), as Chief Commissioner of Delhi (1963–1964) and as the eighth Cabinet Secretary of India (1964–1966). Upon retirement, served as Governor of Punjab and Haryana (1966–1967), Governor of West Bengal (1967–1969) and as Governor of Karnataka (1969–1972).

Politician belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party who served as union cabinet minister holding various portfolios including Works, Housing, Supply and Rehabilitation (1977–1979), External Affairs (1996), Industry (1998–1999). Also served as Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha on two occasions and as the Governor of Kerala (2002–2004).

Indian-born naturalized American economist and one of the most influential trade theorists of his generation. Best known for his significant contributions to international trade theory and economic development. Widely regarded as the intellectual father of the Indian economic reforms of 1991.

Music director and classical flautist, who plays the bansuri in the Hindustani classical tradition.

Retired bureaucrat, politician and writer who served as the Chief Election Commissioner of India between 1996 and 2001. Upon retirement, joined politics and served as member of the Rajya Sabha and as Union Cabinet Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports (2008–2011) and Minister of Statistics and Programme Implementation (2011).

Space scientist who served as Chairman of Indian Space Research Organization (1994–2003) overseeing the development of new generation spacecraft, the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT-2), the Indian remote sensing satellites (IRS-1A and -1B) as well as scientific satellites. He was also the project director for India's first two experimental earth observation satellites, Bhaskara-I and Bhaskara-II.

Eminent and highly respected civil servant who served Principal Defence Secretary during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971. Also served as Union Commerce Secretary and Ambassador to the European Common Market.

Legendary Indian classical dancer, guru and exponent of Odissi dance, who is credited with the revival and popularizing of this classical dance form in the 20th century.

Hindustani classical vocalist belonging to the Mewati gharana. With a career spanning over 75 years, his legacy includes memorable performances of classical and semi-classical vocal music, classical and devotional music, albums and film soundtracks, innovations in various genres including Haveli Sangeeth and popularizing the Mewati Gharana.

Banker who served as the thirteenth Governor of the Reserve Bank of India in 1977. For his contributions to the banking and financial sector in India, he is often referred to as the "father of banking reforms in India". Some of the reforms attributed to his recommendations include changes to banking structures, introduction of private sector banks, creation of asset recovery funds, rural banking, modernization of public sector banks, and capital market linked banking reforms.

Writer and novelist known for his work set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi. One of the leading author of early Indian literature in English along with Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao.

Civil servant who served as the Cabinet Secretary (1973–1977). Upon retirement, served as Governor of West Bengal (1981–1983) and then as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh (1983–1984)

Economist, best known for his role in India's planned development, drafting sections of India's first Five-Year Plan, specifically the introductory chapter. Computed India's Balance of Payments for the first time for the Reserve Bank of India. Also served as advisor to several prime ministers from Jawaharlal Nehru to P.V. Narasimha Rao.

Economist, civil servant and former member of the Planning Commission of India. Served as first Private Secretary to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and as Deputy Executive Director (Planning) for UNICEF (1973–1977).

Canadian-American economist, diplomat, public official, and intellectual. Served as United States Ambassador to India (1961–1963) during the period of the Sino-Indian War and played important role in strengthening ties between India and the United States.

American politician and Republican member of the United States House of Representatives (1973–2003). Served as the Chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs (1995–2001) and advocated for stronger ties with India and contributed to the strengthening of ties between India and the United States.

Indian classical sarod player, best known for his clear and fast ekhara taans.

Indian-American conductor of Western classical music and music director emeritus of Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor emeritus of Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Film director, editor and writer and is regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of Indian cinema. Popularly known as Hrishi-da, he directed 42 films during his career spanning over four decades, and is named the pioneer of the 'middle cinema' of India. Renowned for his social films that reflected the changing middle-class ethos, he "carved a middle path between the extravagance of mainstream cinema and the stark realism of art cinema".

Philosopher and professor, served as Professor of Philosophy at Andhra University and Vice-Chancellor of Sri Venkateswara University. Specialized in Buddhist philosophy and contributed extensively to Mahayana Buddhism and his treatise on the teachings of Nagarjuna is well acclaimed.

Civil servant and former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Japanese politician of the People's New Party and a former member of the House of Representatives. Served as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (1995–1996) and as Director-General of the Japan Defense Agency (1998–1999).

Indian-American mathematician and statistician, best known for his discoveries which include Cramér–Rao bound and the Rao–Blackwell theorem both related to the quality of estimators. Other works and contributions include multivariate analysis, estimation theory, and differential geometry, the Fisher–Rao theorem, Rao distance, and orthogonal arrays.

Chemical engineer known for his contributions to chemical engineering science and technology. His studies on Bronsted based catalysis in CO2 hydration and subsequently kinetics of COS absorption in aqueous amines and alkanolamines brought out linear free energy relationship between CO2 and COS absorption in solutions of amines and alkanolamines. Later, served as Director of Institute of Chemical Technology.

Indian classical musician and santoor player who is credited with adapting the santoor for Indian classical music. Best known for his compositions in collaboration with flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia under the collaborative name Shiv–Hari and composed music for such hit Indian films.

