1 00:00:08,275 --> 00:00:09,141 Narrator: India. 2 00:00:11,712 --> 00:00:15,514 Birthplace of a civilization that is over 5,000 years old. 3 00:00:15,549 --> 00:00:20,619 (music) 4 00:00:20,654 --> 00:00:23,589 A land where ancient traditions live side by side 5 00:00:25,760 --> 00:00:28,060 With a dynamic, modern society. 6 00:00:28,095 --> 00:00:33,966 (music) 7 00:00:34,001 --> 00:00:36,702 This spectacular aerial journey captures 8 00:00:36,737 --> 00:00:39,938 This unique nation's incredible sights from above, 9 00:00:42,443 --> 00:00:43,909 For the first time. 10 00:00:46,380 --> 00:00:50,215 It shows how ancient festivals still dictate the rhythms of life here. 11 00:00:53,487 --> 00:00:56,255 And how indians are forging new traditions today. 12 00:01:00,928 --> 00:01:03,662 From the drive to make democracy work for everyone 13 00:01:03,697 --> 00:01:05,330 In a nation of over a billion people, 14 00:01:05,366 --> 00:01:10,069 (music) 15 00:01:10,104 --> 00:01:14,339 To ensuring ancient skills and techniques are preserved for future generations. 16 00:01:17,411 --> 00:01:21,280 Our bird's eye view reveals how this nation is embracing 17 00:01:21,315 --> 00:01:24,817 It's past to forge its future. 18 00:01:24,852 --> 00:01:34,893 (music) 19 00:01:34,895 --> 00:01:40,399 (music) 20 00:01:45,039 --> 00:01:49,842 (music) 21 00:01:50,945 --> 00:01:52,044 India. 22 00:01:59,687 --> 00:02:02,221 Home to 1.3 billion people. 23 00:02:14,835 --> 00:02:19,071 A secular nation where multiple faiths have thrived over centuries. 24 00:02:28,849 --> 00:02:31,383 (bell sounds) 25 00:02:34,388 --> 00:02:38,123 This is the birthplace of the world's oldest surviving religion, 26 00:02:38,159 --> 00:02:39,658 Hinduism. 27 00:02:42,129 --> 00:02:45,831 Scholars believe the roots of hinduism lie in ancient texts 28 00:02:45,866 --> 00:02:48,033 Written over 4,000 years ago. 29 00:02:53,641 --> 00:02:57,709 In india, water has been worshipped since time immemorial. 30 00:02:57,745 --> 00:03:00,179 And no river is more sacred to india's nearly 31 00:03:00,247 --> 00:03:04,249 One billion hindus than the river ganga, 32 00:03:04,285 --> 00:03:07,152 Known outside of india as the river ganges. 33 00:03:11,325 --> 00:03:13,058 This river has shaped the religious landscape 34 00:03:13,093 --> 00:03:16,628 Of india for thousands of years, 35 00:03:16,664 --> 00:03:20,399 And still exerts its influence over millions of indians. 36 00:03:32,146 --> 00:03:37,583 One of the most revered parts of the river is at prayagraj. 37 00:03:37,618 --> 00:03:42,654 448 miles southwest of india's capital city, delhi. 38 00:03:49,230 --> 00:03:52,998 This is the confluence of three holy rivers, 39 00:03:53,033 --> 00:03:57,769 The ganga, the yamuna and the mythical saraswati, 40 00:03:57,805 --> 00:04:01,440 The last one an invisible river existing in mythology. 41 00:04:10,284 --> 00:04:15,053 Hindus believe the holy water of these rivers washes away all mortal sins. 42 00:04:22,830 --> 00:04:26,331 This belief makes prayagraj one of the four holy sites 43 00:04:26,367 --> 00:04:29,501 Chosen to host the world's largest religious gathering. 44 00:04:30,971 --> 00:04:32,504 The kumbh festival. 45 00:04:36,176 --> 00:04:40,912 Every six years, millions of pilgrims flock here in search of salvation. 46 00:04:43,817 --> 00:04:48,587 When they come, a temporary city, two thirds the size of manhattan, 47 00:04:48,622 --> 00:04:50,589 Springs up on these riverbanks. 48 00:04:54,295 --> 00:04:59,264 And, with this many people packed into an area of over 12 square miles, 49 00:04:59,300 --> 00:05:01,600 Stampedes are always a risk. 50 00:05:07,240 --> 00:05:09,608 With previous kumbh melas reporting a number of deaths 51 00:05:09,643 --> 00:05:13,545 Due to overcrowding, the task of ensuring the safety 52 00:05:13,580 --> 00:05:17,182 Of the pilgrims falls on the 20,000 police officers 53 00:05:17,217 --> 00:05:20,786 Deployed at prayagraj, especially for this festival. 