Who cares about the Bharat Ratna. Firstpost announces the winners of the prestigious Golden Chikoo awards dedicated to recognising the truly Indian achievements of 2011.

It's that time of the year. The new year is around the corner and lists, lists, and more lists abound. Best, worst, most notable, blah, blah, blah. We too have our very own Firstpost list but not the usual kind. This very special year requires its own very special categories to capture its insanity. The unceasing parade of dancing politicos, fasting septuagenarians, World Cup ecstasy, silky sirens and celebrity spawn have made it one hell of a year (and it ain't over yet). Here then is our tribute to all those who made 2011 truly memorable.

Foot in mouth award: Digvijay Singh

Diggy Raja is the knockout winner for trying to link both Anna and the Mumbai blasts to the RSS, and dissing poor MMS as “a fairly good prime minister.”

Honourable mention for Kapil Sibal and Manish Tiwari who proved that every Congresswala facing a television camera in 2011 was driven by the same simple motto: How can I make it worse?

The Con de Nasty travel award: Tihar Ashram

Once the haunt of murderers, rapists, and other lowlife, this humble penitentiary got a much-needed makeover in 2011 as the new stomping ground of the very rich. No air-conditioning but we hear the pottery classes are to die for.

Most expensive midlife meltdown: Ra One

The 100-plus crore self-indulgence managed to annoy critics, offend Tamilians and disappoint the audience, all at the same time. Aging gracelessly has never been more expensive, or in such bad taste.

Worst fashion faux pas: Baba Ramdev

The poor swamiji paid a high price for breaking the ultimate fashion rule: Never run from the police in a salwar kameez. Life is a drag when you're trying to wrap a dupatta around your beard.

Weight, weight, you love me award: Vidya Balan

In a year where ann shan was hugely in vogue – with everyone from Narendra Modi to Nitin Gadkari jumping in the fray – only silky Vidya stood out by boldly embracing her inner fatty to far sexier effect. Moral of the story: visual feast trumps political famine.

Art is dead award: Mamata's paintings

The death of MF Husain was tough, but the lowest blow for Indian art in 2011 was Mamata Banerjee’s sell-out exhibition. When the likes of Jagmohan Dalmiya et al paid over a crore for sit-and-draw etches, it marked a whole new low for 'political art.'

Verbal incontinence award: Anna Hazare

Annaji's 19-day maun vrat was remarkable for many reasons, most of all because it didn't stop him talking, and incessantly so. Silence has never spoken in such large volumes.

The Arundhati Roy award: Arvind Kejriwal

No one can do moral outrage quite like Ms Roy. So who better suited to inherit her mantle than Kejriwal, he of the permanently furrowed brow of fury.

Honourable mention for the chappal and thapad wielding aam aadmi who found that violence does indeed pay for those 15 minutes of fame.

Silent night award: Metallica concert in Gurgaon

Metallica’s big Indian debut was the quietest ever for a heavy metal group. Cancelled for “technical reasons,” it left pissed off fans singing their own version of Seek and Destroy!

Best botox commercial: India's Most Desirable

Every middle-aged girl's best friend found itself the perfect brand ambassador in Simi Grewal, aka Kiki. That frozen brow and clown-like smile made her otherwise banal show memorable for all the undesirable reasons.