Satyamev Jayate season 1

The first episode focused on the issue of

The show claimed that according to 2011 Census, the rate at which the unborn female child is killed amounts to killing off 1,000,000 girls a year and there were 914 girls for every 1,000 boys.^[4] The episode concluded with a song "O Ri Chiraiya" sung by Swanand Kirkire along with Ram Sampath.

Impact

On the next day after the episode went on air,

Khan, as promised on the show, met Gehlot over the issue of female foeticide. Gehlot accepted the request to set up fast track court to deal the case of the sting operation featured on the show, which was conducted in 2005 by Meena Sharma and Shripal Shaktawat.^[6][7] After discussion with Gehlot, Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court Arun Kumar Mishra given permission to set up the fast track court.^[8] The sting operation had revealed the faces of more than 140 doctors involved in the illegal practices of sex determination test and abortion. But no one had been punished in the case even after seven years.^[9]

On 10 May 2012, The

The episode included a workshop for children to create awareness about the subject amongst children and their parents. The children were told that there are three "danger zones" (private parts) on everyone's body. These include the chest, area between the legs and the bottom. The children were advised to shout and run to a safe place, and immediately inform a person whom they trust (preferably parents) in case any unwanted person tries to touch them in these areas.[15]

Impact

Following the broadcast of the second episode, the helpline for children received an increased number of calls from all over the country, reporting child abuse (sexual abuse of children and other forms of abuse).^[16]

On 22 May 2012, the legislation to protect children below 18 years from sexual abuse became a reality with the Lok Sabha passing the bill which was earlier cleared by the Rajya Sabha.^[17] Child rights activists have called the bill regressive, however, and teens across the country are generally appalled that according to the bill the minimum age for sexual consent was increased from 16 to 18.^[18]

Episode 3: Marriage or Marketplace

Air Date:- 20 May 2012

The third episode focused on the Dowry system in India. Khan spoke with several women who had faced dowry harassment by their in-laws before and after marriage. It showcased the story of Komal Sethi from New Delhi who was married to a software professional. Though her in-laws showcased a loving nature in the beginning of the arranged marriage talks, as the date of the wedding neared, they demanded furniture, cars, jewellery, home appliances and cash from her family. These kind of demands continued after the wedding. After her husband got a job opportunity in the USA she was forced to ask for money from her parents so that her husband could buy the travel tickets to USA and a car there. Once in the US, her husband tortured her (by not respecting her, by not letting her to eat enough and strangulating her repeatedly) to get money for furniture and cars in the US, although they had already been given so in India and her husband was earning $65,000 per year. Apart from these, he also pressurised her to get the legal rights to her house in India. Upon her consistent refusal, he left her without food and water, confining her in their apartment for four days before she was rescued by a women's care helpline. Her parents commented at the end of Komal's story that they should have refused the initial demands and broken off the arrangement rather than suffering later and ultimately breaking the marriage.

The second showcased story on the show was of Nishana, who was then pursuing PhD from American College, Madurai. A big family from the city had approached her family for their girl's hand in marriage. After the marriage, her in-laws demanded a car, although her family had given a considerable amount of gold and cash in dowry. Even after agreeing to their demand of car, and some whimsical demands of a forced plastic surgery for Nishana, the caustic comments did not stop. When she could not take it any more, Nishana committed suicide.

The second guest on the show was Paramjeet Kaur Moom, from Karimpur, Punjab. Her marriage also, was an arranged marriage. After marriage, her husband demanded money to go abroad for studies from her. Despite having financial difficulties at the time, her family took a loan of ₹800,000 and provided for him. After being abandoned in India just after a week of their marriage, although he had earlier promised to take her abroad with him, her in-laws started abusing her physically and verbally and demanding more money. After 3 years of marriage in 2012, despite her father having provided in excess of ₹1,500,000, she was forced out of her home. At the time of airing, she was being forced to give divorce. In the show, Parneet Singh, Regional Passport Officer of Jalandhar, Punjab was also present and voiced a way for taking action against the husband. The story of Paramjeet was shown to be part of a more generic problem in Punjab of NRI marriages.

Apart from these, the episode showcased several stories from both, urban and rural areas, where the women had to face similar abuse and demands, some of which had ended with divorce or lawsuits which are still pending judgement. The show also highlighted that many people from lower income brackets take loans from the bank for their daughters' marriage expenses.

To curb these type of incidents, representatives of some communities present in the audience outlined some steps taken by them. Their main point was to avoid too

The episode also showcased the story of Rani Tripathi from Mumbai who fought back by recording the dowry demands by the groom's parents with a hidden camera. Once she informed the media about the tape it was showcased in major TV channels across India.^[19] Her efforts and courage was appreciated by Khan.

The show was concluded by audience opinions and the episode song Rupaiyya composed by Ram Sampath and performed by Sona Mohapatra.^[19]

Episode 4: Every Life is Precious

Air Date:- 27 May 2012

The fourth episode of the show threw light on the frail

The show ended up with a song "Naav" composed and sung by Ram Sampath, with lyrics written by Suresh Bhatia.

