SAT Appreciation

Dear Mallikaben,

Greetings from Sense International (India)!
This is with reference to the programmes, namely - "Sat, the Chat Show" and "Tankshal", which are being produced by Darpana Communications and aired by Doordarshan (DD-11) Gujarati channel.

I wish to congratulate you for the month long initiative of giving voices to some of the most marginalized groups of people through your esteemed programmes. Sense International (India) works with deafblind people all over the country and we find the content of both these programmes to be very informative and thought provoking. These programmes have raised some very important issues like - 'Inclusion of people with disability in society'; 'Accessibility and barrier free environment for people with disability'; Livelihood and many others.

The programmes have showed that people with disabilities are capable to lead independent lives provided they are given opportunities. I am aware that this production was on a pilot basis, but I would like to request you to continue the programmes because these have started to create awareness and continuation of the same will lead to a major change in attitudes of society for the better.

Looking forward to your continued support in this regard.
With sincere thanks & thoughts,
Yours truly,
Akhil S. Paul
Director
Sense International (India)

7-04-07

‘…Firstly I would like to say that I am a great fan of the SAT chat show and watch it everyday unfailingly. I am a gynaecologist who has been practicing for the last 21 years and saw both the episodes on female foeticide. I personally do not believe, unlike a large population of our society that having at least one son in a family is necessary to keep the family name alive. Examples like Indira Gandhi, a daughter and only child, who changed India and is seen as one of the strongest women of that time prove my belief of this. Where as though Gandhiji had four sons, none followed in his footsteps or kept his memory alive… I congratulate you repeatedly on finding a way through this chat show to allow people to talk for themselves about the issues that concern them and our entire society…’

~ Dr.Kirti. M. Vadalya (MD Gynaec.)
Amardeep Nursing Home
23/252 Geetanagar Amrayvadi
Ahmedabad
(Translated from the Gujarati)

‘...I would like to suggest a topic to be discussed in the SAT chat show that is rarely discussed and ignored by the society. There are many Dalit musicians who are very talented but for unknown reasons are never invited to music/arts workshops or festivals conducted by the government. They are completely being outcaste, which is something that should be of our concern. I hope you agree and make it a point to draw light upon this issue in a larger framework…’

~ Babubhai Parmar
(Translated from the Gujarati)

01-04-07

‘I have watched a few of the SAT chat show episodes and am interested in being part of this movement. I am eager to participate in some of the upcoming chat shows and would request you to keep me informed about them. Thank you.’

~ Harish Khatri
303, Padmavati Duplex
Sundarvan Society, Vasna
Ahmedabad
(Translated from the Gujarati)

29-03-07

‘I am someone who works and has been working with various NGO’s and have many real life stories that could be adapted and used in the SAT chat show to be discussed. I would like to be informed when SAT restarts its work and goes back on air, as I would love to help its work.

~ Girish Nilgiri
Sector 6/B, Block no. 78/3
‘J’ Government Quarters
Gandhinagar
(Translated from the Gujarati

15-04-07

‘I write fiction based stories and would like to help when SAT reopens by letting you use them as they are also based on issues that SAT would be concerned about.’

~ Badldevlal Soni
52/C, Madhuvan Park
Near Sourashtra Society
Naroda, Ahmedabad
(Translated from the Gujarati)

‘I thoroughly enjoyed the discussion on the SAT chat show on beliefs of Astronomy vs. Science and hope that there are many more discussion like these to come. Looking forward to seeing them and thank you for showing this programme.’

~ Kanakbhai Trivedi
303, Shubhlakshmi Tower
Naranpura, Ahmedabad
(Translated from the Gujarati)

26-05-06

‘I participated in one of the SAT chat shows and enjoyed it very much. This was the first time I had been given an opportunity to be in front of a camera and was delighted and surprised that I got to do so. I would really like to thank Mallika Sarabhai, Aparna Shridhar and the rest of the team for giving me this chance.’

~ Dharmesh Sharma
(Translated from the Gujarati)

22-01-07

‘I saw one of the SAT chat show episodes by chance and was instantly interested in the kind of work you are doing. I am sending this letter as I too work in the media field and would want to work as part of your team or help in any way possible. Thank you.’

~ P. H. Parmar
Jatan, CG Road
Opp. Navrangpura Telephone Exchange
Ahmedabad
(Translated from the Gujarati)

'My greetings to the SAT team. I live in Jarkhand and watch the SAT program on DD Direct+ and enjoy every bit of it. I was born in Gujarat but since then have lived and worked here. As i live away from Gujarat i have not been able to stay up to date with the various happenings there. SAT and DD Gujarati have made it possible for me to finally do so and be aware of what is really going on. Please continue to show this program and keep in mind viewers like myself when you create them. Thank you.'
~ Lokesh Kumar
(Translated from the Gujarati)

We the members of Tamanna Weekly thank you for conducting a fabulous programme for the disabled children of the society. Frankly speaking God has given the, a gift to show their talent even though they are disabled. They are always full of enthusiasm and their physical defects don’t matter. You have really given them a good platform to expose themselves in front of the public. Wes wish good luck and will pray to God to help you in performing such programmes through your ‘SAT’.

~Miral
Sub-editor, Tamanna Weekly

I’m writing this letter in appreciation of your efforts on this type of Public Awareness Programming. This type of programming is really useful for the poor uneducated people of our society. Astrology has become an important aspect of the life of all people. But they are not aware or they even don’t know the proper meaning of astrology. People have started earning money in the name of astrology; they try to cheat the people in the name of astrology. A real astrologer always reveals the negative and positive aspects of a person. The medium you have chosen is a perfect platform to reveal the facts of life in any field. ‘SAT’ means truth, and you are trying to reveal truth on any subject. We wish you to continue such programmes and request you to promote the real astrologers in the society through such programmes and stop the people from getting cheated and save their hard-earned money.

~Miral
Sub-editor, Tamanna Weekly

Information on Caller Responses to the Right to Information Act Hotline with regard to SAT

CALL ANALYSIS OF RTI HELPLINE: 9924085000

	Seeking guidence for use of RTI in department	Number of Phone calls received till 25th April 2007
	Revenue	145
	Developmental works (road, bridge, school building etc)	112
	Police (inquiring about complaints)	78
	Provident Funds	56
	Schemes for social social defense department	78
	Inquiring about RTI	67
	Response received after TV chat Show 'SAT' on RTI.	39
TOTAL		575

*** Visitors of Saturday guidance camp at Helpline office appreciated the Chat Show 'SAT'.

*** Callers and citizens groups have demanded for regional training and orientation after viewing SAT TV Show on RTI.

*** Many phone calls were received inquiring about MAGP and have expressed their desire to join Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel after viewing SAT Chat Show on RTI

SAT Controversy

Like all good things in India, SAT has been mired in controversy from its inception. The concept of mainstream entertaining development TV, at a tenth of the cost of commercial TV, threatens a lot of people, within the channels and outside producers. Doordarshan is famous for its kickback culture. SAT would take away hours where kickbacks would not reach anyone. Hence internal blocks to allowing it to happen. SAT would also take away hours from external producers who produce mediocre or bad work but have a nexus with DD officials for favours in return for kickbacks, so they too consider SAT a threat. The Chief Minister of Gujarat is on record as wanting to stop SAT which he sees as an election threat. He has publicly approached the Planning Commission to stop it happening.

Many of these forces have gotten together and tried to block, through the law courts, the one month pilot project. Luckily the High Court refused to give a stay and we have now completed the one month project successfully. However for the project to continue we must battle in the courts. So... onwards and we hope upwards.

