MUMBAI : Zee TV’s new show, Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah, tells the powerful story of a young girl Jagriti fighting for the rights of the marginalized community she belongs to, where innocent babies are branded as criminals moments after birth, their handprints taken into police records. The members of this clan are condemned to a life of hunting, denied education, and stripped of their basic rights by oppressive feudal lords. However, this is not just the plot of a fiction show on a Hindi entertainment channel—it reflects the harsh reality faced by many socially excluded communities still struggling across various parts of India. The channel has embarked on a movement called #JagritiSeBadlaav with the intent of generating awareness and sensitizing people about the struggles of these oppressed groups and to enlist public support towards Jagriti who, through Zee TV’s show, emerges as a voice for such communities.
Leading this important movement is acclaimed actress Shweta Tripathi, who lends her voice to an evocative poem that captures the essence of Jagriti’s journey. This poem, brought to life with AI-driven visuals and posted by Tripathi as well as Zee TV on their respective social media handles has already begun to create a ripple. The same poignant poem has been taken on ground through live nukkad natak performances across Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, and Patna, aimed at starting meaningful conversations about social change.
Shweta Tripathi, known for taking on roles that address significant social issues, shared her thoughts: “Lending my voice to Jagriti’s story was a natural choice. Her journey highlights the unfair disadvantages so many children are forced to face just because of where they are born. It’s a story about dignity and breaking free from societal labels. No one should be deprived of basic rights or opportunities because of the community they come from.”
Joining Shweta are some of India’s most inspiring personalities, all of whom have overcome significant societal barriers to achieve success, and now rallying together for the #JagritiSeBadlaav movement to ensure that every child has an equal chance at a dignified life.
Mirabai Chanu, India’s Olympic medalist, drew parallels between her own journey and Jagriti’s struggle: “Coming from a small village and being a woman who wanted to enter a male domain such as weight lifting, I know what it feels like to be told that your dreams are too big for you. Jagriti’s story echoes the hardships many of us have faced. Every child deserves a fair shot at life, and that’s why I stand with her in this movement—because no one should be held back by where they were born.”
Hima Das, India’s sprinting sensation, shared: “Growing up in a village in Assam, I faced both prejudice and financial hardships. I fought hard to make my dreams come true, but not everyone gets that opportunity. Jagriti’s fight for basic rights is one that many girls in India are still fighting today. This movement is about giving everyone the chance to succeed without being held back by society’s limitations.”
Sumit Antil, Paralympic gold medalist, reflected on his own struggles: “Jagriti’s story of unrelenting perseverance is something I deeply relate to. I know what it’s like to be seen through the lens of what society expects you to be, rather than what you’re capable of. No one should be defined by their circumstances or held back by labels. I’m proud to be part of this movement that’s calling for change.”
Comedian Bharti Singh, who has used humour to tackle serious issues, emphasized: “As a woman, I have faced a fair share of body image judgments. But I turned those obstacles into my strength. Jagriti’s story is a reminder that every child deserves dignity and the chance to dream big. This movement is about breaking the cycle of stigma and giving everyone the same opportunities.”
Over 100 influencers are also joining the movement by sharing their own stories under the hashtag #JagritiSeBadlaav, ensuring that the conversation around equal rights resonates both online and offline.
With Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah having begun to air on 16th September, Zee TV continues to shine a light on the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities across India, reminding us that everyone deserves a fair start in life, regardless of their background. No one should be born with the stigma of their circumstances, and everyone has the right to pursue their dreams.
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