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MUMBAI:
Mahatma Gandhi moved the entire nation, but who is the next Gujarati
who will win the hearts of millions? You decide. You vote. You choose…
This Navratra, in a bid to recognise and felicitate Gujarat's most
powerful and influential 'non-political' Gujarati, IBN 7 and Divya
Bhakar together present 'Sabse Bada Gujarati'. As a unique opinion
poll, 'Sabse Bada Gujarati' is a platform where Indians will vote
for their favourite candidate from a list of nine Gujaratis - the
navratnas whose accomplishments, across various fields, have made
their state shine and their country proud! Beginning October 4,
viewers can cast their votes through IVR, SMS or by logging onto
IBNLive.com. Based on these votes, from October 13 onwards, each
day a candidate will be eliminated till only two remain. The ultimate
winner will then be declared and bestowed with the title of 'Sabse
Bada Gujarati' by the CM of Gujarat, Mr. Narendra Singh Modi, at
Grand Finale on October 21.
Gujarat,
considered the most industrialised state in the country, has without
a doubt produced some of the greatest and most influential citizens
of the country. 'Sabse Bada Gujarati', an IBN 7 Navratra special,
is an acknowledgment and celebration of this achievement and the
people's verdict of whom they think is most deserving of this title.
The nine candidates, spanning diverse disciplines, short listed
by the IBN 7 editorial include - Mukesh & Anil Ambani (Reliance);
Karsnbhai Patel (Nirma); Himesh Reshammiya (Music Director &
Singer ); Bakul Dholakia (Educationist); Irfan Pathan (Cricketer);
Sam Pitroda (Entrepreneur); Morari Baapu (Religious Guru); Pramukh
Swami Maharaj (Religious Guru) and Ela Bhatt (Founder of SEWA).
The
three-week long initiative will involve daily editorial stories
that will acquaint viewers with the achievements of the selected
nominees and would guide them through the voting parameters. There
will also be segments on IBN 7's daily Navratra show beginning October
11 at 7:30 pm and 11:30 pm along with regular editorial features
in Divya Bhaskar to keep their readers updated on the latest developments
during the series. Viewers will be able to vote for their favourite
candidate via the IBN 7 website, IBNLive.com, by sending a SMS 'SBG'
to 52622 or through IVR by calling 505-2622 (Airtel/ Hutch/ BPL/
Idea) or 12555-26 ( BSNL / MTNL mobile). An elimination round based
on the votes will then determine the IBN 7 & Divya Bhaskar 'Sabse
Bada Gujarati' on October 21!
"Gujarat
has given rise to some very influential people who have made our
country proud. 'Sabse Bada Gujarati' is our way of celebrating these
go-getters for their notable achievements across various disciplines,
excluding politics. I am confident of an enthusiastic response from
our viewers who will be the ultimate decision makers in choosing
their favourite Gujarati." Said, Ashutosh, Managing Editor,
IBN 7
"It
is a great pleasure to tie-up with Divya Bhaskar for this unique
initiative. Our alliance, involving both print and electronic media,
will ensure widespread awareness of the initiative amongst viewers
and readers alike." Said, Dilip Venkatraman, Director Marketing
and Online Projects, CNN-IBN & IBN 7
"Despite
appearing region-specific, 'Sabse Bada Gujarati', is bound to invite
responses from across the country as it celebrates people who are
nationally renowned. Therefore, our advertising associates will
find visibility for their brands across the entire IBN 7 target
audience." Said, Sanjay Dua, National Sales Head, CNN-IBN and
IBN 7.
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