Amir Khan Satyamev Jayate Episode 8 (Sunday, 24 June 2012)

For decades our food and water have been contaminated by powerful, harmful pesticides which have been promoted as necessary for better agricultural output. But the reality is that we don't need pesticides for better yield, and their use is not only deadly for health but results in expensive farming methods. The solution is to adopt organic farming, which is possible and profitable, as the state of Sikkim has shown.

Amir Khan Satyamev Jayate: Is India banking on Aamir Khan for social reforms?

Gayatri Sankar

When Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan graced the small screen with ‘Satyamev Jayate’, one would have least expected the impact the show would have on the aam janta and the bureaucrats.

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Satyamev Jayate: Aamir Khan grills pesticide maker; advocates organic farming

The show is a hit for all obvious reasons. However, what is grieving indeed is the fact that the nation needed Aamir Khan to awaken its sunken self. Was India running short of ideas to correct the infected system? Maybe yes.

It looks as if Rajasthan Chief Minister Mr Ashok Gehlot needed Aamir Khan’s assistance in realizing the urgency to set up a fast track court to settle impending cases of female foeticide in the state.

“I am moved by Aamir`s programme and his gesture. I will definitely take up the issue and speak to the chief justice of Rajasthan to find a way,” Gehlot said while addressing media at a press conference. But wasn’t Mr Gehlot aware of this crime that his state was committing for years? Couldn’t he have formulated a way to deal with the malice much earlier? Perhaps not.

But while Mr Ghelot was kind enough to respond to Aamir’s appeal, Minister of State for Health, Rajkumar Sharma had a contrasting feedback to give on Aamir and his show.

He said, “The government took up the issue much before Aamir Khan`s programme. It is not because of him that the government is working against female foeticide.”

One can clearly see the lack of coordination in the state government; where one was acknowledging concerning issues, the other was trying to cover it up.

Nonetheless, there were more resolutions that were being worked out. It may have been in the wake of ‘Satyamev Jayate’ or a mere coincidence , the Lok Sabha passed the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences Bill on 22nd May, precisely 10 days after the episode on child sex abuse was telecast.

Moving ahead, what’s interesting is that Rajya Sabha MP Shanta Kumar of the Bharatiya Janata Party, who heads the parliamentary standing committee on commerce, had invited Aamir to share the knowledge they gained while researching the episode on malpractices in the medical fraternity.

What was the committee doing prior to the telecast of the episode on medical malpractices? Why didn’t anyone discuss ways to uproot corruption from the healthcare system earlier?

The Indian Medical Association made Aamir a villain for allegedly defaming its fraternity and the medical profession. But the IMA had little to say when Medico Friend Circle (MFC) and the Forum for Medical Ethics Society (FMES) slammed the body for trying to silence “messenger” Aamir.

“We appreciate that you want to uphold the dignity of the medical profession. However, we feel that denying or minimizing the importance of issues raised on this show and demanding an apology from Aamir Khan is definitely not the most appropriate way of upholding the dignity of doctors,” said Dr Anant Phadke from MFC while talking to a daily.

So it clearly emerges that there is a huge discrepancy in the system, which might take years to get rectified.

However, one can see the changes being implemented with the Maharashtra Government announcing that generic medicines would be made available across all Government hospitals. In addition, the State Government has also planned to open medical stores across the state where generic medicines will be stocked in adequate amounts, and will be readily available for people.

Thanking the state government, Aamir tweeted, “Great news guys! Maharashtra govt. announces Generic medicines to be made available! Thank u CM sir Mr Chavan & Health Min Mr Suresh Shetty(sic).”

It feels good that the phenomenon called ‘Satyamev Jayate’ is directly or indirectly stirring souls but one question still remains unanswered - does India really need Aamir Khan to awaken social, moral, civic and national conscience?

SATYAMEV JAYATE episode 5: Aamir Khan discusses honour killing

Striking an emotional chord once again, Aamir Khan deals with the grave issue of honour killing bravely

We settle to watch the fifth episode of Aamir Khan’s Satyamev Jayate, ably equipped with tissue papers to wipe our teary eyes. It is a given now that Aamir leaves the viewers emotionally choked every week, though not many are keen to start their precious Sundays on a rather sombre note.

While we appreciate Mr Perfectionist’s ability to tackle various issues grappling our society, our collective minds and our nation at large. But Satyamev Jayate, has started getting monotonous and even boring. We fear if Aamir is slowly turning out to be the male Oprah Winfrey of India.

