FRIDAY, 18 DECEMBER, 2020

“The sword of revolution is sharpened on the whetstone of ideas” UNITE, FIGHT - has become a bone in their throat and the masses have become the real heroes. In the meetings that have occurred so far, where AND WIN! the government’s behavior has revealed its obstinate nature, it can be understood that this stubbornness is rooted in the ego of the leader of the reigning party, or in other words, by either fulfilling the demands of the farmers or rolling back the farm bills, Narendra Modi’s image as an ironman, undefeated, and immortal prime minister appears to disintegrate.

The proposal sent by the government after multiple meetings with the farmer unions is We shall fight, we like the same wine in a new bottle or say, putting a new label on expired medication. shall win! That this proposal repeatedly offers to Sukhdarshan Natt, Singhu Site change every word of the bills but insists upon no mention of repealing the bills After fighting a long fight in Punjab, to force makes it clear that these bills are not pro the hand of a stubborn Modi government, farmer and are highly ambiguous, which is we gave the call - “On 26-27 November, let’s why it offers to change every word and go to .” The Modi government thought secondly, by insisting that the word repeal our call-to-action was an empty threat. An not be used, they want to cover up their own unconcerned Modi ordered his BJP Chief failures. If we look at the government-sent Minister Khattar of to stop us, and Jammu & Kashmir via both Karnal and with the local people with love and proposal word by word, it tries to convince because he thought that we will sit at the Rohtak have been shut down. After four or cooperation. Beware of every kind of the farm unions that the laws are pro farmer Punjab-Haryana border for a month or two, five days, the farmers of Uttar Pradesh and mischief and trouble making elements, but the farmers are too small-minded to then get tired and go home. But our Uttarakhand have shut down two other useless boasts or goading ideas, or speeches understand the benefits that will arrive at enthusiastic, farm machinery-expert youth main eastbound highways. Now the plan is and slogans that divide. Forget the Modi some far away time in the future. ruined their plans. Our young brothers from to choke the Modi government by shutting government, not even the tyrannical British Haryana started this. On November 25, they down highways to the west and to the south, government could end our united, It is worth mentioning that alongside the ran over the robust police barricades at to Jaipur and Agra, by December 14. disciplined, peaceful protest. farm union leaders, who are being extremely Ambala, Karnal, and Panipat in a short time, Alongside the media’s false propaganda, the careful in their decision making, is the passed through Murthal, and knocked on the immovable Modi government has refused to Even now, they are testing our peace, vigilant young generation who understands doors of Delhi. Inspired by them, Punjab’s hear the main demands of our farmer patience, and discipline. So, end provocations every point in depth because they are farm unions and youth broke through representatives, despite pressure. Now the and attempts to divide with patience and connected with social media. checkpoints at Shambu, Khanauri, Pehowa, Modi government will use this effort at vigilance, and stay committed to the Ratia et al, while facing tear gas and water reconciliation as reverse propaganda, but providential slogan - “We shall fight - We If we probe for the proposal’s hidden agenda, cannons in freezing temperatures, concrete has been forced to make repeated appeals shall win” there is nothing more than utter lies. This blocks weighing tons, barricades, barbed to the protesting farmers for formal can only be understood as the corporate wire fences as sharp as a blade, mountains of discussion. The protesting youth, elder, men, elites launching a bomb in collusion with the dirt, deep trenches in the roads, and pushed women, and children are patiently and government. The proposal tries to argue through and passed the road-blocking trucks peacefully committed to a “Ghera Dalo, Dera People’s Protest that purchase laws will remain stable and and shipping containers to join shoulder to Dalo” (“Surround Delhi and Camp Out”) Dr. Udoke, Singhu Site continue as is, but when the private shoulder with their brothers from Haryana. Satyagraha. The farmers, market facilitators, corporations begin to do business alongside With an endless caravan of tractors shopkeepers, traders, social and religious After the central government passed the the government backed marketplaces, how decorated with flags of dozens of Punjab organizations, and the public of anti-farming bills, the protest started by the long will the government marketplaces be and Haryana farmer unions, and tarp-draped Haryana, Punjabi, Delhi, and other states are farm unions to get what is rightfully theirs, able to survive? It is fact that the government trollies resembling tanks, provocative lyrics providing unbelievable, limitless support of has become an intractable, ubiquitous backed marketplaces and agencies will be of the movement’s messages echoing from every kind to the protesting farmers. The people’s