Bollywood News: While the topic of the second episode of Aamir Khan’s TV show Satyamev Jayate was already out in the media before the show was aired on May 13, it still came as a shocker to audiences who were not used to seeing such a thing being discussed openly. True, news channels and programmes by NGOs have covered the issue of child sexual abuse before, but families uncomfortable with watching it would simply switch channels while they were being aired. But when the serious issue was being tackled by Aamir Khan, people watched in rapt attention.The sexual abuse of children is a horrible reality, and many are unaware of its extent. Research has shown that as many as 53 per cent, or one in every two children, are victims of child sexual abuse. Contrary to belief, the home is not the safest place for a child, as many abusers are trusted by the family. In addition to educating children and encouraging them to be brave enough to say No to abuse, parents themselves need to be sensitive to their children’s signals. Moreover, a robust and specific law against child sexual abuse must be put in place to protect the child and vigorously punish the abuser.
At the beginning of the show, Aamir Khan says “As a citizen of India, this programme is a humble contribution in discharge of my social responsibility. I assure my audidence, that I dont intend to defame any person, hurt anyone’s emotions or to deliver any verdict.
Today, our society faces several challenges. Instead of confronting these issues, sometimes we pretend to ignore them. It encourages the perpetrators of injustice, emboldens them. I only wish to dissect, discuss such issues openly, so that we may discover solutions.
In this context, I musst tell our vieweres that, some contents in this programme may be sensitive. Therefore you are advised to exercise your discretion and your conscience and you are encouraged to take an informed decision.”