Classical vocalist, belonging to the Jaipur gharana. Considered to be one of the foremost classical singers in India. Widely known for her performances of the classical genre khyal and the light classical genres thumri and bhajan.

Singer of the khayal genre of Hindustani classical music, who was known for her deep and powerful voice. She belonged to the Kirana gharana.

Tabla player belonging to the Benaras gharana of Hindustani classical music, remembered for his ability to play cross-rhythms and produce complex calculations, particularly in tihai patterns. Known as an excellent accompanist, he was extremely versatile and capable of playing with any accompaniment, be it with the Sitar, Sarod, Dhrupad, Dhamar or even dance.

Eminent economist, administrator and former member of parliament. Served as the 19th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1992–1997), then as Governor of Andhra Pradesh (1997–2003). Also served as the Chairman of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council twice from 2005 till 2008 and again from 2009 until 2014.

Eminent jurist who served as the Attorney General of India on two occasions (1989–1990, 1998–2004) and previously as the Solicitor General of India (1977–1980). Best known for his defence of the freedom of expression and the protection of human rights.

Politician who served as the first Prime Minister of Sikkim (1974–1975) and following the state's union with India, he became the first Chief Minister of Sikkim (1975–1979). Formed the Sikkim Council with the aim to promote "communal harmony".

Classical dancer and guru in Bharatanatyam and Odissi dance. Later also served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha (2016–2022).

Writer and pre-eminent biographer of Mahatma Gandhi. Served as the first Director of Nehru Museum and Library Society.

Noted Vaidya and Ayurveda practitioner and an expert in Pulse diagnosis. Worked towards standardization of Ayurvedic medicines, certifications at the Ayurvedic colleges of India. Also served as personal physician to the President of India.

Astrophysicist and emeritus professor at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics. Along with Sir Fred Hoyle, he developed the conformal gravity theory known as Hoyle-Narlikar theory which synthesises Albert Einstein's theory of relativity and Mach's principle and proposes that the inertial mass of a particle is a function of the masses of all other particles, multiplied by a coupling constant, which is a function of cosmic epoch.

Novelist, essayist and poet, who wrote in Punjabi and Hindi. A prominent figure in Punjabi literature, her body of work comprised over 100 books of poetry, fiction, biographies, essays, a collection of Punjabi folk songs and an autobiography that were all translated into several Indian and foreign languages. Best remembered for her poignant poem, Ajj aakhaan Waris Shah nu to express her anguish over massacres during the partition of India. Her magnum opus, Sunehade won her the 1956 Sahitya Akademi Award, making her the first and the only woman to have been given the award for a work in Punjabi.

Eminent judge and former Chief Justice of India (1993–1994). Post-retirement, continued to work on anti-corruption and human rights issues and also served as Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (1996–1998).

Eminent jurist who served as the Solicitor General of India (1986–1989) and then as the Attorney General of India on two occasions, 1992–1996 and 2004–2009.

Politician, lawyer, social worker, and environmentalist. Served as member of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha and as Union Minister of Commerce (1977–1979) and as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission (1990–1991).

Diplomat who held various postings including serving as first Deputy High Commissioner in Bangladesh after its liberation, Ambassador in Chile, Mexico (1985–1989); Ambassador to Japan, Afghanistan; High Commissioner to Pakistan (1989–1991). Also served as Union Foreign Secretary (1991–1994) and National Security Advisor from 2004 till his death in 2005.

Eminent cardiologist and medical educationist. Served as honorary dean and chief cardiologist at the Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences, and as former Director-Professor of cardiology of JJ Group of Hospitals and Grant Medical College.

Cartoonist, illustrator, and humorist. Best known for his creation The Common Man and for his daily cartoon strip, You Said It in The Times of India.

Musician who popularised the bowed instrument sarangi as a solo concert instrument in Hindustani classical music and became the first internationally successful sarangi player. Became a concert solo artist in 1956 and has since performed at the major music festivals of India.

Politician and philosopher, reigned as the prince-regent of Jammu and Kashmir until 1952. Thereupon, became the Sadr-e-Riyasat of Jammu and Kashmir (1952–1965) and as Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (1965–1967). Elected to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on numerous occasions, and served as a union cabinet minister holding numerous portfolios including Education, Culture, Health and Family Planning, etc. Also served as Indian Ambassador to the United States (1989–1990) and chancellor of various central universities.

Cardiac surgeon, known for contributions to health technology in India including the development of prosthetic valve. Served as President of the Indian National Science Academy and National Research Professor of the Government of India.

Agronomist who led initiatives worldwide that contributed to the extensive increases in agricultural production termed the Green Revolution. Took up an agricultural research position and developed semi-dwarf, high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties and introduced these high-yielding varieties combined with modern agricultural production techniques to Mexico, Pakistan, and India. This contributed in increase of the wheat yields in the countries, greatly improving the food security in those nations. Often called the "Father of the Green Revolution", is credited with saving over a billion people worldwide from starvation.

Architect and urban planner. Credited with the creation of modern architecture in post-Independent India, he was celebrated for his sensitivity to the needs of the urban poor and for his use of traditional methods and materials.