54 00:05:20,821 --> 00:05:26,291 (music) 55 00:05:26,327 --> 00:05:31,129 How is it possible to monitor the welfare of the 220 million people 56 00:05:31,165 --> 00:05:34,232 Expected to attend the 50-day long kumbh? 57 00:05:34,268 --> 00:05:47,512 (music) 58 00:05:47,548 --> 00:05:49,981 Deputy inspector general k.P. Singh 59 00:05:50,017 --> 00:05:53,385 Pioneers a modern solution to this ancient problem. 60 00:05:57,224 --> 00:05:59,991 Singh: This time we have used more than 1,000 plus cameras, 61 00:06:00,027 --> 00:06:04,329 So we try to incorporate the technology with the best people. 62 00:06:04,365 --> 00:06:06,998 So it was a new experiment altogether. 63 00:06:09,370 --> 00:06:13,372 Narrator: In the control room, singh's team uses artificial intelligence 64 00:06:13,407 --> 00:06:18,310 To analyze the live feeds from over 1,000 fixed and drone cameras 65 00:06:18,345 --> 00:06:20,145 Positioned around the festival. 66 00:06:22,015 --> 00:06:23,982 This allows them to watch over pilgrims 67 00:06:24,017 --> 00:06:26,585 Across the whole site around the clock. 68 00:06:29,223 --> 00:06:32,758 The technology uses an algorithm which measures the number of pilgrims 69 00:06:32,793 --> 00:06:37,829 In real time, in specific areas, and analyses crowd densities. 70 00:06:43,070 --> 00:06:45,270 It raises soft alerts for more than three people 71 00:06:45,305 --> 00:06:49,107 Per square meter and strong alerts for more than five. 72 00:06:53,781 --> 00:06:57,983 This helps inform the team about the areas in danger of becoming overcrowded. 73 00:07:04,892 --> 00:07:08,927 Singh uses this data to instruct his teams on the ground which manage crowds. 74 00:07:11,732 --> 00:07:14,666 Eliminating bottle necks and averting injury. 75 00:07:34,688 --> 00:07:36,955 After 50 days of festivities, 76 00:07:36,990 --> 00:07:39,925 Darkness falls on the last day of the kumbh festival. 77 00:07:47,701 --> 00:07:51,503 The pilgrims launch hundreds of burning lamps into the sacred rivers, 78 00:07:51,538 --> 00:07:53,705 Ganga and yamuna. 79 00:08:00,447 --> 00:08:05,517 High above, the drone technology takes to the night sky for a special display. 80 00:08:11,859 --> 00:08:15,060 They spell out the phrase "kumbh 2019" 81 00:08:15,095 --> 00:08:17,996 Together with the three colors of the indian national flag. 82 00:08:21,401 --> 00:08:24,269 This modern-day spectacle marks the end 83 00:08:24,304 --> 00:08:27,339 Of the largest religious gathering in the world. 84 00:08:39,286 --> 00:08:44,556 From traditions that date back over a millennia, 85 00:08:44,591 --> 00:08:49,294 To the millennials ringing in the new year with a modern celebration. 86 00:08:49,329 --> 00:08:51,897 India is a land of festivity. 87 00:08:55,536 --> 00:08:59,271 Come December, a festival begins to heat up on the world-famous 88 00:08:59,306 --> 00:09:02,807 Beaches of goa, on the west coast. 89 00:09:04,878 --> 00:09:08,280 Asia's largest edm festival, sunburn. 90 00:09:11,385 --> 00:09:16,488 An event where fans, world famous djs and top edm performers 91 00:09:16,523 --> 00:09:20,959 From around the globe come together for a larger than life celebration. 92 00:09:23,764 --> 00:09:28,767 After sunburn takes over the beaches of goa at the end of the year, 93 00:09:28,802 --> 00:09:30,735 Another festival begins in the spring 94 00:09:30,771 --> 00:09:34,639 That unites indians of almost all faiths. 95 00:09:38,312 --> 00:09:41,813 We travel from the southwest to the northern region of india. 96 00:09:54,695 --> 00:09:56,828 It is a warm afternoon in the town of nandgaon. 97 00:09:56,863 --> 00:09:59,331 (bell sounds) 98 00:10:03,537 --> 00:10:06,705 A view from the air reveals a group of young men winding their way 99 00:10:06,740 --> 00:10:09,074 Through the narrow passages in the town. 100 00:10:18,251 --> 00:10:21,219 A crowd of women waits for them in the main square. 101 00:10:23,290 --> 00:10:26,791 Each woman is armed with a long stick called the laathi. 