Aftermath

Highly upset with Aamir on the issues raised in the episode 4, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has demanded an apology from Aamir Khan and warned him of legal action if he did not do so.^[22]

However Aamir declined to apologise ़ The Rajya Sabha Parliamentary standing committee on Commerce has invited Aamir Khan, who exposed malpractice in the medical sector on his "Satyamev Jayate" TV programme, for an interaction on the issue along with his team to share knowledge they gained while researching the episode and to give his views on FDI in the pharmaceutical sector.^[23][24][25] On 21 June 2012, Khan appeared before the Parliamentary panel examining FDI in the pharmaceuticals sector and pitched for generic medicines, saying companies will continue to make profit if they sell cheap drugs to the poor.^{[26][27][28][29]}

The Government of Karnataka has announced the opening of 'Janatha Bazaar Generic Drug Store', a chain of medical stores, so as to sell generic drugs at subsidised rates, almost 50% less than the MRP. According to the sources, the stores will sell both generic and branded medicines authorised by the US Food and Drug Administration, surgical equipment and orthopaedic implants at 50 per cent of MRP. The government has also plans to make it mandatory for all government doctors to prescribe only generic drugs.^[30][31][32] Previously, the Government of Maharashtra had also announced plans to take steps to make generic medicines available in all government hospitals of the state and to set up government-aided medical stores across the state.^[33] The Government of Chhattisgarh has cracked down on nine private doctors and suspended their registration for allegedly advising and removing of uterus and both ovaries without any convincing medical reasons.^[34]

Controversy

This article's "criticism" or "controversy" section may compromise the article's neutrality. Please help rewrite or integrate negative information to other sections through discussion on the talk page. (September 2015)

The nephrologist involved in the court case about the death of Seema Rai (which was referred to as a case of medical negligence by Major Pankaj Rai in the episode), Dr. Rajanna Sreedhara, stated that his legal counsel and Fortis Hospital, where he worked, were preparing to send a legal notice to Khan and the show producers for libel.

Sanjay Sachdev, Chairman of Love Commandos from New Delhi was invited as a guest for the episode. His committee helps believes in the motto, "Love shall conquer the world", and thus helps couples by giving them basic necessities and legal help. The last story was of Alka and Uday, both doctors by profession. Alka's parents refrained for a long time from accepting their daughter's marriage due to the fear of social stigma. Her parents finally realised that their daughter's happiness weighed more than social stigma and accepted the marriage. The show ended with a song "Ghar Yaad Aata Hai Mujhe" sung by Sona Mohapatra and Ram Sampath.

Aftermath

Haryana's khap panchayats, known for their bizarre diktats, have now demanded that Aamir Khan's popular TV show, Satyamev Jayate, be pulled off air. Aamir drew the ire of the kangaroo courts after he accused them of triggering honour killings.^[39][40]

Episode 6: Persons with disabilities

Air Date:- 10 June 2012

The sixth episode focused on the social problems faced by those with disabilities.

In the show, Aamir highlighted the hardships faced by the disabled who even today continue to struggle for their basic rights. People with disabilities are no different from regular people when it comes to the zeal and appreciation for life.

India has to decide whether it wants the crores of people with disabilities to stay at home, or to be a part of the mainstream and contribute to the economy.

Circumstances led Dr Rajendra Johar to be confined to the bed, and he was declared disabled. But he has turned the very notion of disability on its head, and from his bed has helped countless people with disability to gain education, employment and self-respect. Dr Johar is the founder of the NGO Family of Disabled.

Pratibha Chaturvedi is Shreya's mother – and her best friend. "She calls me 'dost'," giggles the cute little girl, who is affected by cerebral palsy but wants to lighten the burden on her mother's life. "Sometimes she gets so tired and I press her feet", says Shreya.

Shreya Chaturvedi is 11 and exudes an enviable zest for life. Another person with disability is Sai Prasad, who demonstrates similar enthusiasm, and he has taken flight, literally. Software engineer Krishnakant Mane writes poetry in his spare time, and climbs real mountains as well as the virtual ones created by a disabled-unfriendly world.

Another person with disability is Sai Prasad, who demonstrates similar enthusiasm, and he has taken flight, literally. Sai Prasad found the country's infrastructural disability to be more challenging than his own. He saw a world of difference in the facilities for the disabled in the United States compared to what there is in India.

And the Song of the Show, Chanda, was performed by differently abled people.

Episode 7: Danger at home

Air Date:- 17 June 2012

The seventh episode deals with the serious issue of domestic violence. This episode had a majority of male audience. The show started with Aamir Khan asking audience on their view about unsafe place for women. There were many views regarding this. All the views from audience pointed to a public place. Khan contradicted this by first showing his findings about the patients statistics in a hospital in Bandra, Mumbai.

The show then proceeded with interview with some women affected by domestic violence.

In this episode, Khan had promised Shanno, a cab driver who was a victim of domestic violence that he would hire her vehicle whenever he would visit Delhi next. When the actor arrived in the capital for two days (to present his research on medical malpractices in Parliament), he hired a cab from Sakha, the agency that Shanno works with.^[41]

Episode 8: Poison on our Plate?

Air Date:- 24 June 2012

The show highlighted the adverse effect of

The show then discussed on alternatives to pesticides free farming. Aamir Khan talked to Sikkim's Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling, about Sikkim imposing a total ban on chemical pesticides and fungicides. Sikkim is the first state in India aiming to convert all its farms to use organic farming practices. Another example of organic farming reform in Andhra Pradesh was also highlighted.

There was also counterpart view by an MD of a leading pesticide company, who said that the adverse use of pesticide is exaggerated.

At the end of the show, Aamir Khan had general discussion with the audience on this topic. The show ended with Aamir Khan asking viewers to vote on their views on government encouraging organic farming.

Episode 9: Think before you Drink

Air Date:- 1 July 2012

The show highlighted the issue of alcoholism in Indian society. The audience of the show were the group of people who were under 30 years. Most of them at some point of their life had been under the influence of alcohol. Some thought it to be a social necessity and some took it to celebrate some occasion.

The show started with Aamir khan inviting a reputed news editor to the show. The guest is very successful in his professional career now but ten years back his condition was not the same. He narrated on how he lost his family life, social reputation, financial stability under the influence of alcohol.

The show then proceeded with inviting a psychiatrist who explained on how alcohol effects the person's life.

Other guest to the show were Javed Akhtar, who was also under the influence of alcoholism at one point in his life. He also narrated on how he never touched it for past 21 years.

Episode 10: Dignity for All

Air Date:- 8 July 2012

The show discussed the social ills of

The second guest on the show was documentary filmmaker Stalin K, who has produced a film titled 'India Untouched'. He cleared the misconception that casteism is not only prevalent among the Hindus, but is apparent among the Muslims, Christians and Sikhs too. Aamir showed a few clips from Stalin's documentary to show the prevalent practice of caste based discrimination across religious lines. Stalin advocated inter-caste marriages as a possible solution to end this ill, which runs deep in the Indian psyche.

Next story to feature on the show was from Samarthpura village in Rajasthan, where a Dalit, Rampal Solanki, challenged the exclusive right of upper castes to ride a horse during wedding processions. Facing threats, Rampal approached the Station House Officer (SHO) of the nearest police station. The SHO, Manvendra Singh Chauhan, despite belonging to an upper caste himself, decided to uphold the law of the land. The wedding procession was provided police protection and a regressive social custom was eventually broken.

The show then played host to Justice CS Dharmadhikari, a veteran freedom fighter and former judge. Born in a Brahmin family, Justice Dharmadhikari disassociated himself from the customary practices followed by his community, for which he suffered social exclusion from other members of his caste. He narrated an incident when his nephew's life got saved by a Dalit person's blood. He raised an important question to everyone – When the blood of a Brahmin and a Dalit is not different by virtue of their castes, why is the society hell bent on segregating people on the basis of their birth? Justice Dharmadhikari emphasised that the only way to stop caste-based discrimination is to refuse the existence of a caste system. He received a standing ovation from the audience.

The last guest on the show was Bezwada Wilson, son of a manual scavenger who took upon himself to create awareness against this inhuman occupation and uplift people who were "traditionally" into the occupation. It was due to his, and his team's effort, that the Indian government eventually passed the 'Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993'.^[42] The implementation of this act, however, has been unsatisfactory. Wilson accused the Indian Railways of employing manual scavengers to clean up railway tracks on platforms.

The general consensus on the show was that casteism can only be eradicated if both the backward and the forward communities join hands together. The issue needs to be acknowledged and dealt with on an urgent basis. Real development of the nation can only take place if citizens treat each other equally and do not consider any person inferior on the basis of birth.

The audience question of the episode was – "Do we wish to see an immediate end to the practice of manual scavenging, or cleaning of others' excreta by hand?" The charity proceeds from the episode will be given to 'Association for Rural and Urban Needy', a society working for the welfare of manual scavengers.

The show ended with the song 'Kabir Vani', Kabir's poetry rendered into lyrics by Munna Dhiman, set to music by Ram Sampath and sung by Keerthi Sagathia.

Reception

The show did not generate as much interest as some of the earlier episodes. Part of it could be because the issue of casteism is not a topic unknown to most Indians. Some people alleged that the show generalised the entire Brahmin community of being casteist. Others felt the episode was long and the lack of intensity made for dull viewing.^[43]

Episode 11: Sunset Years, Sunshine Life

This episode was telecast on 15 July 2012. The show discussed the conditions of senior citizens. Nonagenarian adventure sportsman N. K. Mahajan was amongst those interviewed on the show.^[44]

See also

• Satyamev Jayate (talk show)
• Satyamev Jayate (season 2)
• Satyamev Jayate (season 3)

References