Title: Real-Life Parallels: Issues Portrayed in Shahrukh Khan's Film "Jawan"
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Introduction
Shahrukh Khan's recent film "Jawan" has taken the box office by storm, breaking records and receiving immense love from the public. What many viewers may not realize is that the movie draws inspiration from real-life events and societal issues. In this exploration, we will delve into the connections between the film and reality, highlighting the significant issues depicted in "Jawan." While avoiding major spoilers, we will uncover the film's portrayal of these issues and the factual events they mirror.
Healthcare Crisis
The movie portrays a harrowing scene set in a government hospital where young children succumb to encephalitis due to a lack of oxygen supply. Dr. Iram, a dedicated physician, is shown trying to save these children but faces false accusations and imprisonment when the incident goes public. This scenario mirrors a real-life tragedy that unfolded in Gorakhpur in August 2017.
In Gorakhpur's BRD Medical College, 63 children died in just three days when the hospital's oxygen supply ran out. Dr. Kafeel Khan, a pediatrician, tried desperately to inform the authorities and even procured oxygen at his own expense. However, he was wrongly accused of medical negligence and corruption. Dr. Khan's ordeal included brutal treatment in jail, starvation, and physical abuse. Ultimately, he was acquitted of all charges, but the incident exposed a deep-rooted problem within government hospitals.
The film "Jawan" poignantly highlights the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and the dire consequences of a failing healthcare system. It sheds light on the vulnerability of public hospitals and the need for systemic improvements.
Faulty Weapons
"Jawan" delves into a critical issue plaguing the armed forces—faulty weapons. Soldiers in India face risks not only from enemy bullets but also due to substandard weaponry manufactured by certain vested interests. This issue is not confined to fiction; it resonates with real-life concerns that have been raised over the years.
In 2012, Chief General of the Indian Army V.K. Singh alerted then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about the critical ammunition shortage within the Army. Reports have emerged of bureaucratic hurdles preventing the armed forces from acquiring high-quality weaponry. A PIL was filed in the Delhi High Court, emphasizing the use of poor-quality weapons due to bureaucratic obstacles, which jeopardized soldiers' lives.
Furthermore, a CAG report in 2017 revealed that 40% of the Indian Army's ammunition was critically low, posing a significant risk in case of war. Indian-made rifles have also faced failures during trials, leading to further concerns.
These issues underscore the film's portrayal of the Indian Army's challenges and the real-life risks faced by soldiers due to substandard weaponry.
Corporate Funding of Political Parties
"Jawan" shines a light on the covert corporate funding of political parties in India. In 2017, the Modi government passed the Finance Bill, 2017, enabling secret donations to political parties through Electoral Bonds while removing donation limits. This legislation has raised concerns about transparency and accountability.
Recent reports reveal that the BJP received a substantial amount of secret funding—₹52.70 billion—between 2018 and 2022. The lack of transparency in political funding makes it difficult to ascertain the sources of these donations. This lack of transparency is contrary to Prime Minister Modi's 2014 promise to bring back black money from Swiss banks.
The film "Jawan" effectively mirrors this issue, highlighting the secrecy surrounding political donations and the potential influence of corporate interests on political decisions.
Environmental Degradation
"Jawan" addresses the environmental degradation caused by industrial factories that pollute the air and water. While the film references the Bhopal gas tragedy, real-life incidents underscore the pervasive nature of environmental concerns.
In 2006, iron ore mining in Chhattisgarh polluted rivers and affected the lives of villagers. Reports reveal that 80% of Indian sewage is dumped untreated into rivers, primarily due to factories and industries. Environmentalists have voiced concerns about the failure of projects like Namami Ganga to clean the Ganges effectively.
Environmental activists like G.D. Agarwal, who went on a hunger strike for the Ganga's protection, faced tragic consequences. Despite budget allocations and projects, India continues to grapple with pollution-related issues.
The film "Jawan" effectively conveys the urgency of addressing environmental concerns, which impact not only the environment but also the health and well-being of citizens.
Agrarian Crisis
"Jawan" sheds light on the agrarian crisis in India, drawing attention to the struggles faced by farmers. The film aptly portrays the dichotomy between farmers burdened by debt and billionaires receiving leniency for their loans.
In reality, farmers have faced mounting debt, leading to tragic suicides. Despite government promises to double farmers' income, the challenges persist. Recent efforts to enact controversial agricultural reforms sparked nationwide protests and highlighted the disconnect between policymakers and the farming community.
The film's portrayal of the agrarian crisis resonates with the ongoing struggle of farmers in India, emphasizing the need for comprehensive agricultural reforms and support.
Conclusion
"Jawan," while a work of fiction, masterfully intertwines real-life issues that plague Indian society. From the healthcare crisis and faulty weapons to corporate funding of political parties, environmental degradation, and the agrarian crisis, the film serves as a mirror to the challenges India faces today.
By drawing attention to these pressing concerns, "Jawan" not only entertains but also educates and encourages reflection on the issues that demand our collective attention and action. The film's ability to shed light on these challenges underscores the power of cinema to inspire change and promote awareness. It is our responsibility, as a society, to address these issues and work toward a brighter and more equitable future.
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