Mallika Sarabhai

The SAT Chat Show

Astronomy vs. Astrology

Discussion regarding the science behind each field.

• Astrologers: Naresh G. Trivedi (Astrologer), Purvang Shukla (Astrologer)
• Astronomers: Tanmay Shah (Astronomer), Praful Shah (Astronomer)
• Civil Society

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Ame Gunthi Jindagi (We Wove a Life)

A woman journalist finds a diary of an old woman, dead alone in her home. She unravels the story of a woman who 40 years ago left her village home to chase a dream to create a business of garments and embroideries to help rural women. A look into the life of a woman who broke tradition to chase her dream.

Tankshal

Mallika Sarabhai in conversation with Dr. Mehrunnisa M. Desai (President, Ahmedabad Muslim Women’s Association, Domestic Violence Helpline 1091, expert in women’s empowerment and backward classes)

Right to Information Act: Ratilal Vaniya was unaware how much P.F. was due to him after 12 years. The RTI was able to help him acquire the information.

Self Help Group: Through their savings with the Kalyan SHG, Salal village women were able to create a business of hand-rolling incense.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on Ms. Selima who has been dedicated to the cause of new enterprises and has won the best businesswoman award; story on Madhuben; heritage story on Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple; tip of the day - use dustbin; helpline on architecture entrance exam; word of the day - NEVI (boat)

The SAT Chat Show

Handicaps and Disabilities Cont.

Issues of access to facilities, insurance, jobs and schooling.

• Disabled People: Mitali Lotwala (Student)
• NGOs & Experts: Ileshkumar S. Rava (Special Needs Teacher), Ranjit P. Gohel (President, MEET International)
• Civil Society & Teachers

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Nayna Rasik Mehta Part II

A woman is able to successfully get her husband punished for the abuse he has inflicted upon her, with the help of her mother-in-law and the police.

Director: Nisarg Trivedi
Cameraperson: Yadavan Chandran
Editor: Nilang Jariwala
Cast: Harita Shah, Raksha Nayak, Kavan Shah, Vijay Parajit, Abhinay Banker, Vijay Rajput, Shailesh Prajapati

Tankshal

Mr. C. D. Parikh (Chief Executive, Apang Manav Mandal, expert on the education of disabled people)

Water: Taraben Permar, sarpanch of Mehmoodpura village, with help of the NGO Swargirna Gram Vikas Sanstha, built a Rs 2 lakh road into the village, a place for washing laundry and a water reservoir for livestock. With help of the Sarda Jal Sanchay Yojana government scheme, check dams were built, and through the B.R.C. Yojana, a water tank for the village school was built.

Self Help Group: The Shree Chamunda SHG, run by eleven women, begins a business weaving wheatgrass to create various appliances and wares.

Water: With the help of NGO SWATI, the villagers of Thala Village went into a partnership with the government to solve their water woes. They collected Rs 74000, borrowed Rs 50,000 and the government contributed Rs 5 lakhs, and together they dredged the lake and built a water tank for the cattle.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on the Adult Continuing Education Centre in the Amritsar Central Jail; tip of the day - wash your hands; story of a blind man, Ranchhodbhai; vox pops on what dalit people dream; helpline - information about breast cancer

The SAT Chat Show

Handicaps and Disabilities Cont.

Issues of access to facilities, insurance, jobs and schooling.

• Disabled People: Mitali Lotwala (Student)
• NGOs & Experts: Ileshkumar S. Rava (Special Needs Teacher), Ranjit P. Gohel (President, MEET International)
• Civil Society & Teachers

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Nayna Rasik Mehta Part I

A woman is able to successfully get her husband punished for the abuse he has inflicted upon her, with the help of her mother-in-law and the police.

Director: Nisarg Trivedi
Cameraperson: Yadavan Chandran
Editor: Nilang Jariwala
Cast: Harita Shah, Raksha Nayak, Kavan Shah, Vijay Parajit, Abhinay Banker, Vijay Rajput, Shailesh Prajapati

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Mr. Akil Paul (Director, Sense International, expert on deafblind people)

Self Help Group: Nagneshwari SHG formed a savings group; from their savings they were able to create a water reservoir for livestock.

Right to Information Act: Mahatma Gandhi International School provides information about the RTI.

Self Help Group: Gayatri SHG in the Salal village created a business from their savings to embroider stones into saris.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news on Waukegen teen who earns national attention for her effort to help young victims of sexual abuse; heritage story on Gandhi Ashram; tip of the day - don't spit; helpline - what kind of products can be used for sensitive skin; vox pops alcohol and drug addiction; information of the day - where candy comes from

The SAT Chat Show

Handicaps and Disabilities

Issues of access to facilities, insurance, jobs and schooling.

• Disabled People: Mitali Lotwala (Student)
• NGOs & Experts: Ileshkumar S. Rava (Special Needs Teacher), Ranjit P. Gohel (President, MEET International)
• Civil Society & Teachers

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Mr. Ilesh Raval (Incharge Specialist Educator, Prerana Sanastha Manthbudhi Balakoni Thalim Shala, expert on educational development of disabled children)

Water: Moviya village took advantage of a government scheme created by the District Rural Development Agency with the help of the Water and Sanitation Management Organization, which granted the village Rs. 48 crores. They were able to build a 45 lakh litre capacity water pump and a 20 lakh litre water tank.

Self Help Group: Abika SHG helps its members set up savings and loans so that they may set up various small scale businesses.

Water: With help from Sarda Jal Sanchay Yojana government scheme, Panchvada village members contributed 40% of funds to build 60 check dams. Under the Sector E-Form scheme, Narmada River water was supplied to them.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on Supreme Court lawyer Sonia Raj Sood who fights atrocities against Kashmiris attributed to India's security forces; heritage story on Rajkumar College in Rajkot; helpline - what type of clothing for a thin body type; tip of the day - supporting your local artisans and crafts; word of the day ARUPARU (here and there)

The SAT Chat Show

Special

Issues of builders cont. – discussion with environmentalists, clients and architects.

• Environmentalists: Raju-Dipti (NGO), Vijaybhai (Centre for Environment Education), Gaurav (Anala)
• Builders, Contractors & Architects: Pavan Bakeri (Builder), Parul Zaveri (Architect), Yatin Pandya (Vastushilp)
• Civil Society

Sat Katha (Truth Tales)

Navi Kshitijo - Lakshmiben

The story of Navi Kshitijo, who had lost her entire family’s savings more than once through theft and con, perseveres and regains financial stability for her family by utilizing a savings account in a bank as well as making use of her mobile phone to help expand her business.

Director: Hridaynath Gharekhan
Chief Assistant Director: Dipika Goenka
Assistant Director: Vijay Rajput
Cameraperson: Ashish Prajapati
Editor: Jayesh Gadivi
Cast: Shilpa Thaker, Ratnabhai Rabari, Imtiaz Sheikh, Prakash Bhatia, Minaben Prajapati, Binaben Shah, Ninaben Shah, Dipikaben Patel, Jhanvi Patel, Chandranil, Devanshi

Tankshal

Mallika Sarabhai in conversation with Shri Bushan Punani (Executive Director, Blind People’s Association, expert on educational development of disabled people)

Special: Social welfare scheme for tribal and backward caste women for economic empowerment.

The SAT Chat Show

Special

Issues of builders – discussion with environmentalists, clients and architects.

