Sunday, 5 October 2014

Satyamev Jayate: Extraordinary tales of Ordinary People



“In a gentle way you can shake the world” – Mahatma Gandhi

I have always been a firm believer in doing social community some good while I have the power and ability. Everybody earns respect through his/her body of work but very few think about doing good to the society. In my opinion, medical doctors and teachers are a rare breed that constantly serves the society through their daily work.

Just a few days back, I overheard somebody saying at a party “It feels so much better now with Narendra Modi in power, no bureaucrat dares to hang out in Golf clubs wasting time and money of the people”. Do you also agree with the same? While I agree that a majority of bureaucrats may be taking avoidable time span in decision making or for that matter delaying decisions, but what about the remaining bureaucrats who toil away 40 years of their lives to the service of people and nation? Such bureaucrats hardly have time to feast a month in a year and engage in their own business without caring for the society. I feel it was wrong on one’s part to form a judgment against the entire community of bureaucrats while observing only a select few.  I am not saying this because I’m a retired bureaucrat but because I find it unfair. But yes, there is a dire need to change the perspective about bureaucrats by the bureaucratic community by working hard and producing tangible results.

It is heartening to see that Television and Bollywood has also taken a significant step in the direction of social cause.  Here are a few shows that I can recall:

The most prominent amongst them is Satyamev Jayate, which is a joint venture 
between Aamir Khan Productions and Star Tv. 


Satyamev Jayate
Satyamev Jayate

There are others that have made a mark in their own right: 

Crime Patrol- It was one of the earliest shows that shed light on a lot of crimes that otherwise go unnoticed.
Crime Patrol
Crime Patrol

Change Aayega Hum Laayenge- It shows good guys in the youth and how they bring about change in the society.
Change Aayega Hum Laayenge
Change Aayega Hum Laayenge


The world has witnessed many celebrities who have taken up social causes close to their heart and have made a difference to the society. 
Notable amongst them is Robert Redford who has been closely identified with the Green Movement.

Robert Redford
Robert Redford
Photo credits: http://archrecord.construction.com/
George Clooney is helping forge the emerging model of 21st century celebrity activism through his relief telethon during Haiti Earthquake.

George Clooney
George Clooney
Photo Credits: http://cdn.sheknows.com/

As a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations since 2001, Angelina Jolie has used her celebrity status to shine attention on the struggles of refugees everywhere from Cambodia and Thailand to Sierra Leone.
Angelina Jolie talks to Syrian refugees via The Guardian

In India, Aamir Khan is the celebrity that comes to my mind who can cut through all strata of society and bring about a significant change in the mindset of people.
What I particularly like about the concept of Satyamev Jayate is its level of interactivity. People not only talk about their lives to Aamir Khan during the Television slot but also have a chance to post their views and opinions after the show gets over in ‘Mumkin hai’ segment.

I have been following the promos of Satyamev Jayate and I particularly like the one in which the office clerk who gets a bribe offer and instead of taking the bribe asks bribe-giver to watch Satyamev Jayate.

Satyamev Jayate promo
Satyamev Jayate promo

Satyamev Jayate promo
Satyamev Jayate promo

Satyamev Jayate promo
Satyamev Jayate promo


One of the episodes that I fondly remember is the Criminalization of Politics in which Dr. SY Quraishi, Chief Patron of Delhi Heritage Foundation, was invited and he enlighted the gathering about the malpractices in Voting process: http://www.satyamevjayate.in/criminalization-of-politics.aspx.  It was a true eye-opener.
Dr SY Quraishi, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India sharing his experience  with Aamir Khan during Satyamev Jayate
Dr SY Quraishi, Former Chief Election Commissioner of India sharing his experience
with Aamir Khan during Satyamev Jayate

Mr Aamir Khan and Mr Rajkumar Hirani were in Delhi for the shoot of upcoming Bollywood movie P.K last year. During the interaction with Mr. Khan, I told him that he may keep anchoring the show as people see him as a “change agent”. He replied in affirmative to do so.
Aamir Khan with me in delhi during the shooting of Peekay
Aamir Khan with me in delhi during the shooting of Peekay 


Here is a preview at the insights of Satyamev Jayate:
Satyamev Jayate Insights: Actions taken
Satyamev Jayate Insights: Actions taken

Satyamev Jayate Insights: Donations
Satyamev Jayate Insights: Donations

Satyamev Jayate Insights: Word Cloud
Satyamev Jayate Insights: Word Cloud

Satyamev Jayate Insights: Votes
Satyamev Jayate Insights: Votes

Satyamev Jayate Insights: Social Footprints
Satyamev Jayate Insights: Social Footprints


I hope that Satyamev Jayate’s new episode starting from today shall keep the momentum going and shall bring to the fore the extraordinary contribution of the ordinary people.

I request you to take a moment and think what social good did you do today?

Source:



1 comment:

  1. I agree that the contribution made by civil servants is not adequately understood by the society. Unbiased portrayal in media is to be encouraged.

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