The Independence Day special episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) Season 17, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, featured Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force, and Commander Prerna Deosthalee of the Indian Navy. The episode centered around the officers sharing their experiences and insights into Operation Sindoor, a counterterror mission launched by India in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
The episode provided a rare glimpse into the planning and execution of Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine Pakistani terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan. According to the officers, the operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam attack that resulted in the death of 26 civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi stated that a response was necessary due to repeated acts by Pakistan, leading to the planning of Operation Sindoor.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh highlighted the speed and precision of the operation, stating that it was completed in just 25 minutes, between 1:05 AM and 1:30 AM. The strikes were coordinated across land, air, and sea, involving the Army, Air Force, and Navy. The Air Force conducted precision bombing on designated coordinates, while Army units along the Line of Control executed supporting strikes to neutralize launch pads, and naval elements monitored potential escape routes. Commander Prerna Deosthalee emphasized the accuracy of the mission's planning, noting that targets were destroyed without harming any civilians.
The officers also addressed the importance of informing both domestic and international audiences about the mission's execution, reflecting transparency and pride in the country's defense capabilities. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh considered it a rare honor for a woman officer and expressed gratitude to the government for the opportunity.
The episode promo and the appearance of the officers have stirred some controversy, with some social media users criticizing the use of armed forces for "PR" and "political mileage". Some questioned the protocol of inviting officers in uniform to a reality show, with concerns raised about the armed forces being used for political gains. However, the episode also garnered excitement, with viewers expressing eagerness to witness the officers' courage and insights.