• Environmentalists: Raju-Dipti (NGO), Vijaybhai (Centre for Environment Education), Gaurav (Anala)
• Builders, Contractors & Architects: Pavan Bakeri (Builder), Parul Zaveri (Architect), Yatin Pandya (Vastushilp)
• Civil Society

Sat Katha (Truth Tales)

Ranjanben Bhatt

This is the true story of a woman who has devoted her entire life to making dolls and how the dolls have become an integral part of her effort to propagate the social message of self-dependency and economic independence.

Director: Daxin Bajrange-Chhara
Cameraperson: Hemang Pathak
Editor: Nishit Jadawala
Cast: Bijal Vyas (Ranjanben), Tushar Kodekar (Press Reporter), Dinesh Bhatt (Grand Father), Kanta Bhatt (Grand Mother)

Tankshal

Mallika Sarabhai in conversation with Mr. Akil Paul (Director, Sense International, expert on deafblind people)

Special: Adult literacy for the neo-literates.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news on home rule unleashed against liquor and lust - the Andhra Chapter; helpline - career counseling in medical field; power breakfast - khakhra & sprouts; celebrity guest Hersha Bhavasal; tip of the day - sticker reminder notes ; breaking superstitions - don't cut hair on Tuesdays; word of the day - ADAD CHHANTVA (magic)

The SAT Chat Show

The Plastic Menace

Discussion of issues surround plastic waste and how it affects animals, health and the environment. What can be done to counteract such negative affects?

• Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Officials & Gujarat Pollution Control Board: Mr. Zalawadia (Director, Municipal Commissioner), Mahendra R. Amin (Sanitation Superintendent)
• NGOs & Experts: Raju-Dipti (Jeevan Tirth Managing Trustee), Gopal Jain (Programme Officer, Centre for Environment Education), Deepak Gohil (Project Associate, Centre for Environment Education), A.V. Juhapura (Eco Club Member)
• Civil Society

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Anubandh Pt III

A couple is forced to break their ties to each other when the man is emotionally blackmailed into marrying another woman whom he does not love. His true love tells the story of their struggle so that their love would not have been in vain.

Director: Hridaynath Gharekhan
Chief Assistant Director: Dipika Goenka
Assistant Director: Vijay Rajput
Cameraperson: Ashish Prajapati
Editor: Jaydeep Gadhavi
Cast: Yashswini Yagnik, Sunil Vaghela, Upasana Trivedi, Pragnyaben Trivedi, Sarala Chowksi, Bankim Patel, Jayesh Patel, Radha Shah, Jayesh Rabari, Shailesh Prajapati

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Geetaben Oza (Program Manager and Documenter, Behavioral Science Centre, expert in human rights for backward class people)

Water: Public government partnership between the village of Vasadava, the Water and Sanitation Management Organization and NGO Swati have built underground storage tanks to ensure year-round water supply.

Water: Harvesting water in a multi-story building.

Health: Jilla Gram Panchayat Health Scheme offers “anti-malarial medicine soaked mosquito nets” for pregnant women.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on children of brothels in Bihar who perform street plays expressing that they don't want to follow in their mothers' footsteps; heritage story on Sundarvan; vox pop on girl education; helpline - breast cancer awareness; tip of the day - recycle your mobile; word of the day - XIPRA (khichadi)

The SAT Chat Show

Right to Information Cont.

The revolutionary new law that came into effect last year has given the right to people to demand accountability from the government. Who is using it and what changes is it bringing?

• RTI Experts & NGOs: Harinesh Pandya (M.D. Janpath), Rashidaben (Janpath)
• People Who’ve Used RTI: Vinodbhai
• Civil Society

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Anubandh Pt II

A couple is forced to break their ties to each other when the man is emotionally blackmailed into marrying another woman whom he does not love. His true love tells the story of their struggle so that their love would not have been in vain.

Director: Hridaynath Gharekhan
Chief Assistant Director: Dipika Goenka
Assistant Director: Vijay Rajput
Cameraperson: Ashish Prajapati
Editor: Jaydeep Gadhavi
Cast: Yashswini Yagnik, Sunil Vaghela, Upasana Trivedi, Pragnyaben Trivedi, Sarala Chowksi, Bankim Patel, Jayesh Patel, Radha Shah, Jayesh Rabari, Shailesh Prajapati

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Ranjit Gadhavi (Director, Madhyam, expert on using communication technologies for social change)

Success Story: Taraben Goyal, post-woman.

Water: How the 15 member water committee of Vankal village solved their water problem.

Success Story: How Bharatiben Bodhu sells panipuri to run her household.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on Orissa government who planted 25,000 trees to help combat heat; story of man teaches Adivasi children; helpline on matching make-up to skin tone; tip of the day - water purification; word of the day - MUKUR (mirror)

The SAT Chat Show

Right to Information

The revolutionary new law that came into effect last year has given the right to people to demand accountability from the government. Who is using it and what changes is it bringing?

• RTI Experts & NGOs: Harinesh Pandya (M.D. Janpath), Rashidaben (Janpath)
• People Who’ve Used RTI: Vinodbhai
• Civil Society

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Anubandh Pt I

A couple is forced to break their ties to each other when the man is emotionally blackmailed into marrying another woman whom he does not love. His true love tells the story of their struggle so that their love would not have been in vain.

Director: Hridaynath Gharekhan
Chief Assistant Director: Dipika Goenka
Assistant Director: Vijay Rajput
Cameraperson: Ashish Prajapati
Editor: Jaydeep Gadhavi
Cast: Yashswini Yagnik, Sunil Vaghela, Upasana Trivedi, Pragnyaben Trivedi, Sarala Chowksi, Bankim Patel, Jayesh Patel, Radha Shah, Jayesh Rabari, Shailesh Prajapati

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with R. P. Mehta (Director, Center for Entrepreneur Development, expert on entrepreneurial issues)

Success Story: Manjula Mistry-embroidering a future.

Health: Jilla Gram Panchayat Health Scheme offers information and guidance to village women.

Self Help Group: Leelaben and Manguben of the Shri Harshid SHG saved Rs 50 each month and have taken a loan of Rs 15000 to start a convenience store.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on Kunti Paul, 80 year old crusader of social service; heritage story on Dalit Shakti Kendra; vox pop on social service; helpline - what to do about unwanted sexual advances ; tip of the day - anti-mosquito computer software; word of the day - HARDAKO (echo)

The SAT Chat Show

Hostel Blues

What are the concerns surrounding students who attend boarding schools? Parents worry that attending boarding school will affect their child's likelihood of being married because of the social stigmas that surround hostel students. Teachers are concerned with students who do not follow the rules and regulations of the hostels.

• Hostel Residents: Makwana (Student, M. A.), Jayesh T. Gilaner (Student, M. A.), Atul Kahale (Student, N.I.D.)
• Wardens & Teachers: Kamlesh Patel (Gujarat Vidyapith Sports Incharge & Ex. Hostel Incharge), Rameshbhai Barot (Gujarat Vidyapith B. Ed. Hostel Rector), Pradip Sonar (Gujarat Vidyapith Hostel Principal), Sister Annapaul (St. Xavier's Ladies Hostel), Sukhversha Chopda (N.I.D. Head Dean)
• Civil Society

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Sapnu Ek Ghar Jevu (Dream House) Part II

While a married couple is struggling to make their “dream home” a reality, the husband begins to think that his wife is spending money unnecessarily and is not “maintaining” the home as he thinks she should, regardless of the fact that she holds a fulltime job. His ego is bruised by the fact that she brings home a higher salary than he, and he unconsciously lets this affect his attitude towards his wife.

Director: Nisarg Trivedi
Cameraperson: M. Roopesh
Editor: Nilang Jariwala
Cast: Bhoomi Shukla, Prem Gadhvi, Bhavesh Nayak

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Natubhai Barot (Director, Sarvangin Gramvikas Sanstha, expert on women’s financial self help groups)

Success Story: Ranjanben Thakker starting afresh after disaster.

