I was born in Dehra dun, India and growing up I was obsessed with Aamir Khan. He was my first love (well after my papa), my first crush, and my first hero. I think from what I remember of the stories that I was told, I would calm down if my mother put Dil (Heart, Indra Kumar,1990)'s video cassette and I would quieten down and go about my day! Today, the same man proves to be more than just a pretty face! He is an intellectual and has been called "a social crusader" by the recent media press that has released since the release of his final episode. Although I am not in India right now, I have as an Indian woman who has developed and shaped her career in hopes of bettering and understanding India's future and improving the lives of those who live in the marginalized edges of the nation.
When Satyamev Jayate (2012) was released, the show sent shock waves around the nation as it uncovered truths about the country through sophisticated research. His views are also very democratic, secular, and speak volumes about the plight of the nation. Although agreeably and perhaps rightfully many will critique them based on their own values (and they are indeed entitled to their opinion). However, his final episode of the second season, which began with a bang explicating the question of rape, ended on a powerful note especially in regards to the current elections that in his words is a historic moment in India's fate. As I talk among my peers, friends, and advisors in regards to India's political elections, I get a mixed bag of reactions. To be honest, I was never really a fan of Indian politics as the government to me, as someone who was living outside of India (but visiting India for short periods of time), seemed to me like an entity of its own separate from the heart of India.I used to say naively: "I love India and its people but not the government" However, as time have passed and I have grown emotionally and intellectually trying to understand the Indian history in greater detail and understanding where I, as an Indian woman, really fit in. I have come to realize that Khan is indeed correct and courageous to bring this show to the forefront just as Nisha Pahuja and her The World Before Her (2012) team has been proactive in bringing the issues of violence against women to the forefront. As citizens of India, we need to realize our individual power to bring change in India whether we do it through writing, rallying, protesting, or any act that shows one's stand in the future of the country. In order to bring change within a system, you need to understand the system. As easy as it is to blame the government, indeed we need to look in the mirrors and reflect on our selves - what have we done to bring change the various systems that exist within the government? if we don't want to participate in the politics, that is okay. How can we then bring changes as citizens. What can we do? One, honestly, does not need to be in a so-called "seat of power" to bring change to a country. You can do it from wherever you are. I would suggest that this is the underlying message of the show - to make citizens realize their own empowered position within the nexus of the Indian nation. You don't need to be an intellectual or a politician to better your nation. Any one can do it. You don't need higher education degrees. What you do need is a clear mind that is aware of the surroundings, a clear heart, and an agenda to bring change? I think everyone has that. That being said, its a matter of taking one step - of going one extra mile! :-)
In the finale episode of Satyamev Jayate, Khan exposes horrifying numbers of criminals - people who have committed grave crimes such as rape, murder, kidnapping, and etc - who are currently MPs and MLAs in the Indian government. While this is a truth that everyone knows and no one wants to speak about, it is something to think about. Of course, as one of his guests had said, that this system of corruption has become so grandeur that it has overwhelmed the country as a nation. No matter whom you support politically, nobody can deny that corruption continues to be a debilitating disease that continues to plague India. I am not writing this to say or urge you to vote for one candidate or another but I am writing this in support of what his show's content is trying to speak of. Perhaps, for me, the most touching moment in the episode was when he takes a vow (a shapath) that he will wear the three colours of the Indian flag as threads as a reminder that he will vote for the right people who will work together to bring India to great levels.
One cannot deny that unlike many celebrities, Aamir Khan is using his star power to create change in the country. He is a paragon of humility, intellect, and shows great concerns for the future of India. When you watch him or listen to him speak, it is evident that he is down to earth and that fame and its privileges have not spoiled him. Instead, he is ready to talk to the nation at an emotional and intellectual level to bring some sort of reality (which sometimes we do not want to see or hear because it makes us ashamed or embarrassed as a nation). While it is understandable to react in that way - to feel uncomfortable - it is important to give an open minded chance to all who are involved in making a difference in India - whether it be the Right or Left. It is important, however, as citizens to make the decision after much thought and without any greed. I think that is the point of Aamir Khan's finale and something that really should be thought about more.
