Satyamev Jayate – Aamir Teases, Pulls Leg!

By Fenil Seta -

July 16, 2012 - 9:31 AM IST

Abhishek Bachchan, during a low phase of his career 10 years back did a now-forgotten film titled Shararat. The film dealt with the mischievous Rahul (played by Bachchan) who's told to spend time in an old-age home as punishment under law. In one of the memorable scene from the film, a resident of the old-age home - Prajapati (Amrish Puri) gets into an alteration with Subramaniam (K D Chandran). In anger, Subramaniam calls his children and tells them to take him back home. He packs his luggage and sits at the gate for as long as 10 hours. Finally, he realizes that his children don't need and care for him any longer and that it's the old-age home where he would have to spend the rest of his life.

Satyamev Jayate, in its eleventh episode, threw light on this grave social issue. It's common knowledge that there are plenty of such people throughout our country who are leading a pointless existence after their children shunned them out of their house. Some were the victims of property-related issues while few were seen as 'unproductive' and pain-in-the-neck! Never mind that these were the ones who gave birth to them and introduced them to life. The episode commences with the AV of parents who were victims of their children's ouster. An old lady in Delhi was made to sit outside her house for hours after her son locked up her house. The widow and old age homes of Vrindavan present a sorry state where senior citizens are compelled to beg and run after cars for food and money. The caretakers and employees of various old-age homes as well as Winnie Singh (who runs 'Maitri India' Foundation) spoke about the horrors committed by children of the ill-fated parents. The instance of children ditching parents at railway stations and hospitals under the pretext of getting a cab/case paper is simply shocking! Deccan Chronicle correspondent Pramila Krishnan spoke about the soul-wrenching and very lesser known practice of thalaikoothal that exists in Virudhnagar district of Tamil Nadu - where parents are murdered by their own children through poisonous injections! Thankfully, this isn't a pan-India ritual and hopefully, action would be taken to curb the same. Himanshu Rath from Agewell Foundation explained the practical and financial cause behind the shocking action of children towards their parents. Moreover, he gave million-dollar-advice that parents should not hand over property and wealth to their kin till the last breath and it got a loud applause from the audiences!

Satyamev Jayate – Aamir Teases, Pulls Leg!

However, the episode didn't just discuss about the problems of the ageing population. A major portion of it gave impetus to those silvers that are as young as ever, even though they have crossed 60 and 70...even 90! In addition, there are institutions and clubs in the country which take in senior citizens and help them develop a positive approach towards life. Ayudham in Delhi takes care of all its silvers and moreover, gives them chance to interact with school children and even teach them. The result - the members there are extremely content and happy. The 'Dada Dadi Park' in Borivali (Mumbai) brings a smile! The aged have laughter sessions, indulge in sports and even have dancing classes with the 'students' participating with enthusiasm. Hats off to the founder of the park, Vinubhai Valia, and hope similar steps are taken in different cities and towns across India!

The best part of the episode was reserved in the end! Aamir invited Mr. and Mrs. Joshi on stage who looked like a normal couple in their 70s/80s. However, this was Mr. Joshi's second marriage and he got married at the age of 79! It was a treat to witness as Aamir teased the old couple as they spoke about their courtship, engagement and 'honeymoon'! Moreover, the hubby was a Maharashtrian while the lady was from the South and they faced innumerable problems. Yet, they got married and are happily married since seven years! This, however, brought a new issue - a senior citizen has all the right to remarry if the spouse dies for the need of companionship and to cope with loneliness. Regular readers of newspaper must have read about the live-in initiative among the silvers in Gujarat few months back. And it's not a surprise that this was highlighted in this episode of Satyamev Jayate as well.

It's often said there's no age limit when it comes to learn/experience something new. Narayan Mahajan, Chandro Tomar and Parkashi Tomar took this bit quite seriously. At the age of 91, Mr. Mahajan not only trekked on a difficult terrain but even successfully did rappelling, earning him a name in Limca Book Of Records. Chandro and Parkishi, meanwhile, became pro at shooting (probably in their 50s or 60s) and became state and national champions!

As expected, the episode began with some startling facts but thankfully, dealt with the positive aspects of ageing. And suddenly as I write this, it dawns that just two more episodes are left of this terrific series. Wish Satyamev Jayate could go forever...coz I'm loving it!

Click here to Watch the video: Satyamev Jayate : Sunset Years, Sunshine Life (Episode 11)