Economic Empowerment: SEWA Bank helps women tied over financial need for domestic activities.

Health: The Manta Kit, for the safety of pregnant women, a project under Jilla Gram Panchayat Health Scheme.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on teachers who care for children affected with cerebral palsy at a special school; art story on Jahanngir Jani; vox pop on hostel problems; helpline on physiotherapy entrepreneurship ; tip of the day - making bird baths; word of the day AASASH (relaxed)

The SAT Chat Show

Deforestation

Discussion regarding the effects of deforestation. The effect it has on the climate, rainy seasons, land, et cetera. What can be done to counteract this? Who will take on the responsibility?

• Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Officials & Gujarat Pollution Control Board: Dr. G.T. Makwaana (Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation official), Mr. Randhava (Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation)
• NGOs & Experts: Gopal Jain (Programme Officer, Centre for Environment Education), Deepak Gohil (Project Associate, Centre for Environment Education), Raju-Dipti (Jeevan Tirth Managing System) Mahesh Pandya (Social Worker for Paryavaran)
• Civil Society

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Sapnu Ek Ghar Jevu (Dream House) Part I

While a married couple is struggling to make their “dream home” a reality, the husband begins to think that his wife is spending money unnecessarily and is not “maintaining” the home as he thinks she should, regardless of the fact that she holds a fulltime job. His ego is bruised by the fact that she brings home a higher salary than he, and he unconsciously lets this affect his attitude towards his wife.

Director: Nisarg Trivedi
Cameraperson: M. Roopesh
Editor: Nilang Jariwala
Cast: Bhoomi Shukla, Prem Gadhvi, Bhavesh Nayak

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Minal Doshi (Managing Trustee, Setu Developmental Intervention Centre, expert in child psychology)

Success Story: Savita Chauhan and her tea store.

Economic Empower: A government scheme for adult literacy.

Success Story: Kashmira Patel, self taught dress designer with a mission.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on Girish who has spent the last ten years working with villages and backwards classes; heritage story on Kavi Dalpatram Chawk; vox pop on examination styles; helpline - what to do about sagging jowls; tip of the day - donate soccer balls anonymously; word of the day AKONU (reserved)

The SAT Chat Show

Special

Issues of cricketers cont. – discussion with general public, selectors and coaches.

• Cricketers: Kirat Damani, Luv Paloar, Devandra Pandey
• Coaches & Selectors: Manav Mukherji (Coach), Kamleshbhai Pate (Coach, Gujarat Vidhyapith)
• Civil Society

Sat Katha (Truth Tales)

Bela Thaker Part II

The story of a young woman who defies a “woman’s role” as a wife as being the important one, to pursue career ambitions and stay single.

Director: Daxin Bajrange-Chhara
Cameraperson: Hemang Pathak
Editor: Nishit Jadawala
Cast: Tulsi Bhatt (Belaben Thakar), Kishor Thakkar (Father), Beena Shah (Mother), Manoj Rao (Boyfriend)

Tankshal

Mallika Sarabhai in conversation with Harinesh Pandya (Director/Convenor, Janpath, expert on the Right to Information Act)

Special: How Thordi village built 35 check dams, an overhead tank and a pump house to defeat the drought.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on student volunteers of Road Safety Patrol regulating traffic in front of St. Anne's Higher Secondary School ; helpline on second-hand smoke effect; tip of the day – stop spitting; word of the day GHANCHAKKER (going mad); art story of Ashwin Modi's paintings; celebrity guest Raju Barot

The SAT Chat Show

Special

Issues of cricketers – discussion with general public, selectors and coaches.

• Cricketers: Kirat Damani, Luv Paloar, Devandra Pandey
• Coaches & Selectors: Manav Mukherji (Coach), Kamleshbhai Pate (Coach, Gujarat Vidhyapith)
• Civil Society

Sat Katha (Truth Tales)

Bela Thaker Part I

The story of a young woman who defies a “woman’s role” as a wife as being the important one, to pursue career ambitions and stay single.

Director: Daxin Bajrange-Chhara
Cameraperson: Hemang Pathak
Editor: Nishit Jadawala
Cast: Tulsi Bhatt (Belaben Thakar), Kishor Thakkar (Father), Beena Shah (Mother), Manoj Rao (Boyfriend)

Tankshal

Mallika Sarabhai in conversation with Digant Oza (Founder, Satyajit Trust, expert on water issues and concerns)

Special: Running a transport company, the story of Kalpana Dalwadi.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news on village women who is taking initiative to clean streets - fining those who break the rules; art story on painting; celebrity guest Manju Mehete; helpline - menstruation questions; phrase of the day - NEV NA PANI MOBHE CHADAVAVAPublish Post

The SAT Chat Show

Sex Education

Many states in India are banning sex education on the grounds that “it is against our culture”. It is unclear whether sex is against our culture or knowledge of it. So what does the youth think about this?

• Students: Hitesh Srimali, Valmik Shukla
• NGOs & Experts: Hemangini Gaikwad (Educator), Parul Patel (Educator), Shylup Parikh (Principal, Anjuman Islam School)
• Civil Society & Parents

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Nishitbhai Mehta (CEO, Entrepreneur, with inclusive employment for disabled people)

Success Story: Physically challenged but undaunted, the story of Hansaben.

Health: Government aid for below poverty line pregnant women.

Success Story: Turning household cooking skills into gold, the story of Induben Khakhrawla.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on Mr. Nazarit; heritage story on Vishala Museum; vox pops on exam styles; helpline - information on birth control pills and how it affects the body; tip of the day - using paper efficiently, word of the day - TAGGARD

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Kalu Gulab (Black Rose)

In India it is socially unacceptable to be dark; this discrimination is especially prevalent against women. This is the story of two sisters who struggle with the issue of being considered “unattractive” by mainstream culture.

Director: Nisarg Trivedi
Cameraperson: M. Roopesh
Editor: Nilang Jariwala
Cast: Ami Vyas, Manali Bhavsar, April Moon, Heman Trivedi, Jayesh Borisa, Abhinay Banker, Niyati Barot, Hetal Barot, Sunil Vaghela, Haresh Pandya, Niranjan Barot

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Gagan Sethi (Managing Trustee, Janvikas - Center for Social Justice, expert in youth empowerment and social justice)

Self Help Group: Rearing cattle together to bridge the Hindu/Muslim divide in Veerpur village.

Self Help Group: Shri Jagruti Mahila SHG produces and sells washing powder.

Success Story: Gita Barot changes her wares every season to make a healthy living.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on HIV/AIDS Awareness; heritage story on Dada Harini Vav; vox pop on Right to Information act; helpline on skin care; tip of the day – reuse paper and save trees; phrase of the day KALJA NU KHASELU ( whimsical)

The SAT Chat Show

Career Options for Adolescents

Who should decide which career adolescents pursue? How much pressure is there placed on youth by both society and their parents? What should be the deciding factor? Aptitude? The adolescents own wants?

• Students: Nilofar Shailk
• NGOs & Experts: K.P. Gajjar (Educator, Polytechnic & Engineering College, Gandhinagar), Manju Bhatnagar (Educator), Nimisha Pardkar (Psychologist), Rita Rajgopal (Teacher, Little Flower Primary Scool)
• Civil Society & Parents

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Mangal Sutra

A woman who has suffered the brutal behaviour of her husband and loses her unborn child struggles to break free from the unwanted bondage of married life.

