Factual
Discovery Channel to air ‘Revealed: Siachen’
MUMBAI: The Siachen glacier located at the Karakoram range in the Himalayas is the world’s highest and coldest battleground with army posts at over 21,000 feet. To stay atop on this 77 kilometers long glacier at 5,400 meters altitude means the Indian soldiers have to defy all their physical, mental and emotional limits to safeguard the motherland.
Celebrating Army Day on 15 January and honoring the heroism and sacrifice of the Indian soldiers posted at the world’s most treacherous war zone, Discovery Channel will premiere Revealed: Siachen on 26 January 2016 at 9 pm.
The one hour special Revealed: Siachen will take viewers through the extreme frontline in the world and what it takes to keep the Siachen glacier secure and peaceful. It will present the remarkable chronicles of the soldiers and their formidable challenges to manage the battlefield where temperatures reach minus 60 degrees.
Commenting on the programme, Discovery Networks Asia Pacific executive vice president and general manager South Asia Rahul Johri said, “Revealed: Siachen is dedicated to every Indian soldier for their velour and sacrifice for the motherland. The program will offer viewers first-hand testimonies from the soldiers who have been at the battlefront and will present some intriguing facts to understand what makes Siachen toughest terrain in the world.”
According to Col Narendra Kumar, first surveyor of Siachen for the Indian Army, “Siachen Glacier will always be one of the most compelling experiences for me and to my mind for all the Indian soldiers who have served tours of duty there. I am delighted to associate with Discovery Channel to experientially enable viewers to get a feel of the world’s toughest and coldest battleground through the experiences of those currently serving there, something that is not very frequently seen on Indian television.”
Indian Army maintains a permanent military presence in the region and they are in a constant fight against nature, a fight for oxygen on icy mountain peaks at an altitude of 21,000 feet. The programme will give viewers an exclusive access to the intriguing facts about the extensive training in high altitude survival, rescue methods and excavation skills that soldiers undergo.
Revealed: Siachen will narrate the first assault launched in the world’s highest battlefield, Operation Meghdoot in 1984 and the ceasefire in 2003. Starting from Col Narendra Kumar, a highly acclaimed mountaineer who led the first Indian expedition to survey the Siachen glacier in June 1978 to Honorary Capt Bana Singh who captured a crucial post in Siachen to Major Amit Aukta, Capt Deepshikha Pandey from the Army Medical Corps, Major Vikalp Sharma from the Army Aviation Corps and Col Hariharan, Base Commander at the Siachen Base Camp among others will recount their operations on land and in air under the Operation Meghdoot.
Revealed: Siachen will also premiere on Discovery Tamil and Discovery HD World at 9 pm.
Factual
National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
