The broadcast programs can be classified into five categories of messages: evangelical, social development, economic development, human development, and environment preservation.
Evangelical messages. Evangelical messages included six segments of the programs. They are Word of God, Sunday homilies, bible dramas, church news, lives of saints and hymns. In a week, 32 % of the total airing time is allocated for segments on evangelization.
Social development messages. The major thrust of the vision and mission statements of ‘Satyaswar’ is social justice, peace, and harmony, along with evangelization. Therefore, in this category, segments deal with social harmony and universal brotherhood. A total of 124 minutes (2.04 hours) are given to social development messages. This comprises 31 % of the total airing time in a week.
Economic development messages. Economic development is very important to achieve overall human development. Fifty-five minutes are allotted to this category or 14 % of the total airing time in a week.
Human development messages. Segments under this category are inspirational to imbue citizens with human values accepted and cherished all over the world. A total of 42 minutes or 11 % of the airing time in a week is allotted for these segments. They emphasize freedom, equality, solidarity and tolerance for all. These segments also impart information on health-related issues and create awareness about personal health and hygiene. Programs describe various diseases affecting the people and prescribe available remedies. Further, it gives information on people’s physical, mental, and overall holistic health.
Programs:
Universal brotherhood (Vasudhaiv Kutumbkum). Vasudhaiv Kutumbkum is an Indian philosophical concept that sees the whole universe as a family. The Indian nation-state is socially and culturally one of the most diverse countries in the world. It has a population of about 1141 million people, the second largest national population in the entire planet. These billion-plus people speak about 1,632 different languages and dialects. As many as 18 of these languages have been officially recognized and placed under the 8th Schedule of the Constitution, thus guaranteeing its legal status. Regionalism in India is rooted in India’s diversity of languages, cultures, tribes, and religions. It is also encouraged by the geographical concentration of these identity markers in particular regions, and fuelled by a sense of regional deprivation. Indian federalism had been a means of accommodating these regional sentiments.
These cultural differences are accompanied by economic and social inequalities. Measures to address the inequalities or injustices suffered by one community sometimes provoke opposition from other communities. The situation is made worse when scarce resources – like river waters, jobs or government funds – have to be shared.
The national and international happenings, principles and concepts are presented in this segment in such a way that the listeners develop an attitude of the whole universe as being one family. This universal brotherhood concept encourages them to respect each other and share human and material resources with others.
World news (Samachar). News aired by “Satyaswar” are collected and selected based on their authenticity and the relevance to listeners.
Interviews (Ek Mulakat). Individuals who have done distinct contributions in different walks of life are interviewed. The queries raised during the interview highlight their fields of expertise whereby the listeners gather knowledge and information useful for the betterment of their lives.
Drama (Natak). This is an entertainment segment that highlights family problems and difficulties as well as values guiding family life. Along with entertainment, they stimulate the listeners to bring about the needed changes in the family, society, and national politics.
Listeners’ pad (Shrota Srijan). The segment is based on the literary writings of the listeners who are encouraged to take part in the broadcast by their contributions on various issues and subjects in the form of articles, poems, and short stories. These entries are selected and broadcast. The best entry is given a prize every month. In this participatory segment, the listeners’ issues on development are expressed in their own words.
Let’s come together (Patra Mitrata). This segment promotes brotherhood and understanding among the listeners by encouraging them to write letters to each other and to share their impressions on the programs and give feedback to the production canters. The requested postal addresses are read out during the broadcast and they are encouraged to make pen pals.
Mail box (Apka Patra Mila). Feedbacks from listeners in the form of letters, emails, and phone calls are encouraged. In this particular segment, listeners’ queries and requests for information are answered. The program also helps the program keep in contact with the listeners and get their pulse of their taste and interests.
Legal aids (Kanuni Gyan). Ignorance of their constitutional and human rights make rural illiterate flocks of the country the victims of corruption and oppression. Legal aids give information about the rights and privileges of the marginalized classes, underprivileged, farmers, women, the aged, and children.
World of agriculture (Krishi Jagat). Over 600 million in India live in rural areas and they depend directly on agriculture. This segment addresses their needs for technological information to protect, preserve, and enhance the quality of their farming. It highlights new inventions in the field of agriculture, government aids, agricultural laws, and marketing opportunities. The segment also encourages the youth to take up agriculture as a profession.
World of communication (Yug-Sanchar). India is known all over the world for its contributions in the field of information and communication technologies. This segment highlights new developments in this field, job opportunities, and general information on various forms of media. It also gives the positive and negative effects of communication technologies on children, the youth, women folk, families, and society at large.
Women empowerment (Naree Sashaktikaran). In a patriarchal or male-dominated society, women had been the victim of oppression and violence. This segment discusses issues concerning the academic growth, rights and privileges, career, livelihood, and other issues related to the overall development of women in society. It guides the women folks especially those from the rural areas to be empowered and fight for their rights and privileges and to challenge their persecutors in the court if needed.
Youth and development (Yuva or Vikas). The youth are the future anchors of development and prosperity of any country. This segment aims to make the youth a solid base for a healthy society and for a strong country. Therefore, it includes information on academics, career and livelihood choices, and competitive examinations. It also discusses problems and obstacles faced by the urban and rural youth in achieving their goals, and guidelines in achieving success by following the footsteps of some successful youth in the country. Further, it endeavors to amend or bridge disparities created by religious, territorial, and cultural differences and guide the younger generation towards wider dimensions of development.
Inter religious reflection (Sarva Dharma Vichar). India is the land and origin of many faiths. The mission of ‘Satyaswar’ is to create harmony between the people of various faiths in India. The basic teachings, the human values and special programs on major feasts of all the religions are aired. Religious harmony in India is used as an example in other countries.
Children’s world (Baal Jagat). This segment is specially prepared to teach social and religious values to young listeners in an entertaining format.
Mind the mirror (Man Darpan). Mind the mirror segment is based on the psychological issues affecting the present generation. It emphasizes how to manage emotional problems and to live a stress-free life.
Environment (Paryavaran). The listeners are encouraged to work for the protection of the environment and to promote a healthy atmosphere in their locality. Regular quiz contests are conducted to generate interest among the audience.
Health (Swastya). This segment imparts information on health-related issues and creates awareness about personal health and hygiene. It describes various diseases affecting the people and prescribes available remedies. Further, it gives information on the physical, mental, and overall holistic health of the people.
Note: Special programs on special occasions like New Year, Republic Day, Holi, Good Friday, Easter, Anniversary of Satyaswar, Raksha Bandhan, Independence Day, IdulFitre, Deshahara, Diwali and Christmas are produced by Satprakashan.