Director: Nisarg Trivedi
Cameraperson: M. Roopesh
Editor: Nikul Mehta
Cast: Jagruti Thakore, Charmy Modi, Parmeshwar, Heman Shah, Kamini Jadhav, Dhara Vyas, Vivek Shah, Naisargi Trivedi, Firoz Shaikh, Kailash Patel

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Anand Soni (Core Team Officer, Education Support Organisation, expert in education for children of slum areas)

Success Story: Nainaben Vaghela turned her life around stitching sheets and pillowcases with her Rs. 10,000 loan from SEWA Bank. Today she earns 10 and 12 thousand per month.

Water: The Moviya Water Committee has built 9 check dams and a storage tank of 200,000 litres with a partnership with the government.

Success Story: How Sadgunaben Shah became a small scale entrepreneur and started a shop.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on people in Pune who only use a cycle on the first Sunday of every month eschewing vehicles which add to global warming; heritage story on Shreyas Folk Museum’s vessel collection; art story on Gajendra Shah’s new exhibition; word of the day JAKHHAD

The SAT Chat Show

Exam Stress Cont.

The pressure of coming first is putting a stress on students as young as three years old, with dreadful consequences, sometimes even suicide. Who is responsible?

• Students: Varun Thomas (St. Xavier Loyola, student)
• Experts: Prashant Bhimani (psychologist), Sukhdev Patel (social worker), Sunil Trivedi (DPS School, principal), Anju Musafir (MGIS, principal)
• Civil Society & Parents

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Hu Kon? (Who Am I?) Pt II

The perennial struggle of a woman’s identity beyond that of being wife, mother, house keeper. And her rebellion.

Director: Hridaynath Gharekhan
Chief Assistant Director: Dipika Goenka
Assistant Director: Vijay Rajput
Cameraperson: Tanishque
Editor: Jaydeep Gadhavi
Cast: Jagrutiben Thakore, Imtiazbhai Sheikh, Shilpa Thakere, Winners Shah, Tarika Tripathi, Anita, Vijay Rajput

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Jalak Kavi (Team Leader, Education Support Organisation, expert in education for children of slum areas)

Success story: Jamnaben Brijwasi, bus driver.

Water: How the people of Vejagam village brought water to their taps.

Success Story: How Bilkis Banu flies kites for her independence.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on transforming farming with organic fertilizers; heritage story on Ahmedabadni Gufa; vox pop on the pros and cons of school uniforms; helpline on skin care; tip of the day – be kind to one person every day; word of the day KHALATO

The SAT Chat Show

Exam Stress

The pressure of coming first is putting a stress on students as young as three years old, with dreadful consequences, sometimes even suicide. Who is responsible?

• Students: Varun Thomas (St. Xavier Loyola, student)
• Experts: Prashant Bhimani (psychologist), Sukhdev Patel (social worker), Sunil Trivedi (DPS School, principal), Anju Musafir (MGIS, principal)
• Civil Society & Parents

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Hu Kon? (Who Am I?) Pt I

The perennial struggle of a woman’s identity beyond that of being wife, mother, house keeper. And her rebellion.

Director: Hridaynath Gharekhan
Chief Assistant Director: Dipika Goenka
Assistant Director: Vijay Rajput
Cameraperson: Tanishque
Editor: Jaydeep Gadhavi
Cast: Jagrutiben Thakore, Imtiazbhai Sheikh, Shilpa Thakere, Winners Shah, Tarika Tripathi, Anita, Vijay Rajput

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Brijpal Patel (Program Coordinator, Centre for Environment Education, expertise in water, community development, agriculture and livestock)

Water: How the villagers of Hingalla village collected Rs 7 lakhs and tied up with the Water and Sanitation Management Organization and ONGC to solve their water woes.

Economic Empowerment: The Mahila Seva Sahakara Bank loans money to women who have accounts with it to repair their homes.

Self Help Group: The Prayasgandhi SHG loans money to help its women set up grocery stores and little jewellery stores.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on Kerala women getting together for co-operative farming; heritage story on Hastibibi No Gokhlo; vox pop on cricket; helpline on how to beat the heat; tip on saving water; word for the day ASTODIA

The SAT Chat Show

Special

Issues of municipal sweepers cont. – discussion with authorities and citizens.

• Municipal Sweepers: M.J. Fancy, Harish Bachubhai, Harish Makwana (Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation)
• Authorities & Experts: A.K. Shah (sanitation superintendent), M.C. Dave (Health Officer, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation), Jayantibhai Makwana (Director, Solid Waste, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation), Mr. Zalawadia (Municipal Commissioner), Dr. J.V. Solanki (Deputy Health Officer, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation), Dharmendra Patel (Public Health Superintendent), Dr. G.T. Makwana (Deputy Health Officer, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation)
• Civil Society

Sat Katha (Truth Tales)

Sudhaben Part II

This is the true story of a blind rural woman, Sudhaben Patel, who proves that blindness does not have to be a hindrance to a successful life, and goes on into active and effective village & district politics.

Director: Daxin Bajrange-Chhara
Cameraperson: Hemang Pathak
Editor: Nishit Jadawala
Cast: Kalpana Gagrekar (Sudhaben Patel), Dilip Bhatt (Father), Tarika Tripathi (Junior Sudha)

Tankshal

Mallika Sarabhai in conversation with Harinesh Pandya (Director/Convenor, Janpath, expert on the Right to Information Act)

Special: How SEWA trained Palu Parmar and Lata Patel to develop a career selling solar batteries.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on a women’s dairy movement that is transforming rural Madhya Pradesh; power breakfast with Chef Khanna; celebrity morning with psychologist Ratna Bilwani; helpline on career counseling for courses in the polytechnics; tip of the day on raising issues using SMS's; phrase of the day CHALTA BALADNE AAR NA GHONCHAY (don’t curb a running horse)

The SAT Chat Show

Special

Issues of municipal sweepers – discussion with authorities and citizens.

• Municipal Sweepers: M.J. Fancy, Harish Bachubhai, Harish Makwana (Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation)
• Authorities & Experts: A.K. Shah (sanitation superintendent), M.C. Dave (Health Officer, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation), Jayantibhai Makwana (Director, Solid Waste, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation), Mr. Zalawadia (Municipal Commissioner), Dr. J.V. Solanki (Deputy Health Officer, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation), Dharmendra Patel (Public Health Superintendent), Dr. G.T. Makwana (Deputy Health Officer, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation)
• Civil Society

Sat Katha (Truth Tales)

Sudhaben Part I

This is the true story of a blind rural woman, Sudhaben Patel, who proves that blindness does not have to be a hindrance to a successful life, and goes on into active and effective village & district politics.

Director: Daxin Bajrange-Chhara
Cameraperson: Hemang Pathak
Editor: Nishit Jadawala
Cast: Kalpana Gagrekar (Sudhaben Patel), Dilip Bhatt (Father), Tarika Tripathi (Junior Sudha)

Tankshal

Mallika Sarabhai in conversation with Sudarshan Iyankar (Vice Chancellor, Gujarat Vidyapeeth, expert in Gandhian education)

Special: How Anilbhai Patel of Dungerwadi Village in Valsad overcame public apathy and built an overhead tank to store 50,000 litres of water.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on the Apsara Self Help Group in Kerala; power breakfast with Chef Khanna; celebrity morning with sculptor-writer Esther David; helpline on rural entrepreneurship; tip of the day on why not to be rude; word of the day UTSAL

The SAT Chat Show

English versus Gujarati Cont.

