
Man vs Wild with Bear Grylls and Prime Minister Modi, a special episode of Grylls’ survival TV show Man vs Wild, was telecast on Discovery network on Monday.
The focus of the episode was on environmental change and wildlife conservation as PM Modi and Grylls traversed the scenic landscape of Uttarakhand’s Jim Corbett National Park.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement, “For years, I have lived among nature, in the mountains and the forests. These years have a lasting impact on my life. So when I was asked about a special programme focussing on life beyond politics and that too in the midst of nature, I was both intrigued and inclined to take part in it. For me, this show presents a great opportunity to showcase to the world India’s rich environmental heritage and stress on the importance of environment conservation and living in harmony with nature. It was a great experience spending time in the jungle once again, this time with Bear, who is blessed with indefatigable energy and quest to experience nature at its purest.”
Bear Grylls, who has been a member of British special forces (SAS), said it was a privilege for him to take PM Modi on an adventure across the Indian wilderness and that he feels honoured “to spend time with this remarkable world leader. The wild reminds us that we need each other and that together we are stronger. I am so excited to spend time with the PM and to get to know the man who leads this great nation.”
"He is cold, he is wet but he is a hero," says Bear Grylls.
Bear Grylls prays for Narendra Modi and India.
"This was a wonderful experience. I am hopeful that via this episode we can send a positive message to the world about India," says Narendra Modi.
"Before we take anything wrongfully from nature, we should think about our future generations," says Narendra Modi.
"We are making great progress, as far as sanitation and hygiene is concerned," says Narendra Modi.
"We exploit our nature for selfish reasons. This is the main concern," says Narendra Modi.
"In India, every plant is seen as God," says Narendra Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi crosses a Himalayan river in a raft.
"I have never experienced fear or nervousness," says Narendra Modi.
"One can never fear nature. We should never think of nature as something fearful or scary," says Narendra Modi.
"I would take a bath in the pond every day. Once, I saw a baby crocodile in the water body and decided to take it home," says Narendra Modi.
"It never occurs to me who I am. I have never cared about anything else but work. The position, the designation doesn't matter," says Narendra Modi.
"My focus has always been development. This trip with you is my first vacation in 18 years," says Narendra Modi.
When Bear Grylls hands Prime Minister Narendra Modi a spear to deal with potential tigers, the latter says, "My values won't allow me to take a life."
"At the age of 17-18, I left my home to understand the world better. I decided to go to the Himalayas since I liked nature. Those moments drive me till date," says Narendra Modi.
'You are the most important man in India. My job is to keep you alive,' Bear Grylls tells Narendra Modi.
Bear Grylls and Prime Minister Narendra Modi make an improvised spear to tackle tigers.
"I was born in a very ordinary family. We were very poor, but my life has always been very connected with nature. In winter, I used to use the dew drops to make soap since we couldn't afford an actual soap," says Narendra Modi.
"I don't think we should consider this experience dangerous. If we live in harmony with nature, nothing can go wrong," says Narendra Modi.
"Jim Corbett National Park is a great place for people to experience nature. People who are interested in the environment and its issues should come and visit this lovely place," says Narendra Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes Bear Grylls to India.
I am happy that I am getting a chance to spend this time in the wildlife with Bear Grylls, says Narendra Modi.
Bear Grylls kicks off the episode with a trek across Uttarakhand’s Jim Corbett National Park.
Man vs Wild with Bear Grylls and Prime Minister Modi will be telecast on Discovery Channel, Discovery HD World, Animal Planet, Animal Planet HD World, TLC, TLC HD World, JEET Prime, JEET Prime HD, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Kids and DTamil on August 12 at 9 pm.
Akshay Kumar posted on Twitter, "Besides being a unique show high on adventure and adrenaline, it will also shed light upon pressing issues like climate change and ways to protect our planet. Looking forward to watching our Hon. PM @narendramodi ji on Man Vs Wild with @BearGrylls tonight at 9 pm on @DiscoveryIN"