India's Greatest Journeys- Dakshin Gangotri, from the house of MnM Talkies
For the first time, an Indian wintering team has endured an entire winter on an Indian Antarctic base.
As they prepare to return home, they reflect on their monumental achievement.
This may be the end of their mission, but it marks the beginning of one of India’s Greatest Journeys.
India's Greatest Journeys- Dakshin Gangotri, from the house of MnM Talkies
Isolated from the rest of the world, mission members receive news through telecommunications. They celebrate the first Indian Independence Day under an Indian flag in Antarctica.
A special call from Prime Minister Indira Gandhi brings them encouragement, but her assassination soon after leaves the team reeling. Amid the turmoil back home, their thoughts turn to their loved ones.
Antarctica plunges into darkness, with no sunlight for two months. The cycle of darkness, blizzards, and repairs takes a toll. Mission members must endure mental stress from isolation while performing their duties in extreme conditions, with wind speeds of 250 km/hr and temperatures plummeting to minus 50 degrees Celsius.
For the summer team, the mission concludes. For the wintering team, it has just begun. Twelve Indians will spend the next months living in Antarctica in untested quarters. Before the next blizzard hits, the wintering team must finalize system checks and gather supplies left behind by the summer team. They also receive unexpected assistance from their Soviet neighbors.
India's Greatest Journeys- Dakshin Gangotri, from the house of MnM Talkies
The mission falls behind schedule, with no room for delays. Once summer ends, the ice becomes too thick and perilous for ships. The task, already daunting, becomes even more challenging. Mission members recount the grueling work schedules and the extraordinary effort required to overcome natural and unforeseen obstacles to finally establish Dakshin Gangotri in Antarctica.
India's Greatest Journeys- Dakshin Gangotri, from the house of MnM Talkies
Building a base in a remote frozen dessert is no easy feat. India is the first nation attempting to construct an Antarctic base within a single summer season, which lasts only two months. The base must be robust enough to house 12 Indians for an entire year, isolated from civilization. A catastrophic crash of an IAF helicopter, used to transport members and equipment, threatens to derail the entire mission.
India's Greatest Journeys- Dakshin Gangotri, from the house of MnM Talkies
The third Indian Antarctic Mission embarks on the Finnish icebreaker vessel, Finnpolaris, with a mix of Finnish crew members and Indian mission members. Before reaching Antarctica, they must navigate the formidable Southern Ocean. Known for its powerful storms and treacherous conditions, the Southern Ocean presents significant challenges. Mission members share their experiences of crossing these turbulent waters and participating in a Finnish sailing custom that helped bond the crew.
India's Greatest Journeys- Dakshin Gangotri, from the house of MnM Talkies
Despite their determination, the Indian team lacks the required technological expertise. Members of the Antarctic Mission travel to Europe to acquire the necessary equipment and training. This episode highlights the international cooperation that made the missions possible, along with personal anecdotes and culture shocks experienced by the mission members.
India's Greatest Journeys- Dakshin Gangotri, from the house of MnM Talkies
On January 9th, 1982, the Indian team successfully reaches Antarctica. The primary objective of the first mission is to conduct scientific research and lay the groundwork for India’s first Antarctic base. Why is Antarctica unique? What scientific value does this frozen wasteland hold? This episode examines how research on this continent enhances our understanding of Earth's history and future.
India's Greatest Journeys- Dakshin Gangotri, from the house of MnM Talkies
The year is 1981. Color TV is still a year away, and getting a landline connection takes a minimum six-month waiting period—if you’re lucky. Significant events of 1981 include the births of cricket legends M.S. Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, and Gautam Gambhir.
However, this year also marks India’s first Antarctic mission. This episode will explore the origins and necessity of these missions, the selection process of potential candidates, their reactions upon learning of their selection, and the training regimen they underwent.
Close your eyes and picture Antarctica... ❄️
Huge glaciers, strong winds, endless snow and a fearless team of Indian soldiers and scientists who established India’s first Antarctic base, Dakshin Gangotri, in just one season—a feat other nations took two seasons to achieve.
"India’s Greatest Journeys: Dakshin Gangotri," from the house of MnM Talkies, brings this mission to life. Hosted by Dhruv Lohumi, who grew up with these stories, this audio documentary captures personal stories and interviews with the mission heroes.
This Independence Day, relive this extraordinary journey. Feel the creaking of ice and the heartbeat of a nation striving for greatness.
Launching August 15th, 2024.
Plug in your headphones and let your imagination soar. #DakshinGangotri #IndiasGreatestJourneys #Backto1983 #MnMTalkies #podcast