Which medium of instruction is best – English or Gujarati? This has been a much debate in Gujarat for over 40 years, and while lip service is paid to Gujarati, why are English medium schools mushrooming?

• Students: Kalini Khandwala
• NGOs & Experts: Kalini Khandwala (Educator), Bhakti Tekchandani (Teacher), Diptiben Shah (Founder/Director of English Tutorial School)
• Civil Society & Parents

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Saduba

An ordinary 19^th century woman whom circumstances forced to become a Satyagrahi. Her act of courage brought down the tyranny of the Marathas and brought together castes and communities.

Director: Mallika Sarabhai & Yadavan Chandran
Cameraperson: Yadavan Chandran
Editor: Yadavan Chandran & Nilang Jariwala
Cast: Hina Trivedi, Sonal Solanki, Gaurang Anand, Heman Trivedi, Dipen Rawal

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Kiran Desai (Field Officer, VIKSAT, expert in environment education and communication)

Water: The story of a partnership between the Water and Sanitation Management Organization and Fatehpur Village which brought water and smiles to the villagers.

Water: Dealing with saline water in a coastal village.

Success Story: How Pushpa Parmar turned her life around with an omelet stand.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on the women’s dairy at Fatehpura; heritage story on Hutheesing Temple; vox pop on whether children’s TV viewing should be scrutinized; helpline on career counseling for computers; tip on global warming initiatives; word of the day ULAT

The SAT Chat Show

English versus Gujarati

Which medium of instruction is best – English or Gujarati? This has been a much debate in Gujarat for over 40 years, and while lip service is paid to Gujarati, why are English medium schools mushrooming?

• Students: Kalini Khandwala
• NGOs & Experts: Kalini Khandwala (Educator), Bhakti Tekchandani (Teacher), Diptiben Shah (Founder/Director of English Tutorial School)
• Civil Society & Parents

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Indu Kapoor (Director, Centre for Health, Education Training and Nutrition Awareness, expert on women’s health education)

Health: Malaria awareness for pregnant women.

Water: Why safe drinking water is essential.

Success Story: How Rajeshwari Patel started her own small shop with a low cost loan from SEWA Bank.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on how Anna Hazare had transformed the villages of Maharashtra; heritage story on the Shreyas Museum; helpline on mother/daughter tussle on loosing weight; phrase of the day PAGHADI UCHHLVI (to insult); tip of the day feed a child by clicking on the hunger site

The SAT Chat Show

Girl Foeticide Cont.

India, has an devastatingly high rate of female foeticide. What can be done to begin changing the numbers and increase the number of girl children?

• Police: Sarojben Rathod (Police Constable), Shabnambanu Malak (Police Constable)
• NGOs & Experts: Manoj Bhavsar (Advocate), Bhushan Oza (Advocate, High Court)
• Civil Society

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Valgad (Possessed)

This is the story of two friends, one of whom supposedly commits suicide after being married against her will and pressured into obtaining more and more money for her dowry. The other grieves for the death of her friend so strongly that she is thought to have been possessed by the soul of the other. A look into still-adhered to superstitions.

Director: Nisarg Trivedi
Cameraperson: M. Roopesh
Editor: Nilang Jariwala
Cast: Manali Bhavsar, Puja Soni, Heman Trivedi, Meena Prajapati

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Nirali Shah (Founder, Shvaas, expert on community volunteerism)

Water: How the Vasna Cancer Hospital started harvesting water.

Self Help Group: The Rampuri Village Forest Committee working with VAKSAT has started protecting their forests while reaping the economic benefits of forest management.

Self Help Group: Jagruti SHG saved Rs 20,000, and used it as a down payment to get a government loan for 2 lakh to build a road into the village which has energized the village community.

The SAT Chat Show

Girl Foeticide

India, has an devastatingly high rate of female foeticide. What can be done to begin changing the numbers and increase the number of girl children?

• Police: Sarojben Rathod (Police Constable), Shabnambanu Malak (Police Constable)
• NGOs & Experts: Manoj Bhavsar (Advocate), Bhushan Oza (Advocate, High Court)
• Civil Society

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Gherayel (Surrounded) Part II

A young woman falls in love with the author of her favourite novel, only to discover that he is completely different from his gender sensitive heroes.

Director: Mallika Sarabhai & Yadavan Chandran
Cameraperson: Yadavan Chandran
Editor: Nilang Jariwala
Cast: Zarna Thaker, Nisarg Trivedi

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Nitaben Pandya (Director, Maldhari Rural Action Group, expert on animal husbandry education and development)

Water: How an institution like the Gujarat Vidyapeeth started water harvesting.

Economic Empowerment: To encourage inter-caste weddings the government gives the couple Rs 50,000 with proof of marriage

Self Help Group: Naganeshwari SHG in the village of Rupaji and how they have solved the problem of drinking water for their cattle.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on Indrani who helps rehabilitate the children of sex workers in Kolkata; heritage story on Center for Environment Education; helpline on blood cancer; vox pop on illegal vehicle driving without licenses; word for the day HAJIYO (yesman)

The SAT Chat Show

Domestic Violence Cont.

India, like most countries, doesn’t like talking of the number of families where violence occurs. What is the way out for the victim? Do the police help or hinder?

• Police: Mrs. M.T. Kadvi (Police Inspector), Mrs. M.S. Patel (Police Sub-Inspector)
• NGOs & Experts: Dr. M.C. Patel, Dr. Prashant Bhimani (Psychologist)
• Civil Society

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Gherayel (Surrounded) Part I

A young woman falls in love with the author of her favourite novel, only to discover that he is completely different from his gender sensitive heroes.

Director: Mallika Sarabhai & Yadavan Chandran
Cameraperson: Yadavan Chandran
Editor: Nilang Jariwala
Cast: Zarna Thaker, Nisarg Trivedi

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Nitaben Pandya (Director, Maldhari Rural Action Group, expert on animal husbandry education and development)

Water: The Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation starts water harvesting at its industrial sheds in Naroda.

Economic Empowerment: The Kunwarbainu Mameru Scheme to aid women with family incomes of less than Rs 11000 per year.

Self Help Group: The Sai Baba SHG is involved in dairy farming and manages to save Rs 15000 a year.

The SAT Chat Show

Special

Issues of rickshaw drivers cont. – discussion with authorities, banks and CNG engine providers.

• Rickshawala Drivers: Jamnashanker Menariya (driver, CHETNA), Dharmendra Brahmbatt (driver, Ahmedabad School), Bhagvandas R.B. (driver, Ahmedabad School), Govinbhai (driver, Ahmedabad School), J.M Sardar (driver, Ahmedabad School)
• Authorities & Experts: D.G. Gohil (Traffic Police Inspector), A.S. Patel (Senior Manager, Bank of Baroda)
• Civil Society

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Nafisaben Barot (Executive Director, Unnati, expert on women’s issues and water issues)

Special: How the village Jamvadi solved their perennial water issues and built an overhead water tank.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on Arpita Bose saving stray animals in Patna; power breakfast with Chef Khanna; celebrity morning with painter Amit Ambalal; helpline on mouth cancer; tip of the day save petrol by walking short distances rather than taking a vehicle; phrase of the day OKI DATAN JE KARE

The SAT Chat Show

Special

Issues of rickshaw drivers – discussion with authorities, banks and CNG engine providers.

