MUMBAI: Marking the 50th anniversary of 1965 India-Pakistan war, Discovery Channel will present 1965: India’s Battles and Heroes, a special programme that will recount the valour and sacrifice of the Indian soldiers who put their lives on the line in defence of the country.

To premiere on 14 September at 9 pm, 1965: India’s Battles and Heroes will narrate the complete story of the war by using rare archival footage, reconstructions and first hand experiences of the 1965 war survivors.

1965: India’s Battles and Heroes captures the circumstances of the battle and each milestone. The programme will highlight the various war equipment used during the war and daring challenges encountered. It will also recount the battle fought on the ground and in the air.

Rahul Johri, EVP & GM-South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, “1965: India’s Battles and Heroes will recount the war through the eyes of the soldiers who were at the battlefront. It will piece together the circumstances of the war and the bravery of the war heroes through rare archival footage and captivating narration.”

The special programme will present the sequence of significant battles alongside the inspiring stories of the war heroes who led these battles, brought victories and eventually left behind proud memories fighting for their regiments and their countrymen. Some of the war heroes covered in the programme includes Lieutenant Colonel A.B. Tarapore, Major Bhupinder Singh, Major R.S. Dyal, Lieutenant Colonel Desmond Hayde, Company Quarter Master Havildar (CQMH) Abdul Hamid, Squadron Leader Denzil Keelor and Flying Officer V.K. Nebb.

1965: India’s Battles and Heroes will start with the war in the Rann of Kutch in August triggered by Pakistan under the aegis of Operation Desert Hawk. This led to a ceasefire in April 1965 brokered by British Prime Minister Harold Wilson. Thereafter, in August 1965, Operation Gibraltar was launched by Pakistan where Pakistani soldiers in civilian outfits crossed the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir. This was followed with Operation Bakshi which saw the Indian Army capturing the highest mountain Haji Pir Pass - the main route for infiltration into Kashmir.

The programme will then take the audience through the launch of Operation Grand Slam by Pakistan to take the border town of Akhnoor. Highlighting the crucial role played by the Indian Air Force, India reinforced Akhnoor.  It was soon after this victory, Indian Prime Minister Shastri in his radio broadcast told the citizens to be prepared for a long battle ahead.

The programme will also have the 1965 heroes who survived the war reminisce about their heroic tales of valour, the war-room strategies, the achievements and immense sacrifices made by the Indian soldiers. These include Colonel JS Bindra (Retd), Brigadier VK Vaid (Retd), Brigadier Jasbir Singh Hundal (Retd), Lieutenant General Ajai Singh (Retd), Brigadier Kanwaljeet Singh (Retd), Major General B.R. Varma (Retd), Wing Commander V.K.Nebb(Retd) and Air Marshall Denzil Keelor(Retd).