Our Lifetime Awardees

Some individuals live lives so extraordinary that they redefine what it means to serve, create, and inspire.

Their journeys stretch across decades, leaving behind legacies that stand as guiding lights for generations to come. These are the legends whose names become synonymous with excellence.

The Blue Ribbon Lifetime Achievement Award is designed to honor such rare individuals. It goes beyond acknowledging their accomplishments; the award celebrates the essence of their contribution to humanity, their resilience against odds, and their timeless influence.

This year, the 2025 Blue Ribbon Lifetime Achievement Award nominees are a constellation of leaders, innovators, and artists from vastly different worlds, i.e., defence, industry, technology, and music. And yet, they are united by one thing: their unwavering commitment to excellence.

Let's journey through their lives.

Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh (Retd.) PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, VSM – Governor of Uttarakhand

If courage had a face, it would look a lot like Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh's. A soldier at heart, he dedicated more than four decades of his life to the Indian Army, serving in some of the most challenging terrains and situations.

As a decorated officer, he received the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal, each one a testament to his distinguished service. His consistent contribution, integrity, and leadership in the various responsibilities he was called upon to shoulder in the Indian Army earned him recognition as one of the most trusted voices in India's security establishment. But his story doesn't end with retirement. In 2021, he embraced a new mission, that of the Governor of Uttarakhand. Here too, his leadership and commitment shines through; from championing youth empowerment to pushing forward developmental initiatives with compassion. He has bridged the rigidity of discipline with the warmth of governance.

In many ways, Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh's life is a lesson: service to the nation does not end when the uniform comes off.

Mr. Baba Kalyani – Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Forge Limited

When you think of India's rise as a global manufacturing powerhouse, Baba Kalyani's name resonates like a bell.

As the CMD of Bharat Forge, he transformed a modest family business into a global engineering giant, now recognized as the world's largest forging company.

What makes his journey remarkable is not just the scale of transformation, but the foresight he displayed. Decades ago, when the conversation around self-reliance was still nascent, Baba Kalyani was already positioning Bharat Forge as a key contributor to India's defence, aerospace, and renewable energy industries.

Under his stewardship, the company expanded into 10 countries and became a trusted partner to some of the world's biggest names in automotive and defence industry. His push for innovation ensured that Bharat Forge was never just a supplier, but a pioneer in advanced engineering solutions.

Beyond business, his efforts in skill development, education, and social responsibility reflect his belief in inclusive growth.

Baba Kalyani is not just an industrialist — he is a nation-builder whose impact will be felt for generations.

Mr. Ronald Wayne – Co-Founder, Apple Inc.

Every revolution has unsung heroes. In Apple's story, that hero is Ronald Wayne.

In 1976, in a small garage in Cupertino, Wayne sat with Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak to form what would become Apple Computer Company. He drafted the company's first partnership agreement, drew the first Apple logo — Isaac Newton under an apple tree — and lent his maturity to the venture.

Unlike Jobs and Wozniak, Wayne was older and more cautious. Within 12 days, he sold his stake, choosing stability over risk. That decision meant he missed out on billions. And yet, history cannot erase his role. Without Ronald Wayne, the world might never have seen Apple in its earliest form.

Today, his story is told not as one of loss, but as a reminder of how every innovation has invisible architects. Wayne's name may not be on every iPhone or Mac, but his fingerprints are forever on Apple's DNA. His journey is proof that sometimes, simply being part of the beginning of something extraordinary is itself a legacy.

Ms. Asha Bhosle – Legendary Singer, Padma Bhushan Awardee

There are singers, and then there is Asha Bhosle.

A phenomenon whose voice has reigned for over seven decades, she is often described as the most recorded artist in music history, with over 12,000 songs across more than 20 languages.

Her versatility is unmatched; she could deliver the aching beauty of a ghazal, the complexity of a classical raga, and the fiery energy of a cabaret number with equal elan. From Piya Tu Ab Toh Aaja to Chura Liya Hai Tumne, her songs defined eras and emotions.

But Asha Bhosle didn't just stop at Indian cinema. She collaborated with international artists, including the Kronos Quartet and Boy George, introducing Indian music to global audiences. In 2006, she was even nominated for a Grammy, proving that her art knew no borders.

At 90, she continues to perform, her voice carrying the same energy and magic that first enchanted listeners in the 1940s. Her journey is not just about music — it's about reinvention, resilience, and passion that never fades.

Mr. Udit Narayan – Legendary Playback Singer, Padma Bhushan Awardee

If the 80s and 90s had a voice, it would belong to Udit Narayan.

His songs have been the soundtrack of countless love stories, friendships, and moments of joy.

From the college anthem Papa Kehte Hain in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak to the dreamy Pehla Nasha, from the high-energy Tip Tip Barsa Pani to the emotional Mitwa, his range defined Bollywood's golden years.

What makes Udit Narayan's journey even more inspiring is his rise from humble beginnings in a small village in Nepal to becoming one of the most celebrated voices of Indian cinema. He has won multiple National Film Awards and was honored with the Padma Bhushan, cementing his status as one of India's most beloved playback singers.

Even today, his voice evokes nostalgia, instantly transporting listeners back to the magic of an era when melody ruled the charts. His legacy lies not just in the awards he has won, but in the millions of hearts he continues to touch.

More than Awards, they are Living Legacies

The Blue Ribbon Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 nominees could not be more diverse:

• A soldier who became a statesman.
• An industrialist who made India a global player.
• A technologist who shaped the dawn of the digital age.
• A singer who redefined versatility.
• And another who gave voice to a generation.

What unites them is their timeless influence. They remind us that greatness isn't about one field or one achievement, it is about consistency, impact, and the ability to inspire across decades.

As the world prepares to celebrate them at www.blueribbonaward.com, one truth becomes clear: these are not just achievers. They are legends who turned their lives into stories that will be told long after they are gone.

The Blue Ribbon Award does not just honor them. It holds up their lives as proof that with courage, vision, and passion, ordinary humans can indeed leave behind extraordinary legacies.