Satyamev Jayate: Systematically Tackling India's Problems

Aamir Khan has always been my favorite Bollywood actor. But despite his many fine films, the best thing he has ever done is create and host Satyamev Jayate ("Truth Alone Prevails"), a TV show that tackles problems that are rampant throughout Indian society. Whether it's child abuse, pollution, rape, or the caste system, each episode is a singular piece of landmark television, a frank discussion of what ails the world's largest democracy and how it can be fixed.

The show's format is simple. Filmed in front of a live audience, Aamir will walk on to the stage and offer up a small speech or story that addresses the topic of the day. This leads into a video about the problem as it currently stands, looking at both the grand scale as well as individual stories of suffering. What follows is a series of interviews and videos with a range of people. These include those who wish to share their personal experiences, and others who are tirelessly working in their communities to fix the problem and educate others. 

Despite the often depressing subject matter, which can sometimes reduce Aamir to tears, Satyamev Jayate is always a hopeful show. It acknowledges these entrenched problems but then proposes a myriad solutions to fight the status quo and bring about positive change. Every episode features multiple calls to action, asking the viewers to text their support, petition the government, or donate money that will go to organizations that are working on the particular cause. It acknowledges that change is hard, but sitting idle is not a solution. It challenges the apathy of Indian society and urges citizens to take back their democracy and demand their rights.

Aamir Khan's popularity as one of Bollywood's top actors is crucial to the success of the show. Indians will never listen to a politican but they'll certainly pay attention to an actor, and he expertly conducts interviews with scientists and change makers, simplifying their language and explaining things methodically and engagingly. It feels like a series of TED talks, always compelling, informative, and eye-opening. And then in typical Bollywood fashion, each episode concludes with a song, especially composed and written for that particular topic. These songs are yet another way to reach the Indian public through a popular medium and remind them about unpopular topics that need to be addressed.

Unlike my other Hindi-language recommendations, Satyamev Jayate is incredibly accessible for viewers from any country. Aamir Khan wishes to reach as wide a demographic a possible and ensure that these vital issues are no longer swept underneath a rug. Therefore, every episode of the current Season 2 is available on YouTube in several Indian languages, and there are English-subtitled versions as well. Even if you don't live in India, it may alert you to a problem or solution you've never heard of before that could apply to your own community. So tune in, get inspired, and make a difference.