17 Indians among WEF young global leaders

The World Economic Forum has named 17 Indians, including budget carrier GoAir Managing Director Jeh Wadia and market regulator SEBI's Executive Director Sandeep Parekh, in its annual list of Young Global Leaders for 2008.

However, India has scored below China in terms of total presence in the list of 245 leaders from across the world. There are as many as 31 Chinese individuals on the list against the 17 from India. The chosen ones are from all walks of life, including business and politics.

WEF said in a statement that the honour is bestowed each year to recognise the top 200-300 young leaders from around the world for their professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the future of the world.

Other Indians on the list include Lok Sabha MP Sachin Pilot, SKS Microfinance's CEO and founder Vikram K Akula, Chairman of Bhatia Enterprises Sabeer Bhatia, Managing Director of Wipro Infrastructure Engineering Anurag Behar, senior NDTV journalist Barkha Dutt, Global ITeS' CEO and President Suhas Gopinath, Director of PRS Legislative Research C V Madhukar and Thermax Ltd Chairperson Meher Pudumjee.

Besides, music composer Allah Rakha Rahman and noted sitar player Anoushka Shankar also find a place in the list.

The World Economic Forum is a true multi-stakeholder community of global decision-makers. We need the Young Global Leaders to be a voice for the future in the global thought process and as a catalyst for initiatives in the global public interest, Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum said in a statement.