Noted social activist who had embraced Gandhi and philosophy. She devoted her adult life to the promotion of communal harmony and service to women, tribal people, and the dispossessed in India.

Writer in Bengali language and activist. Notable literary works include Hajar Churashir Maa, Rudali, and Aranyer Adhikar. She was a leftist who worked for the rights and empowerment of the tribal people (Lodha and Shabar) of West Bengal, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh states.

Film director, script writer, and producer and is regarded as one of the most notable and renowned filmmakers in India. Pioneered the new wave in Malayalam cinema during the 1970s. In a career spanning over five decades, he made only 12 feature films to date and his films are made in the Malayalam language and often depict the society and culture of his native state Kerala. Along with Satyajit Ray and Mrinal Sen, he is one of the most recognized Indian film directors in world cinema.^[44]

Eminent judge who served as the 33rd Chief Justice of India (2002–2004).

Civil servant who served as 15th Cabinet Secretary of India (1981–1985) and former Secretary to the Prime Minister of India.

National Research Professor and the Founder-Director of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and National Center for Biological Sciences. Made seminal contributions to the field of behavioural neurogenetics using the genetics and neurobiology of Drosophila. His work in neurogenetics led to the foundational advances in understanding how taste and smell are detected and encoded in the brain.

Eminent Neuroscientist and neurosurgeon.

Eminent judge and former Chief Justice of India (1985–1986). Best known for introducing the concepts of public interest litigation and absolute liability in India.

Civil servant who served as the Union Defence Secretary, Union Home Secretary and as Cabinet Secretary of India. Upon retirement from service, he served as Governor of Gujarat (1995–1996) and as Ambassador to the United States (1996–2001).

Economist and founding chairman of Madras School of Economics. Worked in several state and central government financial institutions in India and was considered a public finance expert in India, instrumental in bringing about the early reforms to the direct taxation structure. Often referred to as the "Father of Tax Reforms".

Civil servant known as the "father of public sector undertakings in India" for his leadership and successful contribution in turning around Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Maruti Udyog Limited, Steel Authority of India Limited, and GAIL (India) Limited into the most profit making industry in India and globally. Served as the Chairman of the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council and member of the National Advisory Council and Planning Commission of India.

Eminent jurist and senior advocate of the Supreme Court of India and former President of the Bar Association. One of the internationally recognized jurists on international arbitration and one of the most distinguished constitutional lawyers in India. Served as Additional Solicitor General of India (1972–1975) and a nominated mmeber of the Rajya Sabha (1999–2005).

Indian-American writer of English-language novels and short stories, whose works are deeply rooted in metaphysics. The Serpent and the Rope (1960), a semi-autobiographical novel recounting a search for spiritual truth in Europe and India, established him as one of the finest Indian prose stylists. His wide-ranging body of work, spanning a number of genres, is seen as a varied and significant contribution to Indian English literature, as well as World literature as a whole.

Professor, scientist and orthopedic surgeon known for his efforts to establish an artificial limbs manufacturing corporation and a rehabilitation institute. Served as Director of World Health Organization and Chairman of the National Rehabilitation Centre.

Author, lawyer, diplomat, journalist and politician. Best known for his novel, Train to Pakistan (1956) which described his experience in the 1947 Partition of India. As a writer, he was best known for his trenchant secularism, humour, sarcasm and an abiding love of poetry. His comparisons of social and behavioural characteristics of Westerners and Indians are laced with acid wit. Served as a member of the Rajya Sabha (1980–1986). Initially conferred the Padma Bhushan in 1974 which he returned in protest against of Operation Blue Star in 1984.^[46]

Indian-American theoretical physicist credited with numerous contributions to the field of theoretical physics, including Glauber–Sudarshan P representation, V-A theory, tachyons, quantum Zeno effect, open quantum system and quantum master equations, spin–statistics theorem, non-invariance groups, positive maps of density matrices, and quantum computation.

Civil servant and administrator, who served as Union Defence Production Secretary, Defence Secretary (1990–1993), Home Secretary (1993–1994) and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister (1997–1998). Upon retirement from service, he served as the government's interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir and then as Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (2008–2018).

Eminent judge who served as 29th Chief Justice of India (1998–2001) and his landmark judgments have revealed his commitment to human rights and justice. Upon retirement, he served as Chairman of National Human Rights Commission (2003–2006).

Chess grandmaster, former five-time World Chess Champion and the first grandmaster from India. Known for his rapid playing speed as a child, he earned the sobriquet "Lightning Kid" during his early career in the 1980s and has since developed into a universal player, and many consider him the greatest rapid chess player of his generation. First sportsperson to receive the Padma Vibhushan.^[47]

Playback singer, entrepreneur, actress and television personality who predominantly works in Indian cinema. Known for her versatility, she has been described in the media as one of the most influential and successful singers in Hindi cinema. Renowned for her soprano voice range and often credited for her versatility, Bhosle's work includes film music, pop, ghazals, bhajans, traditional Indian classical music, folk songs, qawwalis, and Rabindra Sangeet. The Guinness Book of World Records acknowledged her in 2011 as the most recorded artist in music history.