• Rickshawala Drivers: Jamnashanker Menariya (driver, CHETNA), Dharmendra Brahmbatt (driver, Ahmedabad School), Bhagvandas R.B. (driver, Ahmedabad School), Govinbhai (driver, Ahmedabad School), J.M Sardar (driver, Ahmedabad School)
• Authorities & Experts: D.G. Gohil (Traffic Police Inspector), A.S. Patel (Senior Manager, Bank of Baroda)
• Civil Society

Sat Katha (Truth Tales)

Savita Amin

From a small village in Gujarat, made fatherless as a baby, Sanita grew up in Mumbai, married & divorced & remarried the legendary entrepreneur Nanubhai Amin. Starting with school for her own toddlers she presides over many progressive educational institutions in Vadodora, including Navrachna School.

Director: Daxin Bajrange-Chhara
Cameraperson: Hemang Pathak
Editor: Nishit Jadawala
Cast: Khushali Vakani (Savitaben Amin), Ajitsinh Vaghela (Nanubhai, Husband), Kamini Panchal (Sister)

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Rimaben Nanavati (Director, Self Employed Women’s Association, expert in deforestation, market, banking, women’s employment and the Agariya community)

Special: Lakshmiben Dabhi took money from the SEWA bank to start vending vegetables. Today the husband and wife are both involved in this activity earning close to seven thousand rupees in a month.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on Milan Nag who runs free medical camps; celebrity morning with choreographer Hemant Kotekar; helpline on gynecology problems; power breakfast with Chef Khanna; heritage story on Sardar Patel Memorial; tip of the day – shut your taps right; word for the day ADAVU (lap)

The SAT Chat Show

Domestic Violence

India, like most countries, doesn’t like talking of the number of families where violence occurs. What is the way out for the victim? Do the police help or hinder?

• Police: Mrs. M.T. Kadvi (Police Inspector), Mrs. M.S. Patel (Police Sub-Inspector)
• NGOs & Experts: Dr. M.C. Patel, Dr. Prashant Bhimani (Psychologist)
• Civil Society

Sat Katha (Truth Tales)

Ratanben Ratadiya

Ratanben, an educationist was the first Bharvad (cow herding community) girl to be educated, go to college and set a precedent. With a Gandhian education, she has set up many educational institutions for the underprivileged.

Director: Daxin Bajrange-Chhara
Cameraperson: Yogesh Patel
Editor: Manan Gajjar
Cast: Tulsi Bhatt (Ratanben), Harish Daghiya (Father), Vibhakar Mehta (Husband), Hardika Chhara (Junior Ratanben)

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Dineshbhai Parmar (Director, Behavioral Science Centre, expert in human rights for backward class people)

Water: The Water and Sanitation Management Organization and NGO SWATI joined with villager from Bharad village in Surendranagar to build check dams, wells and sumps to solve water issues.

Self Help Group: The Ambica SHG, in village Markoda, helps its members start their own businesses or take care of household emergencies by offering inexpensive loans.

Self Help Group: Gayatri SHG has trained its members to produce incense sticks. With earnings they rotate the money amongst members at low interest rates.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on a 7 year old doctor, Akrit Pran Jaswal, who treats patients; heritage story on Rani Roopmati’s Mazjid; tip of the day – say you are sorry to someone you have behaved badly with; vox pop on whether children’s internet access should be monitored; fighting superstition – why should nails not be cut at night? Helpline on colour scheme for a dark complexion; word for the day NARVU (to be healthy)

The SAT Chat Show

Water Pollution

With the number of cases of water borne diseases increasing in the early months of the monsoon, what are the responsibilities of the municipality, NGOs and civil society?

• Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Officials & Gujarat Pollution Control Board: Dr. G.T. Makwaana (Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation official), Mr. Randhava (Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation)
• NGOs & Experts: Dr. Prakash V. Shah (eye specialist), Vipin Makwana (social worker with Paryavaran Mitra)
• Civil Society

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Muliya (Roots)

A village girl tries to understand the value of independent life in a city. This is the story of her struggle to free herself from the bondage of society and dependent life in a small village.

Director: Nisarg Trivedi
Cameraperson: M. Roopesh
Editor: Nilang Jariwala
Cast: Heli Thakker, Hement Mistry, Neha Pandya, Kinnal

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Nishaben Shah (Director, Kheti Sanchalak Swashray Mahila Seva Sangh, expert in agriculture and forestry)

Success Story: Bhartiben Koshti runs a children’s trust and works with the Government Childcare Program.

Water: The DeSouza family in Valsad in South Gujarat harvests all their rainwater to make their family and farm self-sufficient.

Self Help Group: Hadaks Savings Group in Banaskatha ran successfully for two years.

The SAT Chat Show

Air Pollution

Cases of bronchitis, allergies, eye irritations etc have increased phenomenally over the last few years. Vehicle pollution is unchecked and the Pollution Under Control certificate is a joke. Who is at fault? How can we solve the problem?

• Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Officials & Gujarat Pollution Control Board: S.D. Dave (Health Officer Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation)
• NGOs & Experts: Ummiya Patel (Science Communicator, Nisarg Community Science Center), Hiren Patel (Communication in Science)
• Civil Society

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Rang Barse (Shower of Color) Part II

A woman teacher encourages her teenage student to pursue her dreams of becoming an artist. This is the story of the student’s perseverance to follow her own dreams against the wishes of her father, with the constant help of her teacher and the silent support of her mother. A tale of a woman who has different goals in life

Directors: Mallika Sarabhai & Yadavan Chandran
Cameraperson: M. Roopesh & Yadavan Chandran
Editor: Yadavan Chandran
Cast: Arni Sethi, Avni Sethi,Charmy Modi

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Digant Oza (Founder, Satyajit Trust, expert on water issues and concerns)

Economic Empowerment: A government scheme created by the District Rural Development Agency provides loans for animal husbandry to create self-employment amongst rural women who are all members of self help groups.

Water: Borianch village working with an NGO called BIAF solved their perennial water problem by sinking rechargeable wells fitted with pumps.

Success Story: The Jai Bhavani self help group has trained itself in embroidery and knitting and sells its wares in the village and at fairs. Each woman earns two to three thousand rupees a month and manages to save regularly

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on how “low caste” women deprived of drinking water facilities in Barmer took things into their own hands to solve the problem; a special morning with Babu the sweeper; breaking a superstition – why we don’t give salt hand to hand; vox pop on college admissions and the policy for reservation for minorities and backward castes; helpline on clothes allergies; word of the day - ALUNO ( salt-less); tip of the day – don’t blow your nose with your hands as it spreads bacteria

The SAT Chat Show

Mobile Phones and Youth

What is the right age for owning a mobile phone? Who is to deal with pornography and MMS messages, and the growing alienation of youth because of being glued to mobiles?

• Students: Nilofer S. Shaikh, Melvin Jeorge
• NGOs & Experts: Mrs. Pavar (Teacher, D.P.S. School), V.C. Joshi
• Civil Society & Parents

Ek Moti Ekalvayu

Rang Barse (Shower of Color) Part I

A woman teacher encourages her teenage student to pursue her dreams of becoming an artist. This is the story of the student’s perseverance to follow her own dreams against the wishes of her father, with the constant help of her teacher and the silent support of her mother. A tale of a woman who has different goals in life

Directors: Mallika Sarabhai & Yadavan Chandran
Cameraperson: M. Roopesh & Yadavan Chandran
Editor: Yadavan Chandran
Cast: Arni Sethi, Avni Sethi,Charmy Modi

Tankshal

Aditi Desai in conversation with Mr. Vijaykumar Kaushal (Program Coordinator, VIKSAT, expert in natural resource management, livelihood and forestry within Gujarat)

Economic Empowerment: A government scheme created by the District Rural Development Agency with the help of other NGOs for rural women to help them become self-reliant by training them in frame embroidery work and helping them to acquire marketing skills.

