BWI: TERI in Consonance with Surabhi Foundation Launches ‘Colours of India’ Documentary Series

Press release from Business Wire India
Source: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010 06:08 PM IST (12:38 PM GMT)
Editors: General: Arts & culture, Consumer interest, Entertainment, Lifestyle, People, Social issues; Business: Advertising, PR & marketing, Media & entertainment
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TERI in Consonance with Surabhi Foundation Launches 'Colours of India' Documentary Series
Promoted by ONGC and to be Telecast on National Geographic Channel, Series is an Excellent Amalgamation of the Heritage of India that has Lived Through the Passage of Time

New Delhi, Delhi, India, Tuesday, August 10, 2010 -- (Business Wire India) -- India's cultural heritage has lived through the passage of time. But there is little doubt that it faces a tough challenge to survive in the wake of modernization. On Tuesday evening, the cause of preserving India's rich heritage got a fresh impetus in the national capital, with the launch of an exciting television series called 'Colours of India'. Co-produced by TERI and the Surabhi Foundation, the series will be aired on National Geographic Channel Network, and has been made possible with the 'Corporate Social Responsibility' efforts of ONGC.

The Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Mr Murli Deora officially launched the series by releasing the first DVD copy of the films. The series will go on air on August 13th, 2010 at 1900 hrs, and will be telecast every Friday throughout the month. It shall simultaneously be aired on Fox History and Entertainment too.

The series is a first of its kind effort to document the cultural and ecological heritage of India. It aims to inspire the country's youth to conserve and celebrate this heritage. The films are 40-minute long documentaries that will be available to viewers in both English and Hindi. In this series, there are four stories that bring together different aspects of India; from the forts of Jaisalmer to the sacred forests of North-East and from the homes of 'Tai Ahom' kings to a city that was, as myths go, carved out of stone- Warangal.

ONGC has made sure that the series reaches beyond cable television. Through TERI's network with schools across India, ONGC will also distribute DVD copies of the films to 500 schools in far-flung towns and villages. The schools shall screen the film for the benefit of their students and staff. No doubt, ONGC is excited about its unique Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. "ONGC hopes to inspire the viewers, particularly the youth, to celebrate India's rich heritage. The films will disseminate knowledge on environment, protection of monuments and our rich cultural roots. These are also the focus areas in our CSR endeavours." said Mr. R S Sharma, the Chairman of ONGC.

Commending the efforts of Surabhi Foundation and TERI's Film and TV Unit, Dr. R.K. Pachauri, Director General, TERI said, "Building a sustainable future certainly requires technological innovation, but far more than that it needs a base of culture and tradition which respects the conservation of nature and protection of the environment. The series "Colours of India" attempts to rekindle our appreciation of India's cultural heritage which would foster initiatives to protect our environment and pursue a path of development which is sustainable".

Siddharth Kak, remembered for his long-running cultural magazine on television, Surabhi, is all set to revive the magic of yesteryears. He sums up the series as "a kaleidoscope of the diversity, beauty and wisdom of India and a glimpse into its art, architecture and history."

As a co-producer of the series, TERI's Film and TV Unit has focused on the ecological heritage of India. TERI has documented sacred ecological sites across the country in order to formalize their protection and to integrate such traditional conservation practices in government policy. The film 'Back to the Roots' translates this knowledge into a beautiful visual story. Dr. Pachauri said TERI would come out with many such untold stories from India's heritage that closely link with conservation. "Building a sustainable future certainly requires technological innovation, but far more than that it needs a base of culture and tradition which respects the conservation of nature and protection of the environment. The series "Colours of India" attempts to rekindle our appreciation of India's cultural heritage which would foster initiatives to protect our environment and pursue a path of development which is sustainable."

As all eyes are now set for the telecast of the series, Keertan Adyanthaya, Managing Director of NGC Network said he is confident of an enthusiastic response from the viewers. After all, the series is targeted at the youth- NGC's largest viewer base. Colours of India will add many more colours to NGC India's regional programming. He said, "The collaboration between ONGC, Surabhi, TERI & NGC has yielded a very impressive set of documentaries that showcase India's glorious heritage. Our passionate viewers are sure to enjoy them."



CONTACT DETAILS
Rajiv Chibbar, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), +91 9810426698, rajivc@teri.res.in
Prashant Gunjan, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), +91 9310033088, prashant.gunjan@sampark.com

KEYWORDS
ARTS, CONSUMER, ENTERTAINMENT, LIFESTYLE, PEOPLE, SOCIAL, MARKETING, MEDIA

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