Economist and served as Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Indira Gandhi (1973–1977) and United Nations Assistant Secretary-General (Research and Policy Analysis) from 1978 till 1986.

New Zealand mountaineer, explorer, and philanthropist who along with Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest on 29 May 1953. Later served as High Commissioner to India and Bangladesh and concurrently as Ambassador to Nepal from 1985 till 1988.^[49]

Indian steel magnate based in the United Kingdom who is the Executive Chairman of ArcelorMittal, the world's second largest steelmaking company, as well as chairman of stainless steel manufacturer Aperam.

Politician and statesman with a political career spanning over five decades serving as member of both houses of parliament, and holding various portfolios in the Government of India including serving as Minister of Commerce and Industry, Minister of Finance, Minister of External Affairs and Minister of Defence and as Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission. Elected as the 13th President of India in 2012 and served till 2017. Later also conferred with the Bharat Ratna in 2019.

Billionaire businessman and one of the co-founder of Infosys and served as its chairman, chief executive officer and currently serving as its chairman emeritus. Listed as one of the 12 greatest entrepreneurs of our time by Fortune magazine and has been described as the "father of the Indian IT sector" by Time magazine and CNBC for his contribution to outsourcing in India.

Business magnate and executive chairman of The Oberoi Group, a chain of luxury hotels. In 2010, he was recognised as the “Corporate Hotelier of the World” by Hotels magazine.

Environmentalist who served as the chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change from 2002 till 2015 and under his leadership, the institution was conferred the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. Universally, known as Patchy, he was internationally recognized as a voice on environmental and policy issues, and his leadership of the IPCC contributed to the issue of human-caused climate change becoming recognized as a matter of vital global concern.

Engineer and politician. Popularly known as Metro Man, he is credited with changing the face of public transport in India with his leadership in building the Konkan Railway and the Delhi Metro while he served as the managing director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation DMRC between 1995 and 2012.

Industrialist, philanthropist and former chairman of Tata Sons and served as the chairman of the Tata Group from 1990 till 2012. Under his tenure, the Tata Group acquired Tetley, Jaguar Land Rover, and Corus, in an attempt to turn Tata from a largely India-centric group into a global business. He is also one of the largest philanthropists in the world, having donated around 60–65% of his income to charity.

Former international cricketer who captained the Indian national team and is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket being the all-time highest run-scorer in both ODI and Test cricket. He also holds the record for receiving the most man-of-the-match awards in international cricket. Later conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2014, thus becoming the first sportsperson to receive the honour and also served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from 2012 till 2018.

Environmentalist and Chipko movement leader who fought for the preservation of forests in the Himalayas, first as a member of the Chipko movement in the 1970s, and later spearheaded the anti-Tehri Dam movement from the 1980s to early 2004. He was one of the early environmentalists of India, and later he and others associated with the Chipko movement and started taking up wider environmental issues, such as being opposed to large dams.

Physician and diabetologist, specialising in endocrinology. Served in the AIIMS faculty as professor and head of medicine, and as honorary physician to the President of India (1977–1982, 1987–1992) and as consultant physician to the Prime Minister (1991–1996).

Educationist and politician who served as Union Deputy Minister of Health and Minister of Commerce and Industry. Founded the Indian Council of Philosophical Research and served as its chairman and then as the chairman of the Centre for Studies in Civilizations.

Noted industry expert and former chairman of Hindustan Lever and member of the Unilever Board. Also served as member of the Science Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India, Investment Commission and National Knowledge Commission and as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha.

Catholic religious sister who succeeded Mother Teresa as the head of the Missionaries of Charity and is credited to expand the mission overseas.

Nuclear physicist and mechanical engineer who served as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India (2000–2009). Known for his contribution in the design and construction of Dhruva, India's largest research reactor and in India's nuclear tests asserting sovereignty and championed for India's self-reliance on thorium as a fuel for nuclear energy.^[50]

Cardiologist specializing in non-surgical closure of heart holes (ASD/VSD), non-surgical replacement of valves, and treatment of multiple sclerosis, who serves as the chairman and director of Interventional Cardiology of the Metro Group of Hospitals.

Space scientist who served as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization from 2003 till 2009 and is credited for contributing to the development of multi-stage satellite launch vehicles, achieving self-reliance in independent access to space using indigenous technologies.

Civil servant who served as Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh (1958–1961), Union Home Secretary (1971–1973) and as Union Defence Secretary (1973–1975). Also served as Advisor and Secretary to the King of Nepal (1951–1954) and upon retirement from service, served as Governor of Karnataka (1977–1983).

Civil servant, international administrator, and diplomat. Served as the first chief executive of the Shipping Corporation of India and as the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization for four terms from 1974 till 1989.

Theatre director and drama teacher known for his rigid discipline that he instilled in his acting students an awe and reverence. Served as the Director of National School of Drama, New Delhi (1962–1977). He was also a noted art connoisseur, collector and gallery owner, and founded the Art Heritage Gallery. Staging more than fifty plays in his lifetime, he used both proscenium stages and the open-air venues. His designs for the open-air venues were acclaimed for their visual nature and for the original spins he put on each stage production.