movement. Perhaps, in current shutdown when, for a time, the private tractor speakers, everyday essentials honest and unbiased national, international, times, the people’s astuteness in corporations will offer better prices, and including food supplies gathered, this and Punjabi media is sharing inspiring and determinedly remaining peaceful has then the government backed marketplaces caravan arrived as organized and disciplined accurate news and photos of the protest overwhelmed the decision makers of the will become valueless, and then the closure as an all-powerful army to claim victory with the whole world. Alongside our own central government, and generally, this is a of the marketplaces will also be blamed on again in Delhi. nation, this rightful and peaceful farmer good sign. the farmer, and all rights will be given to protest has received complete support from private corporations. On the main highways from Punjab to Delhi the whole world’s people and governments The people-elected governments of Punjab where dozens die in road accidents daily, our of other countries. Even though the Modi or the nation have crushed people’s The amendments to the bulk commodity youth fought incessantly without a single government is being pressured to retreat, movements by betraying them during laws will increase the black market as the road accident and proved that they are not because of its corporate alliances and fascist discussions numerous times in the past, private corporations will purchase grain only deft at wielding agricultural machinery ideology, it is not ready to take back the 3 belying even the loyalties of the movement from farmers for a low price and then sell it in songs and fields, but also are capable of Farm bills. leaders, but a certain divine phenomenon back to the consumer at their chosen price. using this machine expertise on the highway has unfolded during this protest and a It is being said that the farmer will retain in an anti-government movement. In the Instead, they are trying to malign the narrative has emerged in the collective rights to hold and maintain grain, but does general revolutionary campaign of movement and divide it using lackeys with psyche that has pressured even the the farmer have the means to stock his November 26-27, only 1 farmer warrior, sinister schemes. They are on the lookout for movement leaders and made them prioritize harvest and ability to maintain it for a long Dhanna Singh of Khehali Chelaan village, ways to paint the protest as violent and find public sentiment in every decision. time? So the government’s proposal that has District Mansa, was martyred. Even this was reason to attack. They are embedding been rejected by the farmer unions, in not a result of the protestors, but due to a instigating agents amongst the farmers or There have been not one, but many meetings reality, does not meet their demands and merchant truck driver’s mistake. inciting conflict amongst farmers to find with the government and so far without can only be called a corporate cabal opportunity justify an inhumane attack on resolution, but the government’s attitude conspiracy letter, and by rejecting it, the Since November 26, the main highways that them. My farmer brothers, stay united and during the meetings shows that this issue farmers have proved that they are intelligent connect Delhi to Punjab/Haryana, Himachal, beware of any kind of provocations. Coexist and aware. has created a unique space in this movement, and father out of our homes and killed us. Even now, the participating artists have become more since we have grown up, we have been facing conscious in their performance. The “Frightened” their murderous policies. They are trying to kill us play is an example. For two continuous months, by taking our land from us. They took the turbans traveling from village to village, this play has of our grandfathers, they took the turbans of our highlighted the fight of the working class. On fathers, but we are not going to let their everyone’s tongue are poetry, ballads, and blackened hands touch our turbans.” I was revolutionary songs written to channel the shocked to hear these words coming from the people’s anger. The same artists who have clashed specific young man who changed the direction of and collided with the police in Punjab and the water cannons at Markanda bridge so that triumphantly kept their campaign alive, were at the tractors could prevail against the barricades the forefront of Singhu border clashes at the and arrive to capture Delhi, Narinder Bhinder of entrance of Delhi. This movement has birthed Lehlan Jagir village, District (Punjabi new songs and poems. People know the words Spiderman). before they are spoken. The entire caravan is a joyful demonstration of plays, acapella groups, painters, and every kind of artist. It has transformed into a large art gallery. The team Martyr walks 4-5 kilometers to show their plays. People get up on their trucks and trolleys to watch and Gurmail Kaur listen. In the play, a mother points to Delhi and asks her, “They have bombs, rifles, and cannons. Sangeet Toor How will you compete?” The son replies, “Old woman, we have Guru-Nanak-given plow and the The sky had been overcast all day in Gharachon If art does not teach a human to respect another morality