80. Dr G. Madhavan Nair, 65
ISRO Chairman
Why
He has proved that space technologies developed indigenously are on par with any in the world.

Power punch
On November 14, 2008, when India’s first moon mission, Chandrayaan-1—launched on October 22—landed a probe on the surface of the moon, putting India in an elite league of four countries who have sent probes to the Earth’s satellite. “Now we can stand shoulder to shoulder with any space power in the world,” Dr Nair said.
What next
A second mission, Chandrayaan 2, in collaboration with Russia and involving a robotic landing, is slated for the end of the year or early 2010. ISRO will also be looking at improved commercialisation of its space technologies after the success of the moon mission and the proven cost, technology advantages.

81. Jaggi Vasudev, 51
Isha Foundation Founder
Why
The Isha Foundation set up by yogi Jaggi Vasudev in Coimbatore in 1992 aims to plant 114 million trees in Tamil Nadu by 2010. His ‘secularism’ made an otherwise atheist M. Karunanidhi share a stage with him in 2006. In 2006, the Foundation entered the Guinness Book of World Records by planting 8,52,587 saplings in 6,284 locations across Tamil Nadu in one day The foundation, which has 250,000 volunteers across 150 centres, also conducts Isha yoga programmes that are popular across the globe.
Power punch
He was invited to speak at the Word Economic Forum for three years in a row—from 2006 through 2008.
What next
As civil society gets more eco conscious, his efforts would go a long way in ensuring public participation and media attention.

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