Farmers’ protest to repeal three farm laws is going on for the last almost two weeks and there seems to be no end to it. Lakhs of farmers from different parts of the country have assembled at different entry points to Delhi, the capital of the country.
Farmers have put on themselves at Delhi border points like Tikri, Singhu etc. Protest is always a difficult proposition for any protester not only to stand to the adversaries by the administration but also in order to face all types of difficulties in terms of health, food, shelter, bathing, washing and communication.
In the times of cold weather, these challenges further become more serious and demanding. It is well said that necessity is the mother of invention and the ongoing protest present a unique picture about the use of technology and brotherhood.
Farmers have made best use of their tractor-trolleys (as a key farm equipment) not only as a mode of transportation but as a well-equipped shelter to live. Most of the farmers have brought at least two trolleys with each tractor with one of them carrying ration and other essentials and the other being used to accommodate the protesters.
These trolleys are well protected with tarpals (polythenes) from dew, rain and cold and insulated with so called unwanted rice stubble. Rice stubble in such uses is most suitable as a soft and insulating material as matrasses. For other daily routine chores, like bathing, washing and toilet, all types of arrangements like movable toilets, hot water making devices, washing machines have been arranged by the supporters from all nearby places. Group of sportspersons and farmers are providing laundry services for protesting farmers by setting washing machines which have proved a boon to people in general and for elderly people in particular.
Local people of Haryana have thrown open their all house hold facilities to protesters standing together with solidarity to the protesters. There is no dearth of all types of food items like tea, fruits, sweets, almonds, pinnis, gachak, groundnuts etc. Heavy- duty roti-making machines (these roti making machines can make around 1,500 to 2,000 rotis in just an hour), grinders, and different cooking machines have found the way to the protesting sites which makes it easy to cook for large scale of gathering without much labor.
Nearby people and farmers are not only providing food items but have also thrown open their agriculture fields for free vegetables to the protesters. People are even providing free diesel to protesters in order to make a journey to the protest sites in solidarity with the protesters.
Mobiles, one of the essential tool with present day generation, also find free WiFi services and means of charging in terms of tractor batteries or electricity generating solar power plants. Health is always at stake in such situations and it is important that people get immediate medical attention.
Though about 10-15 people have already lost their precious lives during the protest but heath wise, many medical teams well supported by NGOs and self-help organizations have come forward to provide all types of medical aid to the protesters. Elderly people are always seen on TV getting all type of the medical aid.
For elderly people suffering with swollen foot are being provided the service of foot massage with foot massaging machines. Anticipating rain in the coming days, protesters are being equipped with water proof tents as well as other daily routine essentials like slippers toothpastes, toothbrushes, oil, shampoo, soap and detergents. Taking into consideration the cold weather, people are providing protesters with sweaters and blankets.
To handle with corona protocols, protesters are being provide with masks and sanitizers. This all service to protesters from different parts of country in general and from Punjab in particular is coming free of cost.
People from each section of society like students, sportsperson, businessmen, artists, doctors, educationists, NRIs and many more are coming forward in support of farmers. Peaceful protests are an integral part of democracy to make the authorities listen to your grievances of people. Farmers and protesters are getting all type of help from various organisations and people.
The present protest by farmers have shown a great example of togetherness not only in terms of the protest but remaining people in villages are also coming forward to take care of all house-hold and agricultural responsibilities for those who are participating in the protest.
Dr. S.S. VERMA
Department of Physics, S.L.I.E.T., Longowal
Distt.-Sangrur (Punjab)-148106