of hard work.” The people boom echoing village, in Punjab’s Sangrur district. It was cold and human. If it declares another working human to slogans in support. The play continues. The artist by evening, it started to rain. None of that be an enemy, then that art is short-lived and Yearning to Read begins to sing, “Soora So PehchaaNiye” (The deterred Gurmail Kaur, as she prepared for the dangerous. In the same way, if a struggle inspires warrior is recognizable). The workers of the whole “Chalo Dilli” rally for the next day—an “onwards Author: Jassi Sangha, Singhu Site an ego that you are better than others, in which a world join in and the sky echoes with their song. to Delhi” march called by farmers’ organisations human from another religion, race, caste, or The songs transform into the songs of the people. of Punjab, to protest the three farm laws recently Perhaps you can tell by the photo, Bapu Ji is region is considered inhuman, then that struggle We are fighting as we face Delhi. And today is the enacted by the Narendra Modi government. The sitting by himself with the paper close to their is also dangerous. Our farmers, laborers, brothers, birthday of Guru Nanak. Candles light the national plan was to reach the capital on 26 and 27 eyes as they try to read it. I was taking photos of and sisters are fighting for their rights in this highways. Conversations of religious wisdom are November. Gurmail was around eighty years old the elderly at the protest, and my friend Inder movement. In which all will get justice. All will gestured to me to photograph him. When I looked advancing the struggle. The artists, holding and as she packed a small bag, she smiled and have food. All will live with dignity. I salute those at Bapu Ji carefully before taking my photo, I candles, have made a circle in the middle of the said, “I am prepared to die for our land.” The bag in the arts and this movement who seek the already knew that I would go and speak with him. trollies. The people anxiously await today’s special contained one change of clothing, a yellow beneficiation for all. After taking my photo, I went to him and asked, show. To illuminate the area, the people have chunni, or scarf-like throw, a towel, a toothbrush, “Bapu Ji, did you forget your glasses at home?” He turned on their tractor lights. Before the heirs of toothpaste and a blanket. She told me that she said, “No, child, I don’t know how to read very Bhai Lalo begin the “Whose Blood Is This” play, used to step out of the house only for marriages well. I only recognize the letters, connect each of they evoke the energy of writing the Zafarnah to and mournings, that too with her family. This was them and some of the words appear!” I asked, Two Farmers Delhi. People extend their honest earnings to the the first time she was joining any movement. “Bapu Ji, may I read it aloud for you!” They said, “Child of mine, that would be amazing!” artists, but the artists refuse to accept all Tanveer offerings except love. People glare at Delhi with “I used to get out of the house in a veil. Then veils It was a 4-5 page leaflet from the Joint Farmer burning eyes. We revisit the pages of history as went out of fashion; I never got rid of my chunni. My neighboring village is Bappiana, District Committee that I started reading, and believe it we perform, and through the historical Malik Now, I don’t care about this chunni anymore. I do or not, Bapu Ji explained it to me. He is 85 years Mansa. Two farmers from there have gone to Bhago, people see the Malik Bhago of today. not like my house anymore. I do not belong inside old, a resident of Jhorrhan village, District Delhi. To the sit in. Their fields share a boundary. People raise slogans of Long Live the Workers even after we win this fight against Modi,” she Ludhiana. As he spoke, he pulled out a tiny, worn One of them has a chicken farm. They are rivals towards Delhi to show their steadfast resolve. said. A picture of her son, in the uniform of Punjab diary from his pocket and asked me to write my and are not on speaking terms. One of them has The eternally optimistic, proud people must win Police, hung from the wall. He died twenty years name and I said, “Should I write my phone sued the other one. The one who sued says to the this movement, so it is important that we speak ago. Over the next two weeks, as protesting number?” They said, “Daughter, write down the other - “here, brother, drink cha”. He sits near him. loudly and clearly. farmers blockaded Delhi’s borders with Haryana name of your village. Whenever I go towards your After a while of silence, he says - “Brother, first, at Singhu and Tikri, Gurmail became a regular village, I will find you and visit you. You have when I get back, I’m going to take back my lawsuit Standing alongside this struggle, the youth is sight at the protest site in Singhu. taught me so much today.” But actually Bapu Ji against you, my friend! fighting for two hopes. There is the question of had taught me. I had only read aloud to them. saving agriculture and then there is the guarantee For the next two weeks, farmer unions including Delhi has lost. Both have won the lawsuit.” At that time, I saw that Bapu Ji did not have a of employment for the unemployed youth, and Haryana, surrounded Delhi at Singhu and