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A glimpse into IAF's history

TIE-UP: Air Chief Marshal S.P.Tyagi, Chief of Air Staff, shaking hands with Zubin J.Gandevia, managing director of National Geographic Channel, at the launch of "Nat Geo Mission Udaan'' in New Delhi on Thursday. — Photo: Sandeep Saxena

To give viewers an insight into the working of one of the largest air forces in the world, the National Geographic television channel has tied up with the Indian Air Force to produce "Nat Geo Mission Udaan" that will go on the air this coming November. Announcing this alliance at the Akash Air Force Officers' Mess in New Delhi on Thursday, the managing director of the channel, Zubin J. Gandevia, said the underlying purpose behind the series was to share with the viewers IAF's history and its heroes and their heroics.

Expressing optimism about the success of the upcoming series, the Air Chief, Air Chief Marshal S.P. Tyagi said: "Through `Nat Geo Mission Udaan' we want to enter the doors and hearts of every Indian. Our countrymen must know what it takes to be an air warrior. Besides the glamour part associated with the IAF like war heroes, there are other aspects also that would be shown in the series. We have stories to tell in which our men have made huge accomplishments and sacrifices that are awe-inspiring." From a tiny fleet, the IAF has come to be a highly specialised fighting force because of its impeccable training standards and the sacrifices and death-defying manoeuvres of its expert fighter pilots, added Air Chief Marshal Tyagi.

Mr. Gandevia said: "We have a story to tell. There are lots of hidden facets about the IAF. To make the series interactive and locally relevant, we will soon be having a contest in which five people from across the country would get a lifetime opportunity to experience the IAF."

While Indian audiences would get a glimpse into the life and science behind military aviation through "Nat Geo Mission Udaan", a two-hour edited version of this series will be beamed across over 150 countries in 27 languages. By focusing on the strengths and heroism of the IAF, the series - only the second wholly Indian-based programming initiative after the successful "Mission Everest" - seeks to synergise its strengths to create a strong interactive local connection with its target audience. — Madhur Tankha

— Madhur Tankha

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