It is wise of the show-makers that the topic of discussion is kept a fiercely guarded secret, for if the audience gets to know the subject ahead of the times, anybody can to make out what to expect from the extremely predictable show.

The fifth episode of Satyamev Jayate deals with honour killing. Recently, there has been a spate of honour killings in the country where people are awarded death sentence for marrying against the parent’s wishes, having extramarital and premarital relationships, marrying within the same sect (gotra) or outside one’s caste. Aamir discusses this grave social practice bravely. Once again he doesn’t sit in judgment, but shows no hesitation in voicing his opinion.

On the lop side, we are tired of watching the show’s consistently boring treatment. We don’t necessarily doubt’s Aamir’s noble intentions and his ability to make us think together about the challenges we face collectively. But shedding copious amounts of tears every Sunday, which has become a regular feature on SMJ, is a bit much!

Aamir Khan’s Satyameva Jayate

Will Aamir Khan appear on TV or not? The rumour has been set to rest, finally! Yes, Khan will host a talk show being directed by his childhood friend Satyajit Bhatkal.

Bhatkal was a production executive on Lagaan and the brains behind the documentary on Lagaan called Chale Chalo. He’s also directed a children’s film called Zokkomon.

Interestingly, the talk show is being produced by Khan himself in collaboration with Siddharth Basu of Big Synergy. “The show is called Satymeva Jayate and is an elaborate chat show on the lines of Oprah Winfrey’s show, where Khan will be talking to the common man struggling with real-life problems,” reveals our source.

Having recently finished shooting for Reema Katgi’s film with Rani Mukherji and Kareena Kapoor, Khan has begun rehearsing for his TV show. “The first episode will be shot on Thursday (September 8), at Vrundavan Studio at Malad in Mumbai,” our source adds

The wait is killing!

1st Episode Of Aamir Khan's Satyamev Jayate On Female Infanticide

Aamir Khan's show Satyamev Jayate to bring in an awareness to stop Female Infanticide!

According to a report by United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) over 50 million girls and women who should be alive today are 'missing' because of violence and other forms of gender discrimination in India. Estimates of the number of female foetuses being destroyed every year in India vary from two million to five million. 

Aamir Khan's show Satyamev Jayate's first episode is also based on this inhuman act which is yet practiced in many parts of the country. After hearing of this issue narrated by the contestant who faced it made Aamir go numb and left him in tears!

We at TellyBuzz spoke to some of the known people from the television industry on what they feel about this issue and the measures they would like to see through which there can be bought a change in the people's way of thinking about Female Infanticide!

Smriti Zubin Irani : Unfortunately in our country 1crore girls go missing every year due to female infanticide. However there is no comprehensive National Policy to prevent Female Feticide. For us to completely dedicate ourselves to remove this   blot from the society there is a need to engage society at large with this issue and ensure strict implementation of PNDT act and also ensure guilty doctors technicians and family members who force a women to abort the Female fetus, to be punished!

Mustaq Sheikh : Female infanticide is a very serious issue with our country, if not dealt with it is going to be more dangerous! This obsession of boy child has to be curbed; the girl child is neither a curse nor a burden to the society. The only way to stop this barbaric act is through educating the people and making them more aware of their wrong doings. Empowering women can only happen when they are allowed to be born! 

Anas Rashid : Even though the actions of people have changed in the country their habits have turned to remain the same and hence Female Infanticide is yet followed! In the olden days people used to kill a girl child after she was born, and in todays era its 'Sonography' which is done by the use of technology which helps people to know before the child's birth whether a boy/girl, and so nowadays the girl child is killed before birth! Such concepts should be banned and if followed should be punishable. It's a Crime to kill a girl child, and such a crime can be stopped via awareness campaigns and education. There should be no discrimination between a girl child and a boy child!

Varun Badola : There is very much to be said about this topic, being even a developed country and the one where education is followed In large, yet we find orthodox way to thinking yet surviving in large, which leads to issues like Female Infanticide. There are very few who go strong with this topic, try to make people aware through campaigns and education and try to bring in an end to this cruel act, but all we see is today- A failure of try, when we see Female Infanticide is yet followed in many states and villages! And it is a shame to know that even the literate people follow it. This issue is to be dealt at government level now; it should come with the strong laws and punishable acts.