Tikri blanket, and the afternoon became extremely the success of this movement will empower both border, and Gurmail was seen at this protest daily. cold after it rained. After asking, I learned that he issues. It is no longer an exaggeration for the After some days, Bebe Gurmail Kaur’s group did not bring one from home and no one was youth to mobilize for the BNEGA (Bhagat Singh returned to Punjab and she decided to join the distributing blankets in this area. Some young Delhi: A Battlefield National Employment Guarantee Act). The people Kalajhar Toll Plaza protest group. In Pash’s men were eating nearby at a trolley and I became their own media. The cellular network in “Awaiting the Revolution”, popularly read at the requested them to arrange for Bapu Ji to receive Author: Vikki Mahesari this area is jammed. Making a phone call is nearly protests, he says, “I wanted to write a poem / One a blanket. They promised to do this. In my haste, I impossible, but still our issues have been shared that you could read for the rest of your life.” I am didn’t even get their number, but as I sat in my Delhi has become the battlefield of this fight. The internationally. Humanity has invested reminded of these words own blanket, I kept feeling bad as I thought about throne of Delhi trembles at slogans and rallying everything. After participating in the movement Bapu Ji. cries of those fighting. The guards of the working all day, everyone returns to their trollies and when I think about the protesting women of Punjab, especially the 80 year old Bibi Gurmail In an hour, one of the young brothers instagram class have delivered the greatest blow of the makes and eats langar (collective meal), and then messaged me - “Sister, we have given Bapu Ji a century to the central government. The unions begins to write new songs about their new Kaur of Karancho village. On December 8, she had blanket. We requested him to join us to sleep in and the people are advancing step by step on a experiences. Perhaps, the songs of the people are a heart attack and was martyred at the Kalajhar the trolley, where it was warmer, but Bapu Ji united path to log their victories and the Modi the songs that arise from amongst the people. Toll Plaza on NH7. refused - ‘Son, if I get up from here, then it will be government is seen forced to prostrate at the This is the deciding fight and it must be fought the same as running away from the battlefield.’ ” People’s Court. Punjab is dedicated in its leading with all our intensity. So Bapu Ji slept on a carpet laid out on the floor. role in this movement, living through historical moments of the united farming peasantry and My dear brothers and sisters, the courage of our youth. The seemingly far away Delhi has been 85 year old grandfather is an example of wisdom. dragged closer by the people. The concrete Sweater If thousands of our grandfathers, grandmothers, barriers used to block our way on the national and parents are sitting here with this courage, Jaswinder Kaur highways are now being used as fire pits. On the then why shouldn’t we be in Chardi Kala (state of eternal optimism despite all obstacles) ? massive highways that enter Delhi, new villages Bibi had started to knit a new sweater. Everyday, have appeared. Those who want Sarbat Da Bhalla she would knit a little bit and then put it down, (Wellbeing of all) are presenting an exemplary and had said many times that she would finish it character to the whole world. The working people in ten days and then make two more. In the Art and Struggle have dedicated their hard earned living to this village, the speaker announced that if any women movement. All classes of society are contributing wanted to go to the protest they should sign up Author: Jatinder Mauhar, Tikri Site; to this united movement. And the foremost their name. Bibi dropped her sweater knitting Translation by Amritpan fighter of this movement is the farmer and and headed to the Gurudwara to sign up her laborer. There is a challenge in the eyes of the name. Everyone warned her that she had asthma, The films we watch. The novels, stories we food provider, people’s sentiments are daring what will she do if she gets sick. It has been very read. Much can be said and written about forms Delhi, and Delhi sits alarmed. The throne-takers cold. Bibi ignored everyone and got ready to go to of art, but what is art in just a few written words? are repeating the history of Baba Nanak, Guru the protest. Her daughter in law joked, “Bibi, your I would say that art is a unique way of connecting Gobind Singh, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, Chacha Himanshu Dua sweater is going to go unfinished. Who know how human to human. It conveys one human’s Singh, and Bhagat Singh. The seatholder of many days will pass there.” Bibi listened seriously emotions to another. It allows you to feel the Delhi breaks out in sweat in the middle of Poh and said, “If I don’t go to the protest now, much well-being or misery of a person in front of you. (December month) when he remembers the that has been knitted will unravel, including my Art can awaken an extraordinary empathy inside demise of Aurangzeb and Hitler. At the edges of son’s dreams, your father’s earned land.” Without you, so that you can feel what someone else is Narinder