102 00:10:32,265 --> 00:10:36,001 When the men arrive, the women use their lathis to beat them. 103 00:10:43,477 --> 00:10:47,679 This symbolic act is part of a day long celebration in nandgaon 104 00:10:47,714 --> 00:10:51,583 That marks the beginning of the festival of holi every year. 105 00:11:09,803 --> 00:11:13,905 It's early evening in the northern town of nandgaon, 106 00:11:13,940 --> 00:11:16,341 Where a unique ritual is playing out. 107 00:11:18,245 --> 00:11:20,278 This is lathmar holi. 108 00:11:23,517 --> 00:11:26,551 It began as a retelling of a famous hindu legend. 109 00:11:29,890 --> 00:11:33,692 A love story between the lord krishna and the maiden, radha. 110 00:11:39,299 --> 00:11:42,333 Krishna is believed to have blue colored skin. 111 00:11:45,505 --> 00:11:49,874 The story goes that krishna and his friends visit the village where radha lives. 112 00:11:49,910 --> 00:12:01,086 (music) 113 00:12:01,121 --> 00:12:05,123 Krishna smothers her in pigment to try and change the color of her skin. 114 00:12:11,598 --> 00:12:12,831 Radha fights back. 115 00:12:15,936 --> 00:12:20,038 She and her friends beat krishna with sticks and drive him from the town. 116 00:12:30,550 --> 00:12:32,584 The modern inhabitants of nandgaon, 117 00:12:32,619 --> 00:12:35,253 The village where lord krishna spent his childhood, 118 00:12:35,288 --> 00:12:37,722 Recreate this tale of a youthful prank 119 00:12:37,758 --> 00:12:40,258 In their playful stick beating ritual. 120 00:12:53,206 --> 00:12:55,774 Nandgaon erupts in a kaleidoscope of color. 121 00:13:06,186 --> 00:13:08,887 Neighbors throw handfuls of pigment at each other 122 00:13:08,922 --> 00:13:10,955 To celebrate the ancient legend. 123 00:13:15,495 --> 00:13:20,331 Age, gender and nationality disappear under a blanket of colors. 124 00:13:32,445 --> 00:13:34,846 Scenes like these can be found across the subcontinent 125 00:13:34,881 --> 00:13:36,915 During the week of holi. 126 00:13:40,720 --> 00:13:43,855 As people come together in a fun celebration 127 00:13:43,890 --> 00:13:46,491 That coincides with the start of spring. 128 00:13:56,336 --> 00:14:01,139 Like the festivals which bind together india's citizens, 129 00:14:01,174 --> 00:14:05,810 The desire for progress transcends borders of states and culture. 130 00:14:10,083 --> 00:14:14,085 The indian space program is a source of great pride for the nation. 131 00:14:16,456 --> 00:14:20,758 From its launchpad in the city of sriharikota, 132 00:14:20,794 --> 00:14:23,328 The indian space research organization has sent 133 00:14:23,363 --> 00:14:25,864 Missions to both the moon and mars. 134 00:14:28,802 --> 00:14:31,102 The modern drive to build vessels to explore 135 00:14:31,137 --> 00:14:35,540 New horizons springs from the nation's ancient roots. 136 00:14:39,646 --> 00:14:41,980 Once source of this passion for engineering can be found 137 00:14:42,015 --> 00:14:45,350 On india's west coast, in the city of veraval. 138 00:14:47,888 --> 00:14:51,522 Indians have fished from boats here for centuries. 139 00:14:57,597 --> 00:15:01,933 A bird's eye view reveals that veraval is still a busy fishing port today. 140 00:15:06,506 --> 00:15:08,640 Many of these boats are made from fiberglass. 141 00:15:11,278 --> 00:15:13,511 A few are wooden, built by carpenters 142 00:15:13,546 --> 00:15:16,881 Who used techniques honed over centuries. 143 00:15:24,791 --> 00:15:28,159 Mansur kureshi comes from a long line of shipbuilders 144 00:15:28,194 --> 00:15:31,829 That has always made boats the old way. 145 00:15:56,089 --> 00:15:58,089 Narrator: Mansur builds wooden boats of all shapes 146 00:15:58,124 --> 00:16:02,994 And sizes for high profile clients with traditional tastes. 147 00:16:06,967 --> 00:16:11,402 His vessels range from 40 to over 1,500 tonnes in capacity. 148 00:16:18,011 --> 00:16:21,412 This week, the pressure is on mansur and his team. 149 00:16:22,115 --> 00:16:25,283 They must complete this huge fishing boat, called a dhow, 150 00:16:25,318 --> 00:16:28,386 In the next seven days before the high tide arrives. 