Farmers Movement Archive

Farmers’ protests: Youths bank on pedal power to send their message across

NEW DELHI: Neither harsh cold nor long distance could dampen the spirit of around 30 youths who have made multiple rounds on bicycles from Punjab’s Rupnagar district to Singhu and Tikri borders to make people aware about the farmers’ protests. These youths, who are travelling in groups, are meeting people at villages and dhabas on their way to Delhi and distributing pamphlets. Each cycle has green flags and placards stating “No Farmers, No Food, No Future — Respect Farmers”. Gurveer Singh, a 20-yearold college student, started his journey from his village located 305km from the Singhu border on December 21. “We came in a group of six, travelled 120km each day on cycles and reached the Singh border on December 23 afternoon and came to Tikri the next day,” Singh said. “My studies are not getting affected as I complete my work before taking this week-long break. My parents also allowed me to participate in this movement. We drove in the day and took rest at night,” he said. Ajmer Singh, a former martial arts coach who had lost his right arm in an accident, is also part of this group. “I didn’t know cycling, yet I chose to participate in the event. It is a proud moment for me to contribute in this mission. On our way, people came forward to help us with food, beds and made whatever arrangement they could, making the journey easier.” Ajmer said he was shattered after the accident and took a break for two years. “These years have taught me that nothing is impossible if we make up our mind. Now I am aiming to participate in the Paralympics.” Most of these participants aren’t even from farmer families. “Most of us are into various other professions. But we decided to get associated with the protest for the sake of farmers. If they won’t succeed or survive, where will we go? We request youths from other states to join the cause,” said Narender Singh, who runs a tour and travel company in Rupnagar.

The Times of India

2020-12-28

Delhi