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Nat Geo unveils big secret: announces premiere of ‘Secrets Unveiled’
MUMBAI: National Geographic Channel (NGC) unveiled its final big programming of the year 2003 today (Thursday).
The channel has announced the premiere of Secrets Unveiled, a 52-minute, eight-episode series starting 2 November (Sunday) – which promises to take viewers to some of the most restricted places in the world.
NGC’s veteran photographer, Reza Deghati, was in the city to promote the series. Reza has been involved in conceptualising, photographing and packaging two shows in the series – Inside Mecca and In the Forbidden Zone. The other episodes include Inside the Vatican, Inside the White House, Inside Air Force One, Inside the Pentagon, Inside Soviet Circus and Inside NFL Films.
Inside Mecca will take viewers on the annual pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest city through the lens of Reza.
Nat Geo takes us Inside Mecca in Secrets Unveiled
Reza says the entire experience of travelling through Mecca as well as the forbidden areas of Afghanistan was spectacular. “At Mecca, it is a whole new experience to see faith in such magnitude. Year after year, millions of devout Hajjis come to this place and follow a passionate and spiritual journey of faith and prayer. At this point, it does not matter whether they are Hindus, Muslims, Jews or Christians. What touches you is the conviction – their belief.”
Nat Geo’s photojournalist Reza follows the pilgrims of Mecca through his lens
The episode – which will precede the rest- will focus on the personal stories of three Hajjis making the journey to engage in the rituals of Hajj.
Forbidden Zone documents Reza’s journey through Afghanistan in the months of November and December 2000, to meet up with his friend, commander Masood.
Besides these two episodes, Reza is fascinated by Inside the Vatican. “The episode explores the Vatican and shows viewers that it is more than just the Pope.”
Reza – who has been working with the National Geographic Society for 13 years – has tracked war-torn regions like Afghanistan, Rwanda and Egypt in the past. He says, “I am attracted by freedom and justice. I want to convey to the people that the notion of war goes against the notions of freedom and humanity. I go around these countries, photographing the pathos, because I want people to register how mundane war is. And I think photography has the power to change people’s perspectives.” His best photos are his searing images of oppressed and helpless children.
Inside the Vatican explores the unknown world of the Vatican
About his experience with Nat Geo he says, “With them, I have had the opportunity to explore the unexplored and go into places that no one has been before.” Reza sees all his assignments as the best. “That’s how I capture the best scenes in my lens,” he explains.
Secrets Unveiled, he says, does not just bring the world’s restricted areas to the spotlight but also goes beyond what is talked about. “Usually, when a pilgrimage site is discussed, it’s just about people thronging to the places of worship. But Nat Geo pushes its focus right into the real scene – the frenzy, the faith. The entire story is told to the people.”
Reza believes that National Geo’s aim is to “increase and diffuse knowledge” literally (The Society’s credo is ‘for the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge’). “It’s an institution with values and that’s what I am defending,” he adds.
NGC’s assistant V-P (marketing) Puneet Johar says about Secrets Unveiled, “The series is an example of our compelling programming. We want to bring to the viewers a credible and entertaining programme.” The series’ on air promos goes, ‘Eight restricted places, only Nat Geo can take you there’. Johar ensures that the channel will keep its promise.
About NGC’s other initiatives in India, Johar says, “We recently had Kapil Dev promoting the Science of Sports show. We want to illustrate the scientific aspect of every sport including cricket. The spin bowling, batting, fielding – all have a science behind it. By getting Dev to promote the show, we got credibility for the show.”
To promote their major programming in 2004 Mission Mars, NGC plans to rope in some local talents, Johar says, but refuses to divulge further at present.
“Besides NGC has Indyeah!, a two-hour block on Thursdays from 8-10 pm which shows various aspects of the country – the people, wildlife, the tribes and so on,” Johar informs.
As for Reza, he states that while India does interest him, he is still hoping to find a story, a subject to delve into, here.
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.
