Who: Fitness Promoter and Bollywood Actor
Where: India
Why: He has earned the tag of being India’s own Ironman for a level of dedication to fitness like none other. He’s become a source of inspiration when it comes to health and fitness; not just for the men; but, even for women. Soman even embarked on a barefoot 570km marathon, from Amdavad to Mumbai; finished a 42.2km marathon in roughly 4 and a half hours and has spoken up regarding the importance of fitness for women. He has proved that fitness is not about looking up to supermodels, or bodybuilders; but about regular and ordinary people.
17. Justin Trudeau
Who: Prime Minister of Canada
Where: Canada
Why: This was the year of Justin Trudeau—the Canadian Prime Minister who won the hearts of people around the world and for all the right reasons. From opening their borders for refugees, partaking in the Canadian Pride Parade to talking about decriminalizing Marijuana, the second-youngest Prime Minister has opened the minds and the horizons of the people in his country, as well as the world. He’s easily one of the youngest and most forward thinking leaders the world currently has.
18. Larry Page
Who: CEO of Alphabet
Where: United States
Why: Last year, Page became CEO of Alphabet—a newly created parent of Google and its sister companies—after having served as CEO of Google. Then, early this year, and for the first time ever, the man went on to release information on financial details of the other sister companies, like smart-thermostat firm Nest, broadband Internet provider Google Fiber and life-sciences firm Verily. Then, after having passed on the reins of CEO to Sundar Pichai, Page announced that he would be funding two flying-car startups: Kitty Hawk and Zee.Aero.
19. Pope Francis
Who: Bishop of Rome, Roman Catholic Church
Where: The Vatican City, Rome
Why: As spiritual leader to about one-sixth of the world’s total population, he is one of the first at the position who has taken it upon himself to transform the image of the church as conservatory and rigid. Just last month, he ruled that priests would now have power to forgive women who underwent abortion. He continues to push for reforms to counter climate change, works for the betterment of the refugee crisis across the world. In a world of conservationists, he’s one of the first balanced religious leaders who strive for a modern embracement of Catholicism.