Alok Nath : Female infanticide is an illegal act yet followed in many states and villages, in short- it has been followed as a tradition now! This orthodox thinking is always seen on a rise which has made it to be followed even till today. It is a very shameful act. Murdering a girl child is abruptly cruel; she has all rights to be born and is equally to be treated as the Boy child. There is a lot of awareness to be bought in through campaigns and education system! 

Geeta Kapur : I feel people who follow female infanticide don't know how grateful they should be to even have the power of giving birth to a LIFE. They should be oblivious about the fact that they are committing a murder.  I do feel that if penalty for a crime such as female infanticide is as high as the murder sentence, then people might refrain from the wrong doing they perform. I am a female who works in par with the males on everyday basis and do pretty well for myself, and I don't see any reason why anyone should think that a female child would not be able to fulfill the needs of a family.

Reporter-Krishma Solanki, Ashima Mishra

Author-Krishma Solanki.

Satyamev Jayate is a journey of discovery: Aamir Khan

Star India, India's No. 1 TV network and Aamir Khan, Indian cinema's brightest mind, join forces to present 'Satyamev Jayate' - a compelling narrative of real stories from across India that promises to touch and inspire a billion minds.

Aamir's small-screen debut comes with his signature refreshing style and outlook and hence, it is nothing like what TV audiences have seen before. To be launched on May 6th, 2012, Satyamev Jayate will be telecast every Sunday at 11 am. The show will be simulcast in eight languages across all key channels of the Star network - Star Plus, Star Pravah, Star Jalsha, Star Utsav, Asianet, Star Vijay and in addition, ETV Telugu and Doordarshan.

Besides India, Satyamev Jayate will be beamed to over 100 countries around the world. The title track of the show features video footage of Aamir travelling across the length and breadth of the country and meeting people from various sections of the society. Also, you can expect heartwarming composition by Ram Sampath with beautiful lyrics by Prasoon Joshi, expressed beautifully in the form of a love song for the country!

Talking about his TV debut show Satyamev Jayate, Aamir Khan said, “Over the last few years I have often been approached with various television shows. But none of those that were offered to me really excited me. I work only if I'm excited about it," said Aamir Khan, while commenting on the show. "What excites me about television is its power and reach, its enormous potential to connect with people. And this is what I want to use. I want it to be an enriching experience, for me and for my audience."

Mr Perfectionist star added, "This is not just a show for me, it’s a journey. A journey of discovery, of change, of emotions, of human stories which touch and inspire us. My dream is to impact lives, and who better than Star to help me achieve this. Star, not only has the stature and the network to be the perfect platform for this show, but also has a great team of people, starting with Uday, whose involvement and contribution is very critical to the show."

Satyamev Jayate: Aamir Khan's most ambitious project

Kochi: Superstar Aamir Khan, who is making his television debut with 'Satyamev Jayate', says this was his most ambitious project and described the journey as an emotional roller coaster. The 47-year-old actor said he always wanted the show to be dubbed in multiple languages to reach vast audience.

"This was most ambitious project with which I had lived closely for two years. India is a country of many languages and if I want to reach every one of them, I should reach it in their language of comfort."

"This journey has been an exciting, an extremely emotional journey for me for sure. Very emotional and a journey of discovery. I feel I have understood the people of this country better," Khan told reporters at a media interaction.

Asked about the most challenging aspect of India he came across during the shoot for 'Satyamev Jayate', he said, "By understanding them better, I have come closer in many ways to our country and to the people of the country. I have been

through different emotions.. felt exhilarated, traumatised, sad... I have cried, laughed and felt inspired everytime."

The show, a compelling narrative of real stories across India, is to be telecast every sunday at 11 am on Doordarshan and simultaneously in eight languages across all key channels of the Star Network.

Aamir made it clear that his earlier film '3 Idiots' had not inspired him to do the show. He said that he had lived with the idea of the television show for some time.

"This is my most ambitious project what I have lived for two years," he said.

Asked if he was an emotional person or the show made him one, he said, "I am an emotional person and I cry easily. I don't hide my emotions. If I am happy, you wil see me laughing and if you see me sad, you will find me crying.. I don't feel it necessary to hold back my tears. When I watch films I cry and even cry when I watch advertisement films."

Aamir said he did not find it difficult to connect with people during the shoot of the show.

"I am extremely comfortable in connecting with people and people are comfortable connecting with me too."

Aamir Khan's TV debut 'Satyamev Jayate' takes Twitter by storm

Touted as the biggest show in the history of Indian TV, Aamir Khan's much anticipated TV debut 'Satyamev Jayate' opened to full houses on Sunday morning. The roads of the capital sported a deserted look around 11 am on Sunday morning, as everyone was hooked on to their TV sets. And, what garnered so much interest was surely worth every minute spent on it.

