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Discovery sets 12 May for ‘Everest Jump Live’
MUMBAI: Discovery Networks is set to telecast an unprecedented feat, with five nights of live programs in the lead up to Everest Jump Live, starting 6 May and culminating with the live jump on 12 May.
The world renowned wing-suit jumper Joby Ogwyn will attempt the first flight off the summit of the mountain. Discovery will air Everest Jump Live in 224 countries and territories across the world.
The channel will take viewers along the journey with two, one-hour pre-shows revealing Joby’s intense training and preparations for Everest. The special will then culminate with a live two-hour broadcast – showing Joby as he battles the grueling conditions on the way to Everest’s summit and ultimately takes the final plunge from the top. Joby’s custom-made wing suit will be equipped with cameras bringing a bird’s eye view as he descends more than 10,000 vertical feet at speeds of over 150 mph.
Kicking-off the proceedings, NBC Sports’ Kyle Martino will host Everest: Live from Base Camp, and Chris Jacobs of Velocity, will provide viewers with a behind-the-scenes perspective for five nights live from the base camp at Mt. Everest. The five-night stunt starts 6 May at 8:30 am and will broadcast live in select markets across Asia, Latin America and Western Europe. Each night, Martino and Jacobs will check in with Joby Ogwyn to receive updates on where he is along the journey and to determine the challenges and dangers that lie ahead. This includes interviews with a variety of special guests, including the medics, Sherpa guides, other climbers and additional individuals making the event possible.
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“These nightly live programs enhance this already epic undertaking by allowing audiences a chance to share the experience and to see what it’s like to actually be at Everest Base Camp – not just for Joby, but for all those around the world who contribute to Everest’s unique culture,” said Discovery Networks International executive VP and chief content officer Luis Silberwasser in a statement. “We’re incredibly excited to bring together our diverse, global viewers to immerse themselves in an adventure like none other!”
The live event is produced by Peacock Productions for Discovery with Gretchen Eisele, Colleen Halpin, Benjamin Ringe and Knute Walker serving as executive producers. Sharon Scott is president and GM of Peacock Productions. Howard Swartz serves as executive producer for Discovery. Discovery Education will bring the wonder of Everest to students nationwide with interactive content, digital learning experiences and resources found on its suite of digital classroom services.
Announcing the event Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific executive vice president and general manager, South Asia and head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales and Southeast Asia, Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Channel continues to celebrate extraordinary people and topical events through its entertaining programmes. Last year, the channel telecast live event of Nik Wallenda’s incredible tightrope walk across the Grand Canyon and saw a great response from its viewers across India. In 2014, with Everest Jump Live, we will bring a remarkable experience for our viewers which will be unlike anything ever seen on television.”
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Ogwyn is no stranger to the Everest. He first summited the world’s highest peak at just 24-years of age, becoming the youngest American to make it to the top. In 2008, Joby set the world record for the fastest ascent of Mt. Everest, climbing from the base of the south side route to the summit in just nine and a half hours (it typically takes 3-4 days). Ever since then, he’s searched for the ultimate way to explore the mountain – and now he’s found it.
“This will be the final piece of my dream. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve imagined what it would be like to fly. I can’t think of a more spectacular backdrop than Everest,” said Joby. “Everything that I’ve ever accomplished in my life has just been practice for what I’m about to do.”
Ogwyn takes the plunge from atop the summit wearing a wingsuit equipped with cameras. The jump will air live in every pay-TV market for Discovery Networks International across the Asia Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America, the Nordics and Western Europe, weather permitting.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
