Satyamev Jayate: A trend setter?

The 'Satyamev Jayate' show seems to have struck a chord in the hearts of the people if reports are to be believed. Female foeticide, dowry system and manual scavenging, neglect of the old are issues constantly being debated by television channels.

So what is new about this show by actor Aamir Khan. His charisma could be one reason for its popularity. He has been able to rope in some social activists , judges and spirited public men who in turn spoke harsh truths and exposed the evils that prevailed in our tradition ridden societies.

His initiative seems much better than that of self-righteous anti-corruption campaigners whose motives have become suspect over a period of time.

Also the façade of self-righteousness under which many outmoded and evil customs flourish should be exposed for the good of the society and for educating the ignorant masses.

The popularity of the show indicates that similar programmes aimed at social reforms could have a great impact if properly handled. Unfortunately the channels , with an eye on profits , seek to tickle the palate of the public by cheap entertainment. The big business gets a boost by channels promoting the consumerist culture. The media , instead of serving the real interests of the public seek to affect their styles and fashions thereby only making them buy things which they can do without.

Aamir Khan has shown some courage by allowing participants to speak out strongly about some strongly entrenched biases in society.

There are several social evils which still enjoy wide approval in society and it is necessary to battle against them in the way shown by the actor.

For instance caste system and its entrenched injustice had played havoc with democratic rights and equality of man. A national leader like Gandhiji or a crusader like Dr Ambedkar could not eliminate it from the soil. Probably it is time to speak up on this count too.

Sensitizing officials and the public against corruption at various levels will be another matter that can be taken up effectively through television. But all these must be done with certain honesty and transparency so as to win the confidence of the people.

Some of the channels had been so one-sided during the anti-corruption campaign that one wondered whether they were reporting an event or giving leadership to the campaign with ulterior motives. And it is quite likely that while going all-out against the government, their own credibility came to be suspected. It boomeranged and harmed the very interests of those in whose favour the channels had intervened!