Farmers Movement Archive

Bihar artists, writers back farmers’ stir but condemn violence

PATNA: After international pop icon Rihanna and Swedish teen activist Greta Thunberg tweeted in support of the farmers’ protests in Delhi, prominent personalities from the field of art, music and literature have also extended their support to the ‘people who feed us’. But they also cautioned against protests turning violent as happened on Republic Day. Popular folk-singer and Padma Bhushan awardee Sharda Sinha said it’s within the rights of the farmers to protest and raise demands for their betterment. “The farmers’ agitation is well understood and justified. Initially, they had the entire nation supporting them, but the Republic day violence has raised serