Farmers Movement Archive

Punjab marriages turn fundraisers for farmers

BATHINDA/PATIALA: It is marriage season in Punjab and families of brides and grooms are going an extra mile to collect funds for the ongoing farmers’ protest against the agri laws. While a family in Muktsar district asked guests to not get gifts and instead donate for the farmers’ cause, a family in Patiala contributed the entire “shagun” (cash gifted by guests). A family at a village near Malout town of Punjab’s Muktsar district has gone an extra mile to collect funds for the ongoing farmers’ protest against the agri laws. At the wedding reception of his nephew, Jasdeep Singh Brar, sarpanch of a village near Malout town of Muktsar district, made a “no gifts for the bride and groom” announcement. “But donations for support to the farmers’ protest are welcome and those keen on doing their bit are welcome,” he said pointing to a collection box kept nearby. Brar’s family owns farmland and has a commission agent’s shop in Malout. His brother’s son got married on Monday and a reception party was organised in the evening. “A little less than Rs 1 lakh was collected for the farmers during the reception. We added some more to make it a lakh. We will go to the Delhi border on Friday to hand over the money to farmers’ organisations,” Brar told TOI. Flags of farmers’ organisations have been seen in some marriage functions in the last few days in Punjab. Even slogans have been raised at marriage parties in support of farmers. In Nabha town in Patiala district an educated farmer has announced that he will contribute the entire “shagun” during his marriage to help fund the farmers' protest at Delhi borders. Amandeep Sigh, 26, of Duladdi village of Nabha said this during a pre-marriage ritual at his village on Tuesday. “I would donate without mentioning my name as I want to serve the farming community. My father became an “arhtiya” (commission agent) after his health deteriorated and he was unable to work in the fields. I carry out farming along with my uncle Avtar Singh on 50 acres of land, of which I own 20 acres, while 20 acres is owned by my uncle and remaining 10 acres taken on lease,” said Amandeep who is getting married on Thursday.

The Times of India

2020-12-10

India