151 00:16:32,792 --> 00:16:35,293 Miss the tide because of delays and mansur 152 00:16:35,328 --> 00:16:38,429 Will have to push back delivery to his client by a month. 153 00:17:03,723 --> 00:17:07,125 Narrator: Today mansur must check the boat's hull one final time 154 00:17:07,160 --> 00:17:09,660 To make sure it's ready for launch. 155 00:17:10,630 --> 00:17:14,365 Every wooden panel and every joint must be perfect. 156 00:17:15,568 --> 00:17:17,635 Defects must be repaired. 157 00:17:17,670 --> 00:17:21,272 Mansur's team cannot risk late delivery to the client. 158 00:17:24,544 --> 00:17:26,611 The hull of a vessel like this one starts 159 00:17:26,646 --> 00:17:29,447 As a single piece of wood called a keel. 160 00:17:31,985 --> 00:17:34,318 Craftsmen make a frame to support the boat's shape 161 00:17:34,354 --> 00:17:36,888 Using large planks of wood. 162 00:17:38,324 --> 00:17:40,091 Then, the last layer of wood, 163 00:17:40,126 --> 00:17:43,227 Which makes the outer skin of the boat, is fitted on. 164 00:17:44,798 --> 00:17:47,031 Mansur's team of skilled workers uses only nuts 165 00:17:47,067 --> 00:17:50,034 And bolts to put this dhow together. 166 00:18:01,781 --> 00:18:05,917 Mansur finishes his inspection. 167 00:18:05,985 --> 00:18:08,186 The boat's hull is perfect. 168 00:18:09,989 --> 00:18:13,825 The build is right on schedule for floating and delivery to the client. 169 00:18:20,033 --> 00:18:24,802 In an age when india has the technology to launch missions into space, 170 00:18:24,838 --> 00:18:28,673 This nation is careful to preserve the unique techniques 171 00:18:28,708 --> 00:18:30,808 Pioneered by its past. 172 00:18:44,591 --> 00:18:48,426 India is one of the fastest growing economies in the industrialized world. 173 00:18:53,066 --> 00:18:56,367 And its population is predicted to increase 20 percent 174 00:18:56,402 --> 00:18:59,770 To 1.5 billion by 2030. 175 00:19:01,741 --> 00:19:05,143 This growth will stretch india's energy infrastructure 176 00:19:05,178 --> 00:19:06,410 To its limits. 177 00:19:08,214 --> 00:19:12,617 To meet future demand, india has an ambitious plan to boost the amount 178 00:19:12,652 --> 00:19:15,887 Of energy it generates from renewable sources 179 00:19:15,922 --> 00:19:18,623 By 40 percent before the end of the decade. 180 00:19:27,100 --> 00:19:29,934 Kamuthi, in the southern state of tamil nadu, 181 00:19:29,969 --> 00:19:34,038 Receives an average of more than seven hours of sunshine every day, 182 00:19:35,441 --> 00:19:38,743 Making it an ideal place to build such an epic solar farm. 183 00:19:43,716 --> 00:19:47,585 And this monumental power plant is best seen from above. 184 00:19:55,261 --> 00:19:58,229 Two and a half million solar panels combine 185 00:19:58,264 --> 00:20:02,466 To generate 648 megawatts of clean energy. 186 00:20:07,006 --> 00:20:10,474 Enough to power about 150,000 homes, 187 00:20:10,510 --> 00:20:14,712 This is one of the largest solar power plants on earth. 188 00:20:22,355 --> 00:20:26,857 Anil: The entire project is spread across 2,500 acres of land, 189 00:20:26,893 --> 00:20:34,165 If I have to give an analogy that land means 950 olympic sized football grounds. 190 00:20:35,735 --> 00:20:40,871 This plant has 38,000 pile foundations and 30,000 structural steel. 191 00:20:48,848 --> 00:20:50,381 Narrator: The solar farm needs to run at close 192 00:20:50,416 --> 00:20:53,117 To maximum efficiency to meet demand. 193 00:20:55,321 --> 00:20:59,290 For this, anil gupta and his team must make sure nothing prevents 194 00:20:59,325 --> 00:21:03,427 The sunlight from reaching the panels photovoltaic cells. 195 00:21:06,666 --> 00:21:10,501 Anil assigns a team of 20 grass cutters to remove tall foliage 196 00:21:10,536 --> 00:21:13,404 That could throw shadows over the solar panels. 197 00:21:19,846 --> 00:21:23,481 But the hot, rural location creates another big problem. 