Bhinder Delhi, those who long for Begampura (A town speaking to anyone, Bibi left home and joined the going through. without sorrows) have surrounded Delhi with women going to the protest. makeshift villages. The air smells of hard earned Sahil, Singhu Border, Modi Chowk Like art, the Struggle can also bring humans meals being cooked. At the entrances of Delhi, “My paternal grandfather and others used to closer to each other. This is the responsibility and Bhai Lalo’s fire burns in the thousands of stoves speak of how all lived happily in the empire the relationship between art and political cooking meals. And somewhere far away in the Email: [email protected] established by our Maharaja Ranjit Singh and struggle. In the midst of a struggle, a human says darkness of Delhi, Malik Bhago lurks, seemingly Website: Trolleytimes.online other great warriors. This was taken from us in - you and I have the same fight and you and I have preparing for his cremation. the same life. Together, we can find a solution. 1947. Muslim and Sikh families who could not live without each other were made enemies of each Translations by Amritpan, Sahib Singh, The artist has to decide if he is going to stand In this protest, IPTA Moga has been continuously other. During my father’s time, they could not Kanwal Puneet and Annita K with those who take away the rights or those entertaining and inspiring at the forefront. The tolerate our turbans. They pulled those like my who take what is rightfully theirs. team has a historical role in a historical time - Art who have a problem with our farmers eating pizza won’t utter a word when they drink poison instead. Because till now, in this country, 2,96,438 farmers have committed suicide but A new leap of we haven’t heard a word from this government. In the third bill, the government has decided to struggle: The farmers remove potatoes, oil, lentils and onions from the list of essential commodities. After this, anyone is free to hoard them in a warehouse and sell siege of Delhi them at any price they want. With this, this country’s poorest strata will starve to death Puroshotam Sharma along with its farmers. And those who think they’re getting their grains and vegetables from The Indian farmers’ historic movement against the supermarket anyway, wait for your turn. In the three agricultural laws of the Modi our community they say if a man is hungry, his Government -that intend to enslave India’s stomach can be sated but a person’s intentions agricultural and food security in the hands of can never be sated. In sating the intentions of the corporate sector and multinational Ambanis and Adanis, this government has sold companies - has become a matter of discussion the education of this country so it can open Jio in the entire world. Besides the three agricultural University. It has sold the security of this country laws, the movement’s agendas also include the so Ambanis can make Rafaels, sold airports and withdrawal of two ordinances related to ports so Adanis can make a profit. It has sold electricity personalisation and environmental railway stations. Only our soil was left but they pollution. In this sense, it can be said that the are preparing to sell it too. farmers’ struggle is directly against the Center’s power. And also against the idea of economic Delhi and Movements The Adanis and Ambanis have recently development of the country by letting the registered 53 new companies in the agricultural corporate and multinational companies loot the sector, what can be greater proof of the resources of India. Lakhs of farmers having Geeta Kumari government’s intentions? surrounded Delhi- India’s power center have in independent India’s, especially in the India with Today, Delhi is witnessing a new kind of This movement is not just a farmer’s movement. growing fascist regime have provided a new movement. One which, despite not being on its This movement also belongs to those students, direction to the fed-up people of India. The streets, has become a part of its life. Today, this women, Muslims and intellectuals who have mood of the farmers sitting in the movement is the main coordinators of these organizations city that has seen a few “civilised” movements is been declared anti-nationals and put in jail by clearly indicating that they are not going to have a meeting within themselves. First, Punjab’s not being able to estimate a movement by this government. This movement will determine return without winning this battle. They know 32 organsations meet separately, then these some ordinary farmers. the idols of our future generations: will their that if they return without winning, then that organizations and others meet at a common idols be Bhagat Singh, Ashfaqulla Khan, Sukhdev small piece of land that they own will be looted platform to arrive at a final decision. This final This movement of grain-givers has forced and Raj Guru, or those sellouts Modi and Amit by the corporate and India’s food security will decision taken at the common platform is then everyone to think about who this government Shah? also enslaved by them. implemented willingly and peacefully by all the has been elected for: for our farmers or for the This movement is not just to save our fields, but farmers’ organizations. Viewed this way, it can