Indian-born British and American structural biologist and recipient of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry along with Thomas A. Steitz and Ada Yonath for research on the structure and function of ribosomes. Best known for his past work on histone and chromatin structure.

Entrepreneur and cardiologist and founder of the first corporate chain of hospitals in India, the Apollo Hospitals.

Economist and retired bureaucrat who served as the 21st Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (2003–2008) and as the chairman of the Fourteenth Finance Commission. Credited for playing a crucial role in framing macro-economic policies that helped quarantine the country from the domino effect of the financial crisis encountered by the South-East Asian countries during the later part of the 1990s.

Actress, dancer, and choreographer. Having begun her career as a member of a contemporary dance troupe, she transitioned into acting roles beginning in the 1940s and appeared in several British films, television shows, and Bollywood productions in a career that spanned over six decades. Notable films include Neecha Nagar, Afsar (1946), Bhaji on the Beach (1992), The Mystic Masseur (2001), Bend It Like Beckham (2002), Dil Se.. (1998), Saaya (2003), Veer-Zaara (2004), etc. Often considered as the doyenne of Indian theatre.

Musician and exponent of the Carnatic percussion instrument, the mridangam.

Economist and civil servant who held various positions in the International Monetary Fund and thereupon served as the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission from 2004 till 2014.

Economist and academic who served as Union Finance Secretary (1998–1999), Advisor to the Minister of Finance (2002–2004) and then as the Chairman of the Thirteenth Finance Commission (2007–2013).

Chemist and politician who served Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (1974–1977) and then as the Governor of Bihar (1979–1985, 1993–1998), Governor of West Bengal (1998–1999), Governor of Haryana (2004–2009).

Poet and lyricist and one of the leading lyricists in Malayalam film, drama, album industry.^[51]

Poet and literary critic in Odia language. Published over 15 poetry collection, 5 essay collections, a travelogue, over 30 contemplative works, apart from numerous translations. His poetry collection has been published in several Indian languages. Notable works include Sabdar Akash (1971), Samudra (1977) and Anek Sharat (1981). Also served as the National Book Trust.

Diplomat and politician who served as Permanent Representative to the United Nations (1979–1981), Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and as the first National Security Advisor (1998–2004).

Eminent lawyer who served as Solicitor General of India (1980–1983) and as the Attorney-General for India (1983–1989). Later served as nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from 2012 till 2018.

Businessman and philanthropist who was the chairman of the Wipro Limited. Often referred to as the "Czar of Indian IT Industry", he is credited for guiding Wipro through four decades of diversification and growth, to finally emerge as one of the global leaders in the software industry.

Scientist known for his contribution to the field of physical and mechanical metallurgy. Began research career with X-ray diffraction study of structural imperfections including development of new methods of analysis of X-ray line-broadening and prediction and experimental verification of fault configurations in double hexagonal close – packed crystals and notable among these efforts is the development of an ultrahigh strength high fracture toughness low alloy steel.

Actor and producer, known for his work majorly in Telugu cinema. Starred in many landmark films in his seventy five-year career, and became one of the most prominent figures of Telugu cinema. Known for his work in biographical films and being one of the instrumental figures in the shifting of the Telugu film industry from Madras to Hyderabad in the 1970s. Notable performances include in Laila Majnu (1949), Devadasu (1953), Anarkali (1955), Batasari (1961), Sri Krishnarjuna Yuddhamu (1963), Doctor Chakravarty (1964), Bhakta Tukaram (1971), Prema Nagar (1971), Premabhishekam (1981), Sri Ramadasu (2006), etc.

Leading scholar of Indian classical dance, art, architecture, and art history. Served as a nominated member of Rajya Sabha (2006–2007, 2007–2012) and as founding director of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.

Commonly known by her pseudonym Dalda 13, she was India's first woman photojournalist. Began her career her career in 1938 working for the Bombay Chronicle, capturing images of daily life in the city. She was amongst the first women in India to join a mainstream publication when she joined The Illustrated Weekly of India.

Playback singer, lyricist, musician, poet, actor, artist, editor, filmmaker, professor and politician. Widely known as Sudha Kontho, his songs were written and sung mainly in the Assamese language by himself, are marked by humanity and universal brotherhood and have been translated and sung in many languages, most notably in Bengali and Hindi. Acknowledged to have introduced the culture and folk music of Assam and Northeast India to Hindi cinema at the national level. Later conferred the Bharat Ratna in 2019.

Cartoonist and painter based in Loutolim. Worked on a regular with The Times of India and other newspapers including The Economic Times, though he got his popularity with his works published in The Illustrated Weekly of India.

Indian Police Service officer who served as Director of the Intelligence Bureau (1980–1983). Upon retirement from service, served as Lieutenant Governor of Arunachal Pradesh (1983–1985), Governor of Sikkim (1985–1989), Governor of West Bengal (1989–1990) and as Governor of Uttar Pradesh (2004–2009).

Orthopaedic physician who invented India's first indigenous knee implant, the Indus Knee, and founder of Maharashtra's first orthopaedic dedicated specialty hospital.