198 00:21:24,417 --> 00:21:25,416 Dust. 199 00:21:28,154 --> 00:21:32,590 Layers of dust settle on panels each day which could impede efficiency. 200 00:21:35,962 --> 00:21:40,665 Using water jets to clean the panels takes too long and is too labor intensive. 201 00:21:43,703 --> 00:21:45,836 So, anil deploys a solution. 202 00:21:56,015 --> 00:21:58,849 25 giant robotic mops. 203 00:22:03,990 --> 00:22:06,924 Each spins at 100 revolutions per minute. 204 00:22:11,331 --> 00:22:14,899 A solar powered motor moves them vertically up and down a rectangular 205 00:22:14,967 --> 00:22:17,802 Frame attached to a row of solar panels. 206 00:22:28,247 --> 00:22:32,049 Once a section is cleaned, the frame slides along automatically 207 00:22:32,085 --> 00:22:33,851 To the neighboring panel. 208 00:22:44,564 --> 00:22:50,401 It takes one mop around two hours to clean a row of solar panels 803 feet long. 209 00:22:57,043 --> 00:23:02,346 The robotic mops work every day to ensure this solar farm captures the natural, 210 00:23:02,382 --> 00:23:06,684 Renewable resources india needs to meet its energy demands. 211 00:23:12,792 --> 00:23:15,292 Anil: India is poising to become a part of 212 00:23:15,328 --> 00:23:19,997 Five trillion us dollar economy by the year 2025. 213 00:23:20,032 --> 00:23:24,135 And today we are at 2.7, so we have to grow. 214 00:23:24,170 --> 00:23:28,072 As india grow our power demand will also grow. 215 00:23:28,107 --> 00:23:30,574 And to reduce our carbon footprints, 216 00:23:30,610 --> 00:23:35,379 We believe solar project is one of the most promising area. 217 00:23:35,415 --> 00:23:40,284 (music) 218 00:23:42,054 --> 00:23:46,090 Narrator: India is one of the youngest nations on earth 219 00:23:46,125 --> 00:23:51,128 With more than 65 percent of its population under the age of 35. 220 00:23:52,932 --> 00:23:57,768 They honor the past while bringing innovation to all areas of modern life, 221 00:23:57,804 --> 00:24:01,472 From business and technology to sport and big events. 222 00:24:02,742 --> 00:24:05,276 Building new traditions for the future. 223 00:24:07,146 --> 00:24:09,447 One of the most extreme sports events takes place 224 00:24:09,482 --> 00:24:11,882 Over 2,000 miles from kamuthi, 225 00:24:11,918 --> 00:24:14,552 In india's northern most territory. 226 00:24:17,623 --> 00:24:20,991 Ladakh is one of the most remote places on earth. 227 00:24:25,731 --> 00:24:29,133 A view from above reveals a cold desert landscape 228 00:24:29,168 --> 00:24:31,669 Of high plains and deep valleys. 229 00:24:35,241 --> 00:24:38,576 In the distance are the peaks of the mighty himalayas. 230 00:24:40,012 --> 00:24:42,413 The youngest mountain range on the planet. 231 00:24:44,951 --> 00:24:47,151 This unforgiving terrain is now the setting 232 00:24:47,186 --> 00:24:50,321 For one of the world's toughest sporting events. 233 00:24:57,296 --> 00:24:58,395 It's 2:50 a.M. 234 00:25:01,834 --> 00:25:05,870 A group of athletes stands at the start line of the khardung la challenge. 235 00:25:08,541 --> 00:25:12,042 Started in 2012, it's an ultra-marathon held across 236 00:25:12,078 --> 00:25:16,247 Some of the most breathtaking yet grueling landscapes of ladakh. 237 00:25:19,352 --> 00:25:23,220 Shabbir hussain was born and raised in this region. 238 00:25:23,890 --> 00:25:26,357 He has won the challenge two years running. 239 00:25:28,995 --> 00:25:31,595 Can he make it three in a row today? 240 00:25:51,150 --> 00:25:55,619 Narrator: The khardung la challenge is a 44.7 mile ultra-marathon 241 00:25:55,655 --> 00:25:59,056 Across some of the world's highest and most demanding terrains. 242 00:26:01,160 --> 00:26:04,295 It is a new sporting festival for the 21st century. 243 00:26:08,167 --> 00:26:12,369 Shabbir hussain has emerged victorious two years in a row, 244 00:26:12,405 --> 00:26:14,972 Today he hopes to make it three. 245 00:26:29,422 --> 00:26:30,721 Narrator: 3 a.M. 246 00:26:30,756 --> 00:26:33,757 Race official: Three, two, one, go! 247 00:26:35,194 --> 00:26:36,527 Narrator: The race begins. 