Farmer Protest 2.0: Celebrities Who Stood by Farmers in 2021, and Why It Matters Now

Farmers in India, represented by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), have been protesting and expressing their concerns to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The key demands include a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops based on the Swaminathan formula, legal procurement guarantees, debt waivers, no electricity tariff hikes, and a rejection of smart meters. Despite the government's formation of a panel on MSP after the 2021 farmers' protest, the outcome remains uncertain.

Support from Punjabi Singers in Farmers Protest 2021

Punjabi singers have played a significant role in supporting the farmers' cause. Many songs by Punjabi artists have conveyed solidarity with the farmers, touching upon Sikh history, religion, stories of valour, Punjabis in the armed forces, pre-partition Punjab, the freedom struggle, the Punjabi diaspora abroad, and the unity of farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

From Kanwar Grewal to Ammy Virk, the support from various sections of society is evident, but questions arise about the silence of Punjabi celebrities who rallied behind the farmers in 2021.

Celebrity Actions

Diljit Dosanjh actively participated in the farmers' agitation by visiting the protest site on the Delhi-Haryana border, applauding the farmers for creating history and emphasizing the importance of not letting anyone divert attention from their issues. Renowned singer Gurdas Maan stressed that India exists because its farmers exist, offering prayers for their well-being.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Resham Singh Anmol (@reshamsinghanmol)

Other Punjabi singers, including Ammy Virk, Gippy Grewal, Harbhajan Mann, Jasbir Jassi, Ranjit Bawa, Sunanda Sharma, Sonia Maan, Harf Cheema, Kanwar Grewal, and others, have shown their support through various means. Gippy Grewal, for instance, emphasized the vital role of farmers by stating, "No farmers, no food." Harbhajan Mann announced his participation in the peaceful protests in Delhi, highlighting the public's widespread support for the farmers' cause.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Resham Singh Anmol (@reshamsinghanmol)

Bharat Bandh and Essential Services

A nationwide strike called Bharat Bandh is on the horizon, but essential services like ambulance operations, marriages, medical shops, and schools are expected to continue unaffected. The strike aims to highlight the farmers' and workers' concerns, with public figures emphasizing the need for comprehensive crop insurance, free power for farming, and a pension hike to ₹10,000 per month.

As the 'Delhi Chalo' protest enters its third day, crucial border points between Delhi and Haryana remain closed. Security personnel, equipped with anti-riot gear, are strategically positioned in the national capital. Despite the challenges, the farmers and workers stand resolute in their quest for fair prices, workers' rights, and social security.

-