Unlike many other countries, India has had a privilege to be called literally one of the largest democracies yet we do not take advantage of it. We live in a nation where all types of religions, castes, and communities have always come together since the B.C. era. Imagine the power we have together if as Indians, we forget our differences and join hands to better the nation and bring to the heights of success it deserves. You do not need to be a politician to do that but you need to be a good citizen (whether you reside in or outside of India).
Growing up I lived in so many countries including Malaysia and Singapore, but thanks to my parents and extended family, I grew up in an environment where I was taught to always be humble, to be grateful, and never forget and be proud of my roots and heritage. I used to visit India for months on end, live with my progressive (and traditional) grand parents, and even as I grew up - I would find excuses to live in India for the summers and stay with my relatives and family. I would have a chance to wear my salwar suits and be in a country where I didn't have to adapt at all. My passion and love for India never changed even when I moved to the States, I would wear Indian salwars to my high school and would proudly tell my fellow students and classmates that I don't need to wear clothes that signify my culture on a holiday or a special occasion. My love for my heritage has always shaped my life and every day decisions. It is the reason I chose to do a Ph.D - the reason why when the Delhi Rape Case happened in 2012, I jumped to speaking to my entire class on Introduction to Women's Studies trying to tell them to not believe everything that the media speaks of but to understand and learn about India, its culture, history, and so on. Sometimes, it would even surprise and bother me at the same time that people will be like - either "oh wow, you speak such good English or oh wow, you speak Hindi so well!" - or when I would have to prove my "Indianness" - but I do that now as a writer and a budding intellectual in my actions, words, and voice. I am proud of my roots, culture, and heritage - its strengths and weaknesses - but I am not the one to watch India's future develop as a mere spectator but my intellectual project and work has been to better India and its future. Its what makes me wake up everyday!
All of this being said, the questions of poverty and the fate of women who do indeed still get treated as second-class citizens is still an issue. Having studied feminism and feminist theories as a graduate certificate at University of Michigan and a master's degree at Western (and I am not a "feminist"), I can also say that unfortunately and fortunately, the violence is not gender- or class-specific. Female infanticide, for example, happens everywhere in India not only in rural areas but in families where people hold professions typically known to be more forgiving and understanding of such crimes. The process of dowry (the culprit) behind the increasing rates of female infanticide is still an issue.These are just few examples. It is also hard to overlook the question of poverty that continues to hang like a sword above the head that remains important for India's fate. However, I would argue, that even beyond any of these issues that I think are important for the progress of India as a nation and country. We need to remain united as "Indians" and really think about who we are as "Indians" - what defines us? is it our history? our future? our present? The amalgamation of various and diverse cultures and customs coming together to form a nation? As citizens, we have the utmost right to choose whom we want to vote for. I think we should all participate and vote, as Khan urges, and remember how the nation came to be in 1947.
I am aware that my views reflect hope and idealism (which many will think is perhaps too unrealistic) but I think desiring a coherent and united nation was an idea that was pushed by our own ancient political scientist and intellectual, Chanakya who brought together "India" as a nation for the first time. I call for a united nation. A nation where the young and the old work together to bring change in India regardless of religion, caste, class, gender, and creed. To me, that is the India I want to call home and every day of my life I work to bring this idea together. We sometimes forget in our daily lives that we indeed are empowered individuals who have the right to bring change in India (and believe me, it only takes one). So as the election day come near, please take the time to vote (and don't just vote for anyone) but think about the right leaders who bring the nation together as one, whom we can be proud of, and who can shed light to the issues such as poverty, unemployment, women's issues, development, and so on.
Recalling what Satyamev Jayate tweeted: Cast your vote, don’t vote your caste. Make an informed choice in the 2014 elections. #MyVoteNotForSale.”
Image sources: www.nrimatters.com and images.indianexpress.com
© Nidhi Shrivastava 2014 This content is subject to copyrights. Please ask for my permission before using this content for any purpose.
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