Personal, heartwarming, moving and truly hitting the right chords, Aamir's show is surely going to make it big, going by the first reactions. Meanwhile, folks on Twitter went berserk positve reactions about the show. Here's a look at what B-Towners have to say about Aamir's initiative:

Preity Zinta: Watching Aamir Khan on Satyamev Jayate discussing Female Foeticide ! I love this effort from him & thank him as a Woman !

Farhan Akhtar: Satyamev Jayate. A show with a heart.

Dia Mirza: Satyamev Jayate. #StarPlus #AamirKhan. I always wanted something like this on TV. Thank you Aamir for stirring a people that sundays are 'lazy' 4 n 'others' problems r not theirs.

Rhea Pillai: Watching satyamev Jayate..Aamir gives us what we need..a'Reality'show worth watching.Thank u Aamir.Hope ths spurs a tidal wave of change.

Poonam Pandey: #SatyamevJayate reminds of the Sunday Time Slot whn use to watch #Mahabharat as a teen evn by skipng some sunday mtchs Bravo "Aamir Khan"

Neha Dhupia: #nowwatching @aamir_khan address the unreal problems of real india ... I'm a fan as always! #satyamevajayate. Respect @aamir_khan #satyamevajayate !

Mandira Bedi: A reality show in its truest sense. Some stirring & troubling realities of our times.. I applaud @aamir_khan

Shabana Azmi: Watching Aamir Khans TV show on female foeticide. SUPERB. Bravo Aamir.. What a huge service u r doing. Bless u. Jeete Raho. Khush raho. Aamir Khans show can bring a revolution. Thoroughly researched covers all aspects touches emotional chord n forces us to reexamine ourselves

Boman Irani: Boman Irani: Good Show Aamir!

Vishal Dadlani: Aamir coulda made 3 Cr. a day for any kinda TV show. He CHOSE to make his airtime worthwhile. May his tribe increase. #satyamevajayate 

Aamir Khan promotes Satyameva Jayate in Kochi

Kochi (Kerala), May 3: Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan promoted his first upcoming television programme 'Satyameva Jayate' here this week.

The television show is based on real stories, which would be broadcasted on Doordarshan and Star Plus simultaneously in eight different languages.

Speaking to mediapersons, Khan emphasised that people should come forward to support the social causes in order to strengthen democracy in the country.

"While I am not an activist, but there are other people, who have devoted their lives to different issues that are close to them and 24/7 I involved with those issues. When I am not an activist, I am not able to do that on full time basis but I would still as an Indian and I would like to believe as a sensitive human being, I would like to lend my voice and support to different people then I feel that what they are saying is making sense to me and I feel that all of us should do it. It's not only one of us. All of us should do that. That's how democracy is built and get stronger," said Khan.

The 47-year-old actor described his show as an ambitious project and said that journey was an emotive roller coaster. He further said that with this show, he wanted to reach out to a larger audience.

On being asked if he was interested in politics, he replied that politics was not something that attracted him. He believed himself to be an entertainer and enjoyed connecting with people.

Khan hailed cricketer Sachin Tendulkar's nomination to the Rajya Sabha.

"I know Sachin to be someone who is a person of higher dignity. He is a very honest and straightforward person. I know him to be very sensible and intelligent and these are the qualities that I would like to see in a person who is being nominated in the Rajya Sabha (upper house of the federal parliament). So, I think that it's a good selection that has been made, and having received the invitation, I think that he must have thought about it a great deal, and the fact that he has accepted that invitation, means that he himself also feels that he has something to contribute," said Khan.

The music director of popular Bollywood movie Dehli Belly, Ram Sampath, has composed the theme songs for 'Satyameva Jayate', whereas Prasoon Joshi has written the lyrics. Singer Keerthi Sagathia has sung the songs.

The show will be aired every Sunday from May 06 onwards. Khan has already acted in over 40 films and won several awards for his high-octane performance.

His movie 'Lagaan' became the third Hindi-language film after 'Mother India' and 'Salaam Bombay' was nominated for Academy Awards in the category of best foreign language film.

He received the first National film award (special jury award) for his performance in the Bollywood movies 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak' and 'Raakh'.

Khan is also the brand ambassador for the tourism ministry's 'Incredible India campaign.' (ANI)