In a poignant exploration of one of the darkest chapters of the Second World War, BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service introduce ‘Three Million,’ a five-part documentary series delving into the untold stories of the Bengal famine.

Award-winning creator and presenter Kavita Puri, known for her work on BBC Radio 4’s Partition Voices and Three Pounds in My Pocket, brings to light the devastating impact of the famine that claimed at least three million lives in British India.

The series, set to be available on BBC Sounds from February 23, BBC Radio 4 from February 25, and BBC World Service English from March 2, presents extraordinary first-hand accounts and meticulously researched eyewitness testimonies.

Kavita Puri, throughout the documentary, pieces together the human cost of the Bengal famine, shedding light on one of the largest civilian losses on the Allied side.

Taking listeners back to the summer of 1943, “Three Million” vividly portrays Kolkata as a city divided, with Allied soldiers traversing its streets en route to the Asian front while thousands from Bengal’s countryside succumbed to starvation in plain sight. The series incorporates the voices of farmers, fishermen, artists, writers, Indian civil servants, soldiers, colonial British, and ordinary citizens, providing a comprehensive perspective on the tragedy.

Puri emphasizes the urgency of capturing these testimonies as the generation who lived through the war diminishes, stating, “There is no memorial, museum, or even a plaque – anywhere in the world – to the millions who perished during the Bengal famine.” The series not only aims to recover overlooked human stories but also explores the complexities of remembrance surrounding this historical event.

Commissioning Editor for Radio 4, Dan Clarke, acknowledges the significance of “Three Million,” stating that it rightly focuses on those lost to the catastrophe, while Jon Zilkha, Controller, World Service English, describes it as an important series that brings the voices and stories of those impacted by the Bengal famine to the airwaves for the first time in many cases.

‘Three Million’ is a production of BBC News Long Form Audio, featuring production by Ant Adeane, editing by Emma Rippon, and sound design and mixing by Eloise Whitmore.

The series promises to be a moving and impactful journey into a lesser-known facet of our war history, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.