Ambanis? to save the soul of this nation. Those farmers It is tough to state as to how long this movement be said that every organization has an equal and labourers, on whose shoulders this nation will last. But it can definitely be said that it will contribution in the successful implementation While participating in the 2014 student protests, rests, will we stand with them or not? This will end only once the farmers win it. To capture this of the planned decisions. This is precisely the many of us felt that while we are fighting for decide our conscience. movement live, and meet all kinds of farmers is reason that despite many attempts, the children’s right to study at lower fees, when the an entirely different feeling. The special feature Modi government calls us anti-nationals, why government at the centre has not been able to of this movement is that no one leader is leading divide the movement. Hence this movement is does everyone believe it? But today, when the it, the movement does not have a unique banner providers of our food are being called RAJASTHAN’S neither going to be affected by any leader’s or flag. The united and peaceful group of farmers “Khalistanis”, “willing to protest for Rs.500” and betrayal, nor is the movement going to lose its are carrying banners and flags of different “pizza-eaters”, when the nation that once used enthusiasm if any one organsation becomes FARMERS BLOCK NH 8 colours. The unique thing is that the movement to consider them gods is unwilling to even leaderless. Indeed, the truth is the farmers in the is witnessing an increasing number of youth, consider them human beings, then what are we present farm movement are so well-aware and which since the last 30 years was not very worth? Farmers from Gujarat and Haryana united, that if any organization’s leader decides joined them too participative in the farmers’ movement. This to leave, it will be their own loss. That is why young generation of farmers is very And recognise those who say these things: even such organizations are a part of the enthusiastically participating in this movement. during each movement you will see people from Rahul Chaudhary movement in whose leader the people did not The youth are actually proud of being a part and the government and media channels only have much faith, also such organisations which hurling abuses. Identifying them has become On 12th of December, farmers from Rajasthan witnessing the struggle of farmers’ rebellion and have become a part of the movement only for easier now, these are the same Pragya Thakurs, gathered in Kotputli with intention of traveling revolution, whose stories they had heard from the APMC. But seeing the farmers’ spirit of Kangana Ranauts and Zee News-Times Nows to Delhi. They were answering to All India Kisan their grandparents and read in literature. That is struggle and their resolve to not leave without who have chosen their own masters like Modi. Sangharsh Coordination Committee’s call of why, the longer the movement is stretching, getting the bills revoked, the leaders also bow ‘Delhi Chalo’ on 14th of December, meant for more and more youth are becoming a part of it. before them. The farmer who grows the grains that fill your farmers from the states around Delhi. On The farmers’ movement standing at the doorstep stomach, is he or she not allowed to eat a pizza morning of 13th, around 11 am, a caravan of of Delhi has become the depiction of a real The central government, on the one hand has made of it? Perhaps if these farmers too, like the hundreds of cars started for the capital. The democracy. The movement is an inspiration for been acting to initiate talks with the famers and farmers of Tamil Nadu, drank their own urine caravan turned into rally when procession was India’s future, where people from different on the other hand has been trying to weaken then the people of this civilised city would stopped by police at Shahjahanpur at distance ideologies and backgrounds can come together the struggle by breaking the farmers’ unity, consider them farmers, not Khalistanis. But of 500 meters from Haryana border. Seeing this and work for the collective benefit of all. In this taking to them separately, calling the movement would such a thing really happen? Because the administration sealed the Haryana border movement, all kinds of farmers’ organisations motivated by Khalistani ideology or misguided most of us don’t even recognise those Tamilian and a significant number of police personnel are a part, ranging from leftist to rightist to by the opposition and even calling the agitators farmers who sat on Delhi’s roads for months. was deployed to immobilise the rally. As a result centrist to volunteer ideologies. All these as Maoists. But it has completely failed in Why, leaving behind their homes and fields, are farmers pitched their camp right there and since organizations have their internal discussions breaking the farmers’s leadership and rock-solid these farmers out in the cold on the roads of a then they’ve have been sitting on NH 8, blocking related to the planning of the movement. Then unity. cruel city like Delhi? What is the problem with it and the number keeps increasing as more and the new bills the government has passed? more farmers pour in to march toward Delhi.

