Anurag Thakur Launches “Swaraj” on Amazon Prime Celebrating India’s Rich History and Unsung Heroes

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 13th March. Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Anurag Singh Thakur, inaugurated the first season of “Swaraj” on the OTT platform Amazon Prime.

In his address, Thakur expressed pride in the project, emphasizing its tribute to the unsung heroes of India’s independence struggle who made significant sacrifices for the nation. He said that the serial, commissioned in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” national campaign, sheds light on lesser-known tales of bravery from India’s freedom movement, often lost in the annals of history.

“Swaraj” unfolds the narratives of countless unsung heroes and their remarkable courage across 75 episodes, covering various regions of India. According to Shri Thakur, the series delves into the essence, origins, and impacts of colonialism, presenting historical events within a broader context to illustrate the concept of ‘Swaraj’. He stressed the importance of recognizing and understanding India’s relentless struggle for independence, spanning over 500 years, as portrayed in this landmark serial.

Highlighting the significance of embracing India’s rich historical legacy, Thakur emphasized that pride in one’s history is essential for creating a prosperous future. He reiterated the government’s commitment, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to propel the nation towards progress during the next 25 years of the Amrit Kaal.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of Prasar Bharati in producing such series, Thakur commended Doordarshan and Akashvani for their efforts in channeling the emotions and spirit of citizens through various impactful programs. He also announced the launch of a new 52-episode serial titled “Sardar: The Game Changer” by Doordarshan, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Furthermore, Shri Thakur outlined the government’s initiatives to support the Media & Entertainment sector, including ease of doing business for the film industry and incentives such as single-window clearance for film shootings in India. He encouraged stakeholders to focus on creating quality content in Indian languages, underscoring the global appeal of regional Indian cinema in today’s interconnected world.

Addressing the audience, Sushant Sreeram, Country Director of Prime Video, India, reaffirmed Amazon’s commitment to showcasing and celebrating India’s unique culture and history through collaborations with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The producer of “Swaraj,” Abhimanyu Singh, described the serial as a depiction of India’s journey from the arrival of Vasco Da Gama in 1498 to the attainment of independence in 1947. He emphasized the significant contributions of India to the world economy before the colonial rule, highlighting the sacrifices of freedom fighters in securing independence.

The launch event featured vibrant performances showcasing India’s diverse art and culture, symbolizing the unwavering spirit of millions of Indians who fought for the motherland’s freedom over centuries. “Swaraj” initially premiered on August 14, 2022, in Hindi on DD National, later expanding to nine regional languages on Doordarshan’s regional networks.

Now available on Amazon Prime Video, the first season of “Swaraj” comprises 10 episodes, with subtitles provided in Hindi and English for viewers’ convenience.