IBLA 2023 19th Edition: Amitabh Kant celebrated for Outstanding Contribution to Public Service

Amitabh Kant, a name synonymous with India's administrative excellence and visionary leadership, has been celebrated for his 'Outstanding Contribution to Public Service' at the 19th edition of CNBC-TV18's India Business Leader Awards (IBLA), held in Mumbai on December 2.

Kant's illustrious career, spanning over four decades, is marked by pivotal roles ranging from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) Secretary to the CEO of the Niti Aayog, and most recently, as India's Sherpa to the G20.

Throughout his tenure in various capacities, Kant has been the driving force behind several national campaigns that have left a lasting imprint on India's socio-economic landscape. These include the well-known initiatives such as Make in India, Startup India, and the tourism-boosting Incredible India.

Notably, as a 1980 batch Kerala cadre IAS officer, he was instrumental in coining the slogan 'God's Own Country', which significantly enhanced Kerala's tourism potential.

During his time as the DPIIT Secretary from 2014 to 2016, Kant played a crucial role in streamlining the Ease of Doing Business initiative. He continued his transformative leadership as the CEO of NITI Aayog from 2016 to 2022, where he spearheaded the Aspirational Districts Program and robustly supported the startup ecosystem and the adoption of electric vehicles. His tenure was marked by a strong emphasis on driving investments into India, notably through the production linked incentive (PLI) scheme.

Amitabh Kant's recent role as India’s G20 Sherpa was particularly impactful. He chaired over 300 meetings, amounting to more than 200 hours of negotiations, leading to the successful delivery of the Delhi Declaration.

His leadership was pivotal in ensuring the success of India’s G20 Presidency, making it a pan-India event with meetings among global leaders across several states and UTs. Kant's efforts in this role were not just about managing a global summit but also about positioning India as the leader of the Global South, showcasing the nation's collaborative approach, and its ability to convene and execute at the highest levels.

Beyond his administrative prowess, Kant is also an author, having penned books like 'Branding India: An Incredible Story', and 'Incredible India 2.0', contributing significantly to the global perception of Brand India.

His work in public service goes beyond mere governance; it is about creating and sustaining narratives that have shaped India’s image as a burgeoning economic power, a vibrant tourist destination, and a voice of reason on the global stage.

CNBC-TV18's recognition of Amitabh Kant is a tribute to a career dedicated to the nation's progress and its standing in the world community.