Artist, painter, sculptor, muralist, printmaker, writer, academic known for his works on contextual modernism and the Baroda Group. Greatly influenced by folk art from Kerala, Kalighat painting and Pattachitra from Bengal and Odisha, as well as Indian court paintings.

Architect and sculptor known for his masterpieces including Buddha statues in white sandstone at Dhauligiri Shanti Stupa, Konark horses at the Barabati Stadium and Master Canteen, Mukteswar Gate at Surajkund and a gigantic lotus at Rajiv Gandhi's samadhi at Veer bhumi. Later also served as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha from 2016 till his death in 2021.

Aerospace scientist and fluid dynamicist. Led research initiative into parallel computing as a means to solve fluid dynamics problems which resulted in first parallel computer in India and development of a code for weather prediction of tropical regions. Served as Director of National Aerospace Laboratories (1984–1993) and immensely contributed to advance India's aerospace technology.

Scientist, educator and educationist known for his contributions to the study of cosmic rays, as well as for being an institution-builder. In his later years, he became one of the leading science communicators of the country. Also served as Chairman of the University Grants Commission (1986–1991).

Painter who lived and worked in France from 1950 until his death, while maintaining strong ties with India. His works include continued experiment with currents of Western Modernism, moving from Expressionist modes towards greater abstraction and eventually incorporating elements of Tantrism from Indian scriptures.

Yoga teacher and author who founded the style of yoga as exercise known as "Iyengar Yoga" and was considered one of the foremost yoga gurus in the world. Authored many books on yoga practice and philosophy including Light on Yoga, Light on Pranayama, Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, and Light on Life.^[54]

Chemical engineer known for research and innovation of polymer science and engineering. Former Director-General of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Senior politician and co-founder and former President of Bharatiya Janata Party. Served as the Deputy Prime Minister of India (2002–2004) and as Minister of Home Affairs (1998–2004).

Actor, film producer, television host, occasional playback singer and former politician, who works in Hindi cinema. In film career spanning over five decades, he has starred in more than 200 films. Widely regarded as one of the most successful and influential actors in the history of Indian cinema and referred to as the Shahenshah of Bollywood, Sadi Ke Mahanayak (Hindi for, "Greatest actor of the century"), Star of the Millennium, or Big B.

Senior politician who served as the Chief Minister of Punjab on five occasions, from 1970 to 1971, from 1977 to 1980, from 1997 to 2002, and from 2007 to 2017. Also served as the Union Minister of Agriculture in 1977. Returned the award in 2020 in solidarity with the 2020–2021 Indian farmers' protest.

Philanthropist and hereditary administrator (Dharmadhikari) of the Dharmasthala Temple, administering the temple and its properties. Patron of art and culture and immensely contributed to social welfare. Currently serving as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha since 2022.

Actor who worked in Hindi cinema. Credited with pioneering method acting in cinema, he dominated the Indian movie scene from the late 1940s throughout the 1960s, being referred to as Abhinay Samrat (Hindi for "Emperor of Acting") by the audience. He holds the record for most wins for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor (eight, which was later equalled by Shah Rukh Khan) and was also the inaugural recipient of the award. He is also referred to as The First Khan of Hindi Cinema and holds the most dominant box-office record for a star (male or female) in Hindi cinema with over 80% box-office successes and several long-standing gross records.^[55]

Hindu spiritual leader, educator, Sanskrit scholar, polyglot, poet, author, textual commentator, philosopher, composer, singer, playwright and Katha artist based in Chitrakoot and is one of four incumbent Jagadguru Ramanandacharya having held the title since 1988. Founder and head of Tulsi Peeth, a religious and social service institution in Chitrakoot named after Tulsidas.

Nuclear scientist and mechanical engineer and played a key role in the development of India's nuclear power programme and the development of the PHWR. Served as Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India from 1987 till 1990.

Constitutional lawyer and senior advocate of the Supreme Court of India. Served as constitutional adviser to the Royal Government of Bhutan for drafting of the constitution and later served as the 13th Attorney General of India from 2017 till 2022.

49th and current Imam of Nizari Isma'ilism having held the position since 1957.

Scientist and former Chairman of Defence Research and Development Organisation and Scientific Advisor to the Minister of Defence.

Businessman and founder of Reliance Industries in 1958 and made eminent contributions to the field of trade and industry.

Classical singer belonging to the Seniya and Benares gharanas, known for performing classical and light classical music and helped elevate the profile of thumri. Dubbed as the "Queen of Thumri" for her contribution in the genre.^[57]

Indian-American economist serving as Economics Professor Emeritus at Princeton University and holding academic positions at other reputed institutions. Author of the book "Investment Under Uncertainty" along with Robert Pindyck which is the first textbook exclusively about the real options approach to investments, and described as "a born-classic" in view of its importance to the theory.

Civil servant and politician who held various bureaucratic and political positions, including serving as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi (1980–1981), 1982–1984), Lieutenant Governor of Goa, Daman and Diu (1981–1982), Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (1984–1989), 1990) and then Union Minister of Culture, Communications, Urban Development, etc.

