Satyamev Jayate & Social Change

OK, so I'm maybe a little behind the eightball, but, it seems Aamir Khan can do no wrong when it comes to highlighting burning social issues through his chosen artform, and the launch of - Satyamev Jayate, in collaboration with wife Kiran Rao, is no different. 

With wide-ranging reviews from a big thumbs up, to complaints about TVR ratings and ‘no follow through’, it would seem overall that Satyamev Jayate has dared go where no TV show has ventured before – and Aamir deservedly earns a hearty pat on the back for breaking that barrier and opening the floor to an awareness of the many social issues here in India.

And, while the show does a wonderful job in discussing, exploring and creating awareness of the many social issues that form the ‘underbelly’ of India, one burning question remains unanswered - does the show make any real impact?

A quick visit to the Satyamev Jayate website will uncover a series of very impressive looking graphs and statistics that outline the ‘impact’ of the show and its reach across the globe.  49.54% Facebook impressions.  22.26% comments on websites.  Seems impressive – but what does it all actually mean? Can societal change even be measured? How many people have actually made behavioural changes since the show launched?  How do women across the country rate their quality of life before the screening of Aamir’s show on Domestic Violence, and then after?  Has the show really effected change? or, do its producers just say it has because a few people talked about it on facebook?

We love the show, and, it promises much. Let’s hope Satyamev Jayate continues and culminates in a greater and more longer lasting impact to social change than merely raising awareness!