Celebrate Republic day with CNN-IBN

Media News

New Delhi, January 21, 2009

As India completes 60 years of being a republic and enters a new decade with the confidence of being one of the most promising economies, CNN-IBN brings its viewers differentiated programming which will talk about issues that matter most to its citizens. Join CNN-IBN as we celebrate 60 glorious years of the Indian Republic. The special programming will revolve around the theme of ’60 years’ focussing on a vast spectrum of issues ranging from the state of our senior citizens which will be showcased on CNN-IBN’s flagship bi-annual nationwide poll ‘State of the Nation’, ‘Spirited at Sixty’ which will talk about the manifold contributions by people over sixty and the ‘Citizen Journalist Republic Day Special’ which will showcase those individuals above sixty years who are fighting against a present anomaly in the system. ‘Makers of India’ will relive the contributions made by ten greatest Indian’s who have been instrumental in making India a republic which will be profiled & discussed by noted modern Indian historian, Ramachandra Guha and Rajdeep Sardesai. The other specials lined up this Republic Day include The Citizen Journalist Show, Secret Kitchen, Y Not & Bollywood Blockbusters Special.

In saluting the undying spirit of our nation, CNN-IBN has lined up an array of shows which will define India: its past, present and future as India celebrates sixty years of becoming a republic. The line-up of special programming on the channel includes:

* State of the Nation Poll: CNN-IBN, IBN7 and IBN-Lokmat present the 9th edition of their flagship nationwide opinion poll ‘State of the Nation’. This edition of the bi-annual nationwide poll will highlight the issues & concerns of the elderly population of India. The findings of the poll will deal with key issues impacting the generation aged 60 years and above. Amongst other things the poll will evaluate their relationship with the younger generation, assess how much do their loved ones truly care for them and delve deep to explore their feelings and provide a forum to hear the voices hitherto left unheard. The poll findings will be discussed with eminent panelists from the country on a special show - 25th January at 10:00 PM & 26th January at 2:00 PM on CNN-IBN.

* Makers of India: A special show where Rajdeep Sardesai along with noted modern Indian historian Mr. Ramachandra Guha will discuss and take you through ten great minds and their contribution to our country. Thought leaders like Satish Dhawan, M S Swaminathan, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyaya, Chandiprasad Bhatt, Justice V M Tharkunde, Verghese Kurien, Mridula Sarabhai, Shivarama Karanth, Dr. Bhangs, Dr. Sukumara Sen have through their work and dedication come to symbolize the values that are enshrined in our constitution. Don’t miss this special show which goes on air at 12:00 PM & 10 PM on January 26th on CNN-IBN.

* Spirited at 60: This show will profile some remarkable individuals like Dattareya Balse, Navjivan Singh, Lou Majaw and Sarita Joshi who though above sixty, are hale and active, and in their own way contribute to the betterment of society. The show will be telecast on 26th January at 5:30 PM on CNN-IBN.

* Citizen Journalist Republic Day Special: Citizen Journalist on Republic Day will showcase citizens like CJ Hark Chand Rara and CJ Veena Nagpal who are above sixty & are fighting for a present anomaly in the system. The show will be telecast on 26th January at 3:30 PM on CNN-IBN.

* Secret Kitchen Republic Day Special: Not to leave out fine connoisseurs of the Indian cuisine CNN-IBN’s foodie Bikramjit Ray will cover restaurants like The Imperial Janpath and United Coffee House, Connaught Place which have existed for sixty years and have become institutions in their own right. This special show for avid food lovers will be aired on 26th January at 1:30 PM & 6:30 PM on CNN-IBN.

* Y Not Republic Day Special: The ‘Y Not’ show has a special treat for its youth. The show will look back and cherish the olden days "in nostalgia". From black and white televisions, to the obsolete cameras and facilities like trunk calling; the show is a celebration of the simpler joys of life. Reminisce the “nostalgia” on 26th January at 4:30 PM on CNN-IBN.

* Bollywood Blockbusters Republic Day Special: The show will talk about interesting facts on the making of the highly acclaimed film ‘AWARA’ made by show-man Raj Kapoor. One of the greatest movies produced in the last sixty years, the film is a true reflection of the new, independent and emerging India at the time of India becoming a republic. The show will be telecast at 9:30 PM on 26th January on CNN-IBN.

Speaking about the programming, Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-Chief, IBN 18 Network said, "The Republic Day programming has been designed to be representative of both; the achievements of India over the last sixty years and herald in a new decade which is touted to be the decade of India. Our varied range of programming is meant to appeal to diverse audiences and is bound to bring the spirit of our national unity alive. Shows like ‘Makers of India’ talks about stalwarts who have been responsible for the creation of a republic India. The ‘State of the Nation Poll’, ‘Spirited at Sixty’ and ‘CJ Special’ brings to the fore concerns and achievements of the senior citizens of our country."

For more Information, please contact:

Hanmer MS&L

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