India's Citizen Squad

India's Citizen Squad is a riveting reality television series that aired in 2018 on Discovery+. The show focuses on finding and training ordinary civilians to undertake extraordinary missions, primarily driven by the ethos of the Indian Armed Forces. It brings to light the concept of responsible citizenship, displaying that anyone can rise to the occasion and become a hero when the need arises.

The show is grounded in an exceptional concept, the first of its kind to be seen on Indian television. It aims to ascertain the level of grit, determination, physical strength, and mental toughness individuals can harness when put in intimidating and testing circumstances. Hence, India's Citizen Squad is not just a series for pure entertainment, it holds a deeper philosophy that aims to tap into the hidden potentials of ordinary Indians and guide them to execute remarkable acts of bravery and courage.

The show starts with shortlisting 12 ordinary civilians from a diverse background that includes professional teachers, students, engineers, and even fitness enthusiasts. These selected candidates, known as the India's Citizen Squad, embark on an intense training journey spearheaded by ex-military specialists. The personnel undertake the daunting task of mentoring these civilians, grooming them to accomplish dreaded missions that are usually kept exclusively for defence forces.

The show is unquestionably riveting and inspirational, but it also aims to foster a culture of preparedness and responsibility among its viewers. It works to strengthen the belief that ordinary individuals are capable of making significant contributions towards the safety and betterment of society, while also educating the viewers about self-defence and emergency handling techniques they can deploy in real-life danger situations.

The training sessions and tasks designed for the citizen squad are based on real-life scenarios that could occur in a disaster-stricken or conflict-prone environment, pushing participants beyond their comfort zones. The tasks range from underwater rescue to handling explosives, survival techniques in harsh conditions, and maneuvers in hostile territories. Through these tasks, participants gain a greater understanding of their abilities, limitations, fears, and immense potential that they seldom tap into in their daily lives.

The journey of the show eventually culminates into excruciating challenges that the citizen squad must face together, displaying not just their individual prowess but also team spirit, communication, and leadership skills. Each participant experiences a transformation, magnifying their inner strength that reflects in their post-show life.

The mentors or trainers on the show are former military personnel with specialized skills and vast experience in combat training. Their strict yet empathetic approach towards training participants reflects their commitment to instill skill, confidence, and resilience in the participants, preparing them for the impending challenges. The trainers' insight, experience, and their personal anecdotes from service life also add a unique touch to the show.

India’s Citizen Squad does a commendable job of depicting the real-life scenarios that defence personnel face, thereby fostering a better understanding and respect for the armed forces among the audience. At the same time, it serves to inspire ordinary citizens to actively contribute to the safety and security of their surroundings, highlighting that heroism is not exclusively limited to the battlefield.

The biggest takeaway from the show is the transformation of ordinary people to extraordinary heroes, which sparks a light of possibility in the viewers, empowering them to face any adversity with courage. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of preparedness, not just for oneself but for society as a whole, creating a common thread of responsibility among viewers.

In conclusion, India's Citizen Squad is a unique blend of reality experiences, adrenaline-fueled tasks, and hard-hitting life lessons, making it a must-watch for those seeking inspiration and adventure. Beyond the thrill, the show offers a platform for understanding the essence of heroism in day-to-day life, teaching viewers that bravery isn't only about physical strength, but about stepping up and making a difference when it matters the most.