The first bill says that farmers will be free to sell Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Mahasabha’s national their produce to anyone. There will be no secretary, Ramchamdra Kulhari announced that middleman. coordination committee is thinking¹ and there’s a possibility² that soon they’ll head³ for Delhi It sounds nice. But behind this bill is a after⁴ breaking the barricades. He said that till government that is saving itself from any form all three of the new laws aren’t taken back, the of responsibility. If a farmer’s harvest is not number of farmers marching towards Delhi from good, or input costs are too high, then without all over India will keep swelling and Delhi will MSP how will farmers run their homes or save stay blocked⁵ money for the next sowing? The Adanis and Ambanis will change market prices at their will, Even now the assembly keeps on growing. they will protect their interests whether the Heavy police and rapid action force has been farmer survives it or not. Jio SIMs are the stationed at Haryana Border. Intensive greatest example of this. barricading has been done. The situation now is that the Haryana government is trying to stop The second bill says that farmers can enter into every vehicle going toward the front. contracts with anyone, for multiple years to come. But will the Adanis and Ambanis care The movement’s attitude is sharp. Women too whether a farmer whose harvest turns out bad, are participating. Till 10th Rajasthan was due to weather or due to irrigation, has enough activewith local elections but ever since then to survive till the next season or will they, like the fire of farmers protest has been spreading.¹ the British, only focus on getting their money’s There were programs on local level in many worth? As for who has ever benefitted from the districts on 14th December¹¹ to support the Ambanis till today, you probably can’t even protest. recollect a single name. What will happen to the farmer whose crop didn’t turn out right? In such Kisan Sabha’s national leaders Hannan Mollah, a case, the government won’t have to do Yogendra Yadav, Megha Patekar, Rajasthan’s anything because it will have no responsibility, farmer leader comrade Amarram, C.P.M. that is why this bill exists. Then maybe those candidate Balwan Punia etc. have addressed this dharna so far. Himanshu Dua

It is a festival Surjit Patar A caravan is conducting itself as the Gurus directed As far as I can see Leaving I behind, to go to Us and We And as far as I cannot In this, lessons learned from traditional sto- People are participating in this ries are present People of this earth, of heaven, of the three In this, Sufi fakirs’ 14 chambers of the heart worlds are present It is a festival Let me tell you something innocent and In this, the earth is present, the trees, water, charming and air are present She said to me, a beautiful daughter of Delhi In this, our laughter, tears, our songs are When you leave here, much dullness will present come And you don’t even know who is present? There will be much traffic, but no sangat The rows of people eating and sharing food In this, the colorful history of our ancestors Tejinder Singh is present will not be here In this, the mythology of the people’s People rushing home will not have this hue imagination is present What will we do then In this, our faith, patience, our hopes are And my eyes teared up present What one-of-a-kind love is this In this, shabad, consciousness, melodic tune, It is a festival and prayer is present That you return home, safe and sound, this is And you don’t even know? my prayer In this, the present, past, and future are pres- That you win this righteous bet, this is my ent prayer That you return with new destiny for the In this, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Jain, and @mirsuhail Sikh are present earth Much is visible, and so much more invisible is With a new realization, honest thoughts, and present agency It is a festival With traits of love, simplicity and belonging It is a protest, a movement, but also a cele- It is the occasion of Puran, the son, meeting bration his mother, Ishra In this, there is anger, our pain, and also our It is a festival style As far as I can see What history will ask you, this question is And as far as I cannot also in this People are participating in this And you don’t even know People of this earth, of heaven, of the three Who is present? worlds No, this is not a crowd, it is a sangat, the col- It is a festival lective of souls In this, the earth is present, the trees, water, These walking sentences have meaning, and air are present In this, our laughter, tears, our songs are they are the lines of shabad @akshaykapooor This pilgrimage is different from a pompous present parade And you don’t even know, who is present?

@Nav.Rahi

@bokakola (Parmita Mukherjee) @RandeepMaddoke @akshaykapooor