Water: Khara Ghoda village had water related problems. Under a scheme by the Water and Sanitation Management Organization, the District Rural Development Agency working with SWATI, an NGO, in Dhargadhara Taluka, motivated villagers to start a water committee. Each family contributed Rs 200 to an overall scheme, totalling Rs. 1,95,000 that contributed to the Rs. 37 lakh project, and are now in control of and responsible for their own water supply.

Self Help Group: The self help group, Mira, has been trained to produce metal inlay work to augment their incomes as well as develop products and capacity by the District Rural Development Agency. Mira has been awarded Rs. 2.5 lakhs for the same.

SAT PRABHAT

Good news story on volunteers learning Braille to help the blind; a story on a welder who teaches the poor outside his welding shop; helpline question on how to bring up children without a gender bias; vox pop of youth on the need for tuitions outside school; heritage story on Sarkhej Roza; word of the day: THUNGO (snacks); Tip of the day – save electricity

About the Programmes.

SAT Prabhat (Daily @ 8:30 am): A magazine format breakfast show with snippets to inspire and to set you off on a good positive start. It also gives daily tips on how we can make a difference to our immediate world and thus the world at large.

Tankshal (Daily @ 9:30 am): A programme aimed at economic empowerment of the poor, especially women. It brings together case studies with a chat with NGO personnel working in relevant fields in various parts of the state. Each episode highlights three stories, either about water, the Right to Information Act, self help groups, economic empowerment of the poor, health, or a success story

Sat Katha (Saturday & Sunday @ noon): True stories of the strength and perseverance of real life women.

Ek Moti Ekalvayu (Monday thru Friday @ 3 pm): A fictional series revolving around women's issues and how they affect those involved.

SAT Chat Show (Daily @ 8:30 pm): A chat show to debate pertinent issues in today’s India. Three panels including experts and NGOs, besides members of civil society, debate the topics.

WHAT WE DO.

SAT is in the process of creating new programming and producing a mini band of programmes on DD Gujarati for one year, with the aim of becoming the pilot project for other Doordarshan Kendras. The programmes cover issues ranging from human rights to education to health care to citizen’s rights to issues of violence, coexistence, celebrating diversity, literacy, employment generation, basic values, the processes of democracy, the environment, panchayat raj, gender equity and more.

Specifically, there are four broad subject areas which have been identified in consonance with the central Government’s thrust areas and by NGOs working at the grassroots in Gujarat. These are:

• Women’s empowerment: These include issues of health, livelihood, government programmes aimed at them, legal rights, dowry related issues, female foeticide, new government initiatives to empower them and more.

• Children and adolescent issues: Literacy and education, child labour, health, sexuality, career guidance, environment activism and more.

• Health: Reducing maternal mortality, anemia, encouraging breast feeding, HIV, immunization, menopause, sexuality related issues, water borne diseases, nutrition and more.

• Water: This includes the health and environmental aspects of this crucial issue for Gujarat including the need to drink clean water and the means to do it, the need for hand washing, community water management issues, need to harvest water and more.

The programming is being created by a team with a background in entertainment and a commitment to development. The project will succeed or fail on the quality and viewer friendliness of the programming and on the truth in them.

The programming targets primarily semi urban and urban audiences, and people living in city slums and lower middle class neighbourhoods. Whenever the time slots available allow for reaching rural audiences, rural issues are highlighted. The main aim is to make people proactive partners in the path to improve and empower their own lives so that they take responsibility for change while accessing financial and other help available to them.

The Partners

• The Planning Commission, Government of India, for funding
• Doordarshan as the carrier
• Dr Mallika Sarabhai and her team as the implementing agency

Program formats (genres)

1. Soap operas / dramas incorporating messages on given themes – like need for education, health, gender sensitization, parenting, sex education, need for literacy and in fact all aspects of development.
2. Sitcoms with episodes addressing different issues – like celebrating diversity, gender equity, violence within families, the use of punishment for children etc
3. Quiz shows / game shows to ‘educate and entertain’ the viewers on subjects like environment, employment,
4. Telefilms for in depth look at issues
5. Talk shows / panel discussions

Impact measurement

A monitoring procedure for the programmes is being set up to evaluate the TV programmes on an ongoing basis and track the changes they are able to bring about in the viewers attitudes / opinions and more importantly, behaviour. Thus programmes will be evaluated on the following parameters,

1. Viewership of the entire programme – how frequently is it watched

2. Extent of liking the entire programme – its format, presentation, variety in content

3. Evaluation of the contents of each programme, the issues it seeks to address

4. Communication of message – what is the message being communicated to the viewers. Is the message actually being communicated the same as what the programme developers are seeking to communicate

5. Are the issues raised and the way they are addressed / solutions they provide in synch with the opinions and beliefs of the target audience

6. The ‘impact’ of the TV programme on the viewers, particularly target audience – attempt to measure the change in attitude / opinion that the program may have been able to effect and the resultant change in behaviour

Some of the impacts that can be measured in a relatively short time have been identified as :

1. How many people washed their hands after defecating or before eating, and how many after specific programming?

2. If measures of making drinking water safe are being talked about, what is the increase in people doing this in the sample?

3. How many people in the target sample audience knew about safety measures for infants and mothers before and after programming? How many have implemented these?

4. What information did lactating mothers have about breast feeding before the programme? What is their understanding and practice after the programming?

5. How many people are aware of the necessity of using iodized salt? How many more have this awareness after the programmes? How many have changed over to it?

6. How many girls and women are aware of anemia and the need to take iron once they start menstruating? How many start taking iron after the programmes?

7. What is the level of information on prevention of HIV before and after the programming?

8. How many people call our help line after inspirational and successful stories on community water management have been shown?

9. How many phone calls/letters does the helpline receive after information on government grants and schemes have been given?

Benchmark surveys will ascertain the current level of information or current behaviour in sample audiences. These surveys will be done with our partner NGOs who will also help in keeping track of programme viewing. Follow up surveys will be done after four and eight months. In some cases, as in the Valsad area where our collaborator UNICEF does extensive grass root work, there already exist benchmarks on some of these parameters, and these, being recent can be taken as starting measures.

The Outcomes

If the greatest impediment to development is an entrenched mindset, then it is to tackle this that this approach to development communication is being suggested. By measuring attitudes and levels of information that lead to different behaviour and choices, and by periodic assessments of the same as the programmes are aired, the actual outcomes can be measured.

In some fields of development, attitude change is reflected directly in behaviour change – as observed (and stated) earlier in other countries. For instance if a campaign on the necessity of immunization for children is successful, the number of children being immunized should change before and after the campaign. If a campaign to segregate and reuse garbage is successful, the locality or village will be cleaner and neater, and some amount of recycling will be visible.

In previous work on infant and maternal mortality issues conducted by the Darpana team with UNICEF in Gujarat, the percentage of children being immunized went up to 90% from a mere 50% by the end of the year long project. Messages on maternal nutrition had an 80% recall one year after our intervention. Similar measures will be put into place. Different measuring mechanisms will be worked out.

Long Term Repercussions

Popular TV programming dedicated to specific development communication targets, which is fun and participative has never been attempted with serious commitment in India (or anywhere else that we can find). Because the team running the project is close to the ground, and is made of creative software makers who can react to the findings of the repeated surveys with practically no lead time, the programming will be adaptable..

A three year pilot project of this innovative nature, if even marginally more effective than current means of development communications, can lead to path breaking acceleration in empowering people nation-wide. What the programming will attempt is to put into place a mechanism that has the agility to engineer effective and enduring change with all the stakeholders as partners.