Netflix collaborates with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to celebrate real-life heroes through Azadi Ki Amrit Kahaniyan. The project was inaugurated on Tuesday in the presence of the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur, as India commemorates 75 years of independence with a celebration of its people, culture, and achievements.
“Great tales can originate from anyone and are ever so motivating when they are about people who strive despite the obstacles,” said Bela Bajaria, Global Head of the TV at Netflix, present at the event. “In partnership with The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Azadi Ki Amrit Kahaniyan focuses on celebrating remarkable individuals and their stories that can inspire people in India and around the world.”, she added.
These short videos, narrated by famed actress Neena Gupta, depict these extraordinary journeys and how they cracked the iron barrier in their respective fields, varying from science to sports.
Here’s what these achievers have to say about what “Azadi” means to them.
“If something hasn’t been attempted, it doesn’t mean you cannot do it. To me, Azadi means facing a raging fire.” — Harshini Kanheker, India’s first female firefighter.
“From water comes life, and water is life. I flow free like a river and will continue to protect and serve water, that’s Azadi to me.” — Basanti Devi, Environmentalist and protector of the Kosi river ecosystem.
“If women hold the power to create life, women also hold the power to save lives. If I have to put my life at stake to save other lives, I wouldn’t think twice.” — Poonam Nautiyal walked miles across the Bageshwar district in Uttarakhand to vaccinate thousands of people living in remote areas.
“Being a scientist, every moment is a learning curve. We need to face challenges, and we need to learn. I always say that science has no gender, and Azadi is when we take our nation to new horizons.” — Tessy Thomas, the “Missile Woman of India”, is the first-ever woman scientist to head a missile project in India.
“I am a force of nature, I can scale great heights, and my journey has just begun. Azadi means to make your way up in the world.” — Anshu Jamsenpa, the first woman in the world to summit Mount Everest twice in 5 days.
“When you dream something out of the box, it’s very important to push the norms. Azadi is to be one with the wind.” — Aarohi Pandit, the world’s youngest person and first woman pilot to cross the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean solo in a light-sport aircraft.
“You have the right to dream, and the right to achieve your dream. Just like the waves, be patient, be consistent, and never look back. To me, Azadi is to take a bit of the ocean wherever I go.”— Tanvi Jagadish, India’s first competitive woman stand-up paddleboarder.
The videos are now available on the Ministry’s social media platforms and Doordarshan.
