National Geographic Channel Joins Hands With The Indian Army For Their Largest Indian Initiative

National Geographic Channel is all set to drive the youth of the country to pursue a once in a lifetime opportunity and live the life of an Indian Army soldier. After the mega success of Mission Udaan, Mission Everest and Mission Navy, Nat Geo now collaborates with Indian Army for its next mega Mission Property - Idea presents Nat Geo Mission Army. Through this series, Nat Geo will take five shortlisted citizens, through an exclusive journey, which will be tough and adventurous, only one among the five will win the grand prize of being a part of an Indian Army Mission abroad, a feat never accomplished by any other TV channel in the country.

General Vijay Kumar Singh PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC, Chief of the Army Staff launched Idea presents Nat Geo Mission Army during a grand event held at India Gate today. The event was graced by the top brass of the Indian Army. The ambience was provided by the spectacular display of the Army band, military equipment and horse cavalry, thus, capturing the true spirit of the Indian Army.

Through a unique docu-reality format, Nat Geo will take its viewers inside the Indian Army, on a passage of honour and pride, giving them an opportunity to experience the life of soldiers who epitomize Courage under Fire. Mission Army will take you close to the Indian Army, to pay a tribute to our Indian Jawan. In the series; five Indian citizens from different walks of life will get chance of a life time to experience the life of the soldier.

We are very happy and proud to partner with National Geographic Channel for Mission Army, as we feel that the values and authenticity the channel brings, will enhance and bring forward the true spirit and grit of the Indian Army. Through this association, with National Geographic Channel, we want to create a platform, which will capture the life inside one of the largest and most prestigious organizations in the country. Through the series, we want to give the nation an insight into the challenges and hardships our officers and jawans undertake, to ensure that their fellow countrymen can live in peace and harmony. Be it in the peace time or at war, we want to tell the nation that the Indian Army is always there for you- always and every time. The series and the channel is the right platform for us to showcase our culture, ethos, equipment and the terrain we operate in. I am sure it will be an eye-opener for many, when they will get an invaluable access into our lives. We are looking forward to giving our countrymen, especially the youth, a window into the adventurous and honourable life of the Indian Army said General Vijay Kumar Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC, Chief of Army Staff.

Speaking about the mega series, Keertan Adyanthaya, Managing Director - National Geographic Network & Fox International Channels said, Nat Geo has been associated with the Indian Defence Forces, since 2003 and through our Mission properties, we have not only given the Indian youth, a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of the Armed Forces, but have taken our viewers into territories, where no civilian has got access. With this unique property Idea presents Nat Geo Mission Army- for the very first time, in the history of Indian television, Nat Geo will take its viewers inside the second largest army in the world. We are proud and honored to be associated with the Indian Army.

Interested participants can register online, for Mission Army on-ground selections, by simply logging on to www.natgeotv.co.in/missionarmy or by sending MISSION to 5667722. Nat Geo has created an exclusive facebook page, where interested participants can register. The facebook page will have a host of features like information of the participants, videos, factoids and an interesting photo gallery.

Indian civilian nationals, above the age of 18, who are physically fit, can apply to be a part of Mission Army. On-ground selections would be organized in Mumbai on November 14, 2010, Bangalore on November 21, 2010 and New Delhi on November 28, 2010. All participants would undergo physical, psychological and mental tests, akin to what happens in an actual Army selection centre. Five candidates will be selected per city and they will go through a rigorous medical examination, at the Research and Referral Hospital, of the Indian Army in New Delhi. The medical tests of the fifteen participants will be held on November 29 and 30, 2010. Those who clear the medical tests will go to the final round. This round will decide the five finalists, who will get the opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of the Indian army for the next 30 days. The final round will be held at Rajputana Rifles Centre, New Delhi on 01st Of December 2010.

The five finalists will then undergo a training capsule at the prestigious Indian Military Academy in Dehradun, and will further get an exposure into all arms and services of the Indian Army. They will go to Units, Institutions and establishments, right from Chennai to Siachen. They will get to go to institutions like the Commando school in Belgaum, High Altitude warfare School in Gulmarg, the Armoured Corps Centre at Ahmednagar and Artillery Centre in Deolali, besides seeing the life of the army personnel in their regiments in Srinagar and the deserts of Rajasthan. They will be trained and tasked at each of these places and will be evaluated by the Army; for only one amongst the five will win the honour of being part of an Indian Army Training Team abroad.

National Geographic Channel has planned an extensive 360-degree campaign, including on-air, on-line, radio, outdoor and on-ground, to create a strong connect with its target audience. Leading telecom brand, Idea has become the presenting sponsor of the show on Nat Geo. Nat Geo has also partnered with RED FM as the official radio partner.

Notes to Editor

About National Geographic Channel India

National Geographic Channel India launched on July 1st, 1998. Its programming covers adventure and exploration, natural history, science, wildlife and people of the world. The National Geographic Channel is currently distributed to over 45 million homes in India and on an average gets over 54 million viewers a month.

Company :-National Geographic