| MUMBAI:
National Geographic Channel's (NGC) new local property will showcase the hitherto
uncharted world of the Indian Navy, replete with warships, submarines, missiles
and much more.
The
show Nat Geo’s Mission Navy: Lehron Ke Sartaj
kicks off on 2 February and will air every Monday at 9 pm.
Seven
episodes will give an insight into the lives of the men who patrol and protect
the country. With this initiative, NGC provided five civilians including three
women, the unique opportunity to be a part of the Navy, training and imbuing them
with the courage, grit and determination which is synonymous with the Indian Navy.
With
over 50,000 entries only, 15 semi-finalists were selected
for the mission after a series of physical and mental tests
conducted by the Navy. The semi-finalists then underwent grueling
selection tests in Mumbai to reach the final five including
23-year old Arjun R Shetty from Bengaluru; 21-year old Sudhanshu
Budakoty from Mysore; 20-year old, Sakshi Havanoor from Pune;
28-year old, Chaitanya Datla from Bengaluru and 25-year old
Suranjani H R from Bengaluru.
These
five Indians got the opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of the Indian Navy
for over a month. It all started from being introduced to the academy life and
undergoing basic training, to setting their first step ever on board an Indian
Naval ship. Some of them not only got to learn the science behind the submarines
but also a chance to train in one. They were also trained in beaching operations
and got to perform the difficult jack stay amongst other tasks. At
the end of the series, the most resilient, deserving and valiant of these five
finalists will have the honour of sailing with the Indian Navy’s Lehron Ke
Sartaj on an international tour. The decision by the Indian Navy would be based
on various exercises, tests and experiences the participants went through during
the month long training period. NGC
South Asia MD Nikhil Mirchandani says, “Our Mission properties have
always showcased exceptional content, encouraging viewers to re-assess the world
they live in and expand their thought horizons. We are extremely excited to announce
the on-air launch of Mission Navy: Lehron Ke Sartaj, especially since it
would take our viewers inside the incredible world of the Indian Navy.
“We received
an unprecedented response across the country for participation in the series and
are proud of the fact that we have three remarkable women in the final five who
got the opportunity of a lifetime to experience the life in the Indian Navy."
Chief
of the Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta says, “Facts and details about the
Indian Navy are largely unknown to the people of our country. We are therefore,
extremely pleased to welcome the National Geographic Channel cameras aboard our
vessels to capture the world of the Indian Navy and present it to audiences through
Nat Geo Mission Navy: Lehron Ke Sartaj”.
Taking
interactivity forward, Nat Geo has launched a microsite on
www.natgeotv.co.in which is packed with lots of wallpapers,
downloads, Navy images, videos, factoids on Indian Navy, contests,
and the Mission Navy music video featuring the band
Euphoria.
Presented
by Samsung Mobile, powered by Idea, NGC’s Mission Navy is being promoted
on-air, on-ground, on-line and through print, outdoor, radio and SMS campaign.
Associate sponsors for the series include HP, Indica Vista, Union Bank, IBM and
Mountain Dew.
In
association with its on-ground partner, Café Coffee
Day and gaming partner, Xbox 360, NGC is also organising a
contest with Xbox 360 gaming kiosks in select Café
Coffee Day outlets. Viewers can come and play the games and
can get a chance to win their own Xbox360. The series is also
supported by online partner, Yahoo! India; travel partner
SpiceJet; radio partner Fever 104 FM; and outdoor media partner
Pioneer Publicity Corporation.
Also
Read Nat
Geo partners Indian Navy for new 'Mission' property | 