248 00:26:54,113 --> 00:26:56,547 The challenge is divided into four legs, 249 00:26:56,582 --> 00:26:58,115 As it winds its way through the mountains 250 00:26:58,150 --> 00:27:01,251 Between the villages of khardung and leh. 251 00:27:03,489 --> 00:27:08,592 The first leg stretches 20 miles and climbs 4,580 feet 252 00:27:08,628 --> 00:27:10,961 To the top of khardung la mountain. 253 00:27:15,568 --> 00:27:19,203 Shabbir must run up one of the highest paved roads in the world 254 00:27:19,238 --> 00:27:22,072 In almost complete darkness to get there. 255 00:27:41,293 --> 00:27:43,827 Narrator: Our bird's eye view captures the spectacular 256 00:27:43,863 --> 00:27:45,896 And rugged terrain that lies ahead. 257 00:27:50,102 --> 00:27:54,972 During the winter months, temperatures here drop to about 0° fahrenheit 258 00:27:56,642 --> 00:27:59,943 Such extreme weather conditions sometimes isolate ladakh 259 00:27:59,979 --> 00:28:02,246 From the rest of the country. 260 00:28:05,818 --> 00:28:09,486 The marathon is held in September, just before winter. 261 00:28:11,390 --> 00:28:13,223 Here in khardung la, 262 00:28:13,259 --> 00:28:16,360 The temperature is approximately 23° fahrenheit 263 00:28:18,998 --> 00:28:21,565 Shabbir begins the second leg of the race. 264 00:28:23,202 --> 00:28:27,538 It's a distance of 8.8 miles to the village of south pullu. 265 00:28:29,275 --> 00:28:33,677 Thick patches of ice nestle in the folds of the rough mountainsides. 266 00:28:37,083 --> 00:28:41,051 The atmosphere here contains 50 percent less oxygen than at sea level. 267 00:28:45,891 --> 00:28:48,125 Goba: The biggest challenge that the runners feel, 268 00:28:48,160 --> 00:28:51,762 Specially people who are coming from outside ladakh, is the elevation. 269 00:28:51,797 --> 00:28:56,366 You know, running at over 17,000 feet it's absolutely, you know, 270 00:28:56,402 --> 00:28:58,936 Something people will not imagine. 271 00:29:05,277 --> 00:29:11,415 Narrator: By the time shabbir starts the third leg of the race, 272 00:29:11,450 --> 00:29:15,052 High altitude, low oxygen and extreme temperature changes 273 00:29:15,087 --> 00:29:17,755 Push some athletes past their limits. 274 00:29:24,196 --> 00:29:26,196 Runner: Water? 275 00:29:26,232 --> 00:29:27,598 Water? 276 00:29:31,737 --> 00:29:34,004 Narrator: In extreme circumstances, athletes can develop 277 00:29:34,039 --> 00:29:37,407 Life threatening forms of acute mountain sickness. 278 00:29:53,259 --> 00:29:55,692 Shabbir stays focused on his objective. 279 00:30:01,167 --> 00:30:05,102 His final destination is leh, 8.3 miles away. 280 00:30:05,137 --> 00:30:17,314 (music) 281 00:30:17,349 --> 00:30:20,417 At the finish line in leh market, a crowd is waiting. 282 00:30:23,722 --> 00:30:25,956 Shabbir and a fellow competitor are neck and neck 283 00:30:25,991 --> 00:30:28,091 When they turn into the home straight. 284 00:30:32,464 --> 00:30:35,265 (applause) 285 00:30:37,303 --> 00:30:42,339 6 hours and 53 minutes after he set off, shabbir hussain makes history. 286 00:30:43,542 --> 00:30:47,778 Becoming the first person ever to win the khardung la challenge 287 00:30:47,813 --> 00:30:49,513 Three years in a row. 288 00:31:01,260 --> 00:31:03,727 Narrator: This race welcomes competitors from across the world. 289 00:31:07,366 --> 00:31:13,303 120 athletes out of the 142 that started the race complete the challenge. 290 00:31:16,375 --> 00:31:21,311 They can take pride in finishing one of the world's highest ultra-marathons. 291 00:31:33,993 --> 00:31:36,894 India is the second-most populous nation in the world. 292 00:31:39,632 --> 00:31:42,232 While nearly one third of its population lives in cities, 293 00:31:46,472 --> 00:31:49,206 A majority live in over half a million villages. 294 00:31:53,145 --> 00:31:57,714 And once every five years, rural and urban india come together 295 00:31:57,750 --> 00:31:59,716 To elect a federal government. 