Dancer of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi styles of dancing.

Actor mainly working in Tamil cinema. In a career spanning over five decades, he has done more than 160 films that includes films in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam. Widely regarded as one of the most successful and popular actors in the history of Indian cinema and known for his uniquely styled lines and idiosyncrasies in films, he has a huge fan base throughout India and has a cult following.

Businessman, media entrepreneur, and film producer. Head of the Ramoji Group which owns the world's largest film production facility Ramoji Film City, Eenadu newspaper, ETV Network of TV channels, and the film production company Usha Kiran Movies.

Yoga guru and spiritual leader, frequently referred to as Sri Sri (honorific), Guru ji, or Gurudev. Founder of the Art of Living foundation and best known for his work in promoting peace and goodwil among communities. Initially refused the award in 2015, but accepted the following year.

Oncologist and former chairperson of Adyar Cancer Institute. Best known for her efforts towards making quality and affordable cancer treatment accessible to all patients in the country, and dedicated herself to the mission of organizing care for cancer patients, study of the disease, research on its prevention and cure, spreading awareness about the disease, and developing specialists and scientists in various subspecialties of oncology.

Politician and member of Bharatiya Janata Party, serving as its president from 1991 till 1993. Also served as member of both houses of parliament and as Union Minister of Home Affairs in 1996 and as Union Minister of Human Resource Development from 1998 till 2004.

Politician belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party who served as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh twice, in 1980 and from 1990 till 1992. Later, served as Union Minister of Rural Development (1999–2000), Minister of Agriculture and Chemicals and Fertilizers (2000) and Minister of Mines (2000–2001).

Senior politician and founder-President of Nationalist Congress Party. Four-time former Chief Minister of Maharashtra and held numerous ministerial positions in the union government including serving as Minister of Defence (1991–1993), and as Minister of Agriculture (2004–2014). Also served as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha (1998–1999).

Space scientist and former chairman of Indian Space Research Organization serving from 1984 till 1994. Known as the "Satellite Man of India" and pioneered the first satellite launch Aryabhata in 1974.^[59]

Politician and founder of the National People's Party, served as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya from 1988 and 1990. Later served as Union Minister of Coal, Minister of Labour, Minister of Information and Broadcasting and thereupon as the Speaker of the 11th Lok Sabha from 1996 till 1998.

Spiritual leader, speaker and founder-head of the Isha Foundation which operates an ashram and yoga centre that carries out educational and spiritual activities. Advocated for protecting the environment against climate change, instrumental in leading many initiatives like Project GreenHands (PGH), Rally for Rivers, Cauvery Calling, and the Journey to Save Soil.

Playback singer and musician who sings Indian classical, devotional and film songs. Widely considered as one of the greatest singers in the history of Indian music and a cultural icon of Kerala. He is estimated to have recorded more than 50,000 songs in various Indian languages as well as foreign languages in a career spanning six decades. Often referred to as Gaanagandharvan (transl. The Celestial Singer), he also holds the record for singing 11 songs in different languages in a single day and has composed a number of Malayalam film songs during the 1970s and 1980s.

Musician, composer, arranger, conductor, orchestrator, multi-instrumentalist, lyricist and singer, popular for his works in Indian cinema, prominently in Tamil and Telugu films. Reputed to be one of the most prolific composers in a career spanning over forty-seven years, he has composed over 7,000 songs and provided film scores for over 1,000 films, apart from performing in over 20,000 concerts. Nicknamed "Isaignani" (the musical sage) and often referred to as "Maestro". He was also one of the earliest Indian film composers to use Western classical music harmonies and string arrangements in Tamil film music, and the first South Asian to compose a full symphony. Currently serves as a nominated member of the Rajya Sabha since 2022.

Classical musician, playback singer in the Hindustani classical music tradition, belonging to the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana.

Hindutva thinker and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) pracharak and former Vice-President of Bharatiya Jana Sangh. Former chairman of the Vivekananda Kendra which is a Hindu nationalist social service and "nation-building" organisation, claiming to represent the heritage of Swami Vivekananda.

Exponent of Pandavani, a traditional performing art form, from Chhattisgarh, in which she enacts tales from the Mahabharata, with musical accompaniments.

Djiboutian politician and the second and current President of Djibouti having been in office since 1999. Conferred with the award for his role in the safe evacuation of Indian citizens from Yemen.

Industrialist, philanthropist and the Group Chairman of Larsen & Toubro Limited and currently serving as the Chairman of the National Skill Development Corporation since 2018.^[61]

Writer of books and plays, works mostly based on the life of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and was regarded Shiv-Shahir ("Shivaji's bard"). Widely known for his popular play on Shivaji, Jaanta Raja.

Trade unionist, statesman, and journalist, who served as the Union Defence Minister from 1998 until 2004. Served as a member of the Lok Sabha for more than 30 years representing various constituencies and also held various other portfolios, including serving as Minister of Railways, Industry, Communications, etc.

Politician and attorney belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party. Served on various important cabinet positions, including serving as Union Minister of Finance, Minister of Defence, Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Minister of Law and Justice. Tenure as Finance minister, oversaw the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax which brought the country under one GST regime, demonetisation, merger of Railway budget with general budget and introduction of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

Mauritian statesman, politician and barrister who served both as the President of Mauritius from 2003 till 2012, and as the Prime Minister of Mauritius on three occasions, from 1982 till 1995, from 2000 till 2013 and again from 2014 till 2017.

Amateur boxer, politician, and former nominated member of Rajya Sabha (2016–2022). Credited for being the only woman to win the World Amateur Boxing Championship six times, the only female boxer to have won a medal in each one of the first seven World Championships, and the only boxer (male or female) to win eight World Championship medals. Nicknamed Magnificent Mary, she was the only Indian female boxer to have qualified for the 2012 Summer Olympics and compete in the flyweight (51 kg) and won a bronze medal. She is also the only boxer to become Asian Amateur Boxing Champion for a record six times.

Celebrated Hindustani classical singer from Banaras and a noted exponent of the Kirana gharana, best known for his skills in khyal and the Purab Ang – Thumri.

Lawyer, politician and administrator who served as the Minister of External Affairs from 2014 until 2019. Seven-time former member of Parliament, she had also served as the first female Chief Minister of Delhi in 1998 and held various other ministerial portfolios in the union government including serving as Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Minister of Information and Broadcasting.

Officially known as Śrī Śrī 1008 Śrī Viśveśa-tīrtha Śrīpād, he was a Hindu guru, saint and presiding swamiji of the Sri Pejavara Adokshaja Matha, one of the Ashta Mathas belonging to the Dvaita school of philosophy founded by Sri Madhvacharya and the 32nd in the lineage of the Pejavara matha.

Japanese politician and statesman who served as the Prime Minister of Japan for two terms, from 2006 till 2007 and again from 2012 till 2020, thus becoming the longest-serving prime minister of Japan.

Playback singer, television presenter, actor, music composer, dubbing artist, and film producer. Widely regarded as one of the greatest Indian singers of all time and predominantly worked in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi films and sang in a total of 16 languages. Holds the Guinness World Record for recording the highest number of songs by a singer with over 50,000 songs in 16 languages.

Cardiologist, professor of medicine, and author known for his work on homeopathy and quantum healing. Served as the Vice-Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education from 1999 till 2003.

Sikh-American physicist best known for his work on fiber optics who is credited with inventing fiber optics, and is considered the "Father of Fiber Optics".

Islamic scholar and peace activist and author known for having written a commentary on the Quran and having translated it into contemporary English.

Archaeologist, best known for his works on Indus Valley civilization sites, Mahabharat sites, Kalibangan, Ramayana sites. Served as Director-General of Archaeological Survey of India from 1968 till 1972.

Eminent sculpture artist from Odisha. Founded Sudarshan Crafts Museum, Puri in 1977 and Sudarshan Art and Crafts Village, Bhubaneswar in 1991.

Classical vocalist belonging to the kirana gharana known for her contributions in popularizing Indian classical vocal music at global level and for inventing new ragas such as Apurva Kalyan, Darbari Kauns, Patdeep-Malhar, Shiv Kali, Tilang-bhairav, Ravi Bhairav, and Madhur-kauns.

Journalist and editor who later served as the chairperson of Gita Press. Edited 38 yearly issues and 460 monthly periodicals at Gita Press and during his tenure, promoted technical advancements at Gita Press and equipped the press with modern equipment which increased the efficiency and quality of the press.

Military officer who served as the 26th Chief of the Army Staff from 2016 till 2019 and thereupon served as the first Chief of the Defence Staff from 2020 until his death in 2021.

Senior politician belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party, served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh during the demolition of the Babri Masjid. Considered an icon of Hindu nationalism, and of the agitation to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya. Later also served as the Governor of Rajasthan (2014–2019).

Architect and a noted figure in Indian architecture and known for his contributions to the evolution of architectural discourse in India. Having worked under Le Corbusier and Louis Kahn, he was a pioneer of modernist and brutalist architecture in India.

Tabla player, composer, percussionist, music producer and film actor.

Senior politician and former parliamentarian who served as the 10th Chief Minister of Karnataka from 1999 till 2004, and then as the Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 till 2008. Elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha in 2008, he also served as the Union Minister of External Affairs between 2009 and 2012.

Paediatrician known for pioneering the use of oral rehydration therapy to treat diarrhoeal diseases. His efforts demonstrated the dramatic life-saving effectiveness of oral rehydration therapy when cholera broke out in 1971 among refugees from East Bengal who sought shelter in West Bengal. The simple, inexpensive Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) gained acceptance, and was later hailed as one of the most important medical advances of the 20th century.

Indian-American mathematician, best known for his fundamental contributions to probability theory and in particular for creating a unified theory of large deviations and is regarded as one of the fundamental contributors to the theory of diffusion processes with an orientation towards the refinement and further development of Itô’s stochastic calculus.

Politician, socialist figure and founder of the Samajwadi Party who served as a three-time Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and a seven-time former member of the Lok Sabha. Also served as the Union Minister of Defence from 1996 till 1998. Popularly known as Netaji or Dhartiputra by his followers.