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 The
one hour special A Legend Of Malerkotla: A Tale from the Punjab
airs on 17 January at 9 pm in the Discover India slot with
a repeat on 18 January at 9 am and on 22 January at 12 Noon. After
India achieved independence in 1947 Punjab was the worst hit by
this ethnic frenzy. In this mayhem, there was only one island of
peace in Punjab, and that was the tiny Muslim ruled principality
of Malerkotla.
The special has been made by filmmakers, Iqbal and Anu Malhotra
and features interviews with some of the residents who reminisce
about the days following 15 August 1947. Violence was visible across
the border but never percolated to Malerkotla. The special captures
their stories, interspersed with recreated enactments of the scenes
of violence in Punjab,says a channel press release.
 Discovery
India marketing director Aditya P Tripathi said, "In response to
the growing popularity of the Discover India series, the
Discovery Channel presents a new season of interesting programmes
that depict the country's multiple facets. A Legend Of Malerkotla
will appeal to all secular Indians, especially to viewers in Punjab
and Haryana. In the coming months, we plan to bring in more such
programmes for the Discover India series."
Legend has it that for centuries, the town has been peaceful because
of the special boon bestowed upon it by Guru Gobind Singh, the last
of the Sikh Gurus. Others feel that it is simply the presence of
the shrine of Baba Sadruddin, popularly known as Baba Haidar Sheikh,
the Sufi saint, who founded the town of Malerkotla more than 500
years ago. Never in the town's history has communal dissent disturbed
the prevailing peace.
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