296 00:32:05,024 --> 00:32:08,091 From the high mountains to the dense forests in the country, 297 00:32:08,127 --> 00:32:11,662 No matter where one resides, the election commission of india 298 00:32:11,697 --> 00:32:15,365 Makes sure that each registered voter can cast their vote. 299 00:32:20,739 --> 00:32:23,807 The forest of gir in the western state of gujarat 300 00:32:23,842 --> 00:32:27,311 Is one of the most wild and remote places in all of india. 301 00:32:37,656 --> 00:32:41,224 An abundance of deciduous trees stretches to the horizon. 302 00:32:54,039 --> 00:32:56,707 This temple is the only visible sign 303 00:32:56,742 --> 00:32:59,142 Of human habitation for miles around. 304 00:33:05,084 --> 00:33:09,419 Home to 69-year-old priest, bharatdas darshandas. 305 00:33:17,663 --> 00:33:20,731 He lives here, alone, with only the wildlife for company. 306 00:33:46,892 --> 00:33:49,659 Narrator: His social interactions are limited to a house help. 307 00:33:52,931 --> 00:33:57,667 And the occasional devotee who visits this forest temple bearing gifts. 308 00:33:59,638 --> 00:34:05,242 Of grain, fruit and vegetables, which are his main source 309 00:34:05,277 --> 00:34:07,244 Of sustenance through the year. 310 00:34:07,279 --> 00:34:21,191 (music) 311 00:34:21,226 --> 00:34:26,096 The priest's solitude is broken once every five years, 312 00:34:26,131 --> 00:34:29,666 By an event that unites the whole of india in one purpose. 313 00:34:32,337 --> 00:34:33,937 The indian national election. 314 00:34:37,509 --> 00:34:42,779 In 2019, around 900 million indians, aged 18 and over, 315 00:34:42,815 --> 00:34:45,816 Have the right to decide who should govern the country. 316 00:34:47,386 --> 00:34:51,221 That number of eligible voters is larger than the combined population 317 00:34:51,256 --> 00:34:54,324 Of the united states and the european union. 318 00:34:55,527 --> 00:34:58,361 It makes india the world's largest democracy. 319 00:35:00,365 --> 00:35:05,602 And voting is a right that mahant bharatdas darshandas holds dear. 320 00:35:15,848 --> 00:35:19,282 Narrator: To ensure that the lone priest can cast his vote, 321 00:35:19,318 --> 00:35:21,451 These election commission officials travel deep 322 00:35:21,487 --> 00:35:24,554 Inside the gir forest to prepare a polling station. 323 00:35:27,860 --> 00:35:31,628 They are part of an army of election commission employees who set up 324 00:35:31,663 --> 00:35:34,865 Over one million voting booths across the country. 325 00:35:39,571 --> 00:35:45,242 Making sure that there is a voting booth erected for every 1.2 miles of land. 326 00:35:45,310 --> 00:35:58,955 (music) 327 00:35:58,991 --> 00:36:02,826 Mahant bharatdas darshandas casts his vote. 328 00:36:05,998 --> 00:36:10,066 The election official marks his nail with indelible ink, 329 00:36:10,102 --> 00:36:12,836 A device to ensure no one can vote twice. 330 00:36:19,378 --> 00:36:23,380 The priest then starts his journey back to the temple, 331 00:36:23,415 --> 00:36:26,283 Continuing his life of solitude. 332 00:36:49,174 --> 00:36:50,640 Delhi. 333 00:36:52,911 --> 00:36:57,681 A modern metropolis with a history that dates back more than 2,000 years. 334 00:36:57,716 --> 00:37:04,087 (music) 335 00:37:04,122 --> 00:37:07,224 A city that has been built and rebuilt nine times. 336 00:37:07,259 --> 00:37:12,062 (music) 337 00:37:12,097 --> 00:37:15,298 It has served as a national capital for over 100 years. 338 00:37:20,505 --> 00:37:24,574 Every year on the 26th of January, delhi celebrates india's traditions 339 00:37:24,610 --> 00:37:28,745 And achievements in a show right in the heart of the city. 340 00:37:32,284 --> 00:37:34,951 This is the republic day parade. 341 00:37:37,856 --> 00:37:42,359 Over 100,000 spectators' line the rajpath, a ceremonial street, 342 00:37:42,394 --> 00:37:45,295 To watch india's grandest procession. 343 00:37:52,904 --> 00:37:56,539 Nearly 40 million indians watch it on live tv. 344 00:38:04,383 --> 00:38:07,350 Along with the different regiments from the indian armed forces, 345 00:38:07,386 --> 00:38:09,919 There is one unit that really stands out. 346 00:38:11,823 --> 00:38:15,425 The camel contingent of the indian border security force. 347 00:38:25,504 --> 00:38:27,837 Every camel contingent soldier considers riding 348 00:38:27,873 --> 00:38:30,807 In the republic day parade a great honor. 349 00:38:50,128 --> 00:38:53,296 Narrator: The unit must ride the 4.2 miles of the procession route 350 00:38:53,332 --> 00:38:54,964 In perfect formation. 351 00:38:59,871 --> 00:39:03,073 Guaranteeing a good show rests on ensuring that only the best camels 352 00:39:03,108 --> 00:39:07,043 And riders take part in india's most important parade. 353 00:39:16,855 --> 00:39:23,126 354 miles southwest of delhi is the camel contingent's barracks at jodhpur. 354 00:39:32,971 --> 00:39:36,973 Here, deputy commander ghanshyam singh puts both soldiers 355 00:39:37,008 --> 00:39:40,176 And camels through a rigorous training program 356 00:39:40,212 --> 00:39:43,313 To find the most accomplished man-animal teams. 357 00:39:47,753 --> 00:39:52,055 Physical fitness is critical to ensuring a flawless performance. 358 00:39:56,294 --> 00:40:00,296 All riders and camels must demonstrate they're parade ready. 359 00:40:22,187 --> 00:40:26,656 Narrator: Soldiers and camels must also master gymnastic routines 360 00:40:26,691 --> 00:40:30,493 To show they have the poise and precision to ride in tight formations. 361 00:40:52,551 --> 00:40:54,451 Riders strengthen this bond with their camels 362 00:40:54,486 --> 00:40:57,387 Through a meticulous routine that they follow. 363 00:41:04,396 --> 00:41:09,632 Every day, riders remove sand from their camel's eyes, 364 00:41:09,668 --> 00:41:13,970 Scrub their coats and remove pests. 365 00:41:15,707 --> 00:41:19,275 Regular rest for animals and trainers is important too. 366 00:41:27,986 --> 00:41:30,353 An ethical concern for some animal activists, 367 00:41:30,388 --> 00:41:33,022 The use of camels in the republic day parade 368 00:41:33,058 --> 00:41:37,627 Remains an important cultural ceremony for the indian armed forces. 369 00:41:53,311 --> 00:41:56,412 The best camels and riders win their place in the parade 370 00:41:56,448 --> 00:42:00,783 By showcasing their skills in a specially choreographed display. 371 00:42:00,819 --> 00:42:08,191 (music) 372 00:42:08,226 --> 00:42:11,694 Every camel and rider must perform impeccably. 373 00:42:11,730 --> 00:42:14,197 (music) 374 00:42:14,232 --> 00:42:18,234 The smallest hesitation is enough to cost them their place in the parade. 375 00:42:26,711 --> 00:42:28,478 The pressure is on. 376 00:42:35,887 --> 00:42:38,988 After months of training, the camels and riders transition 377 00:42:39,024 --> 00:42:41,391 Seamlessly between formations. 378 00:42:45,864 --> 00:42:48,731 Every man-animal team keeps perfect time. 379 00:42:50,702 --> 00:42:53,002 Not one misses a step or a cue. 380 00:42:56,508 --> 00:42:59,909 With the training complete, the camel contingent is all set 381 00:42:59,945 --> 00:43:03,046 To March at the next republic day parade. 382 00:43:11,590 --> 00:43:16,759 Flying over india, our bird's eye view reveals a nation moving forward 383 00:43:16,795 --> 00:43:18,962 While embracing its unique traditions. 384 00:43:22,934 --> 00:43:26,502 Artificial intelligence is helping to make sacred festivals 385 00:43:26,538 --> 00:43:28,504 Safer for millions of people. 386 00:43:28,540 --> 00:43:31,975 (music) 387 00:43:32,010 --> 00:43:35,144 Master craftsmen are keeping ancient construction techniques 388 00:43:35,180 --> 00:43:37,380 Alive for future generations. 389 00:43:37,415 --> 00:43:43,386 (music) 390 00:43:43,421 --> 00:43:46,856 This is a land where the achievements of the past 391 00:43:46,891 --> 00:43:50,627 Are still inspiring the indians of today. 392 00:43:56,501 --> 00:43:57,300 Captioned by subtitlepro llc