Khaleej Times profiles six Indians who have recently made a mark in their respective fields

The following are the people 

M R Srinivasan, Scientist
As one of India's most well known nuclear scientists, M R Srinivasan has played a vital role in designing the country's nuclear power programme. He has played a key role in developing the country's indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR). Starting his illustrious career in 1955, Srinivasan worked closely with Dr Homi J Bhabha in the construction of India's first nuclear research reactor - Apsara. As the Chairman of India's Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, he efficiently oversaw the nuclear power infrastructure. M R Srinivasan was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second highest civilian award this year.

Ankit Tiwari, Singer
With a powerful voice and a line up of great tracks in films like Aashiqui 2, Ek Villian, and Saheb Biwi aur Gangster, Ankit Tiwari has become a name to reckon with in Bollywood. He began his career as a playback singer and music director for Do Dooni Chaar in 2010. Ankit's career took off with Sunn Raha Hai from Aashiqui 2. The song won him several accolades across major music categories. Ankit worked with Mohit Suri for Ek Villain, composing and singing the hit song Galliyan. He received two nominations for the track in the 60th Filmfare Awards this year and walked away with the trophy for Best Male Playback Singer.

Saina Nehwal, Athlete
The 25-year-old sports prodigy from Hissar (Haryana) in India became a sensation after she was crowned as the first Indian female player to hold the World's number one position in badminton. She won the 2015 India Open Grand Prix Gold by defeating Spain's Carolina Marin in the finals. In March this year, Saina won her maiden women's singles title at the India Open BWF Super Series beating Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand). The win catapulted her to the top of the Badminton World Federation rankings (2015). Prior to that, Saina had earned the distinction of being the first Indian to win a medal in badminton at the Olympics (London 2012).

Kailash Satyarthi, Activist
Protecting children's rights for the last 35 years, Kailash Satyarthi is known for his steadfastness. He has advocated youth rights globally and lent a determined voice against child labour. Satyarthi founded the Bachpan Bachao Andolan in India (1980). The movement has helped protect the rights of thousands of children in India and around the world. Due to his efforts several important conventions on children's rights were adopted at the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which went on to become a principal guideline for governments around the world. Satyarthi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.

Sajad Lone, Politician
Sajad Lone's story has been one of the most remarkable in Indian politics. In 2015 this former separatist Kashmiri leader was sworn in as a Minister for Science and Technology and Animal Husbandry in the Mufti Sayed-led government in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chairman of People's Conference has been an erstwhile influential pro-freedom leader and part of the separatist Hurriyat Conference before making a switch over to mainstream politics. In the state election last year, Lone was elected from the sensitive Handwara constituency, paving way for him to become a minister in the state government.

Amish Tripathi, Novelist
Known for his Shiva Trilogy, Amish Tripathi has emerged as the new poster boy of popular fiction in India. This alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Calcutta, penned The Immortals of Meluha, The Secret of the Nagas and The Oath of the Vayuputras - three riveting books collectively called the Shiva Trilogy. A common trait in all his works is that they are bestsellers. Thanks to his gripping prose, blending myth with tradition and a creative marketing strategy, the Shiva Trilogy has become the fastest-selling series in the history of Indian publishing with 2.5 million copies in print. Late last year, Forbes India ranked Amish among the top 100 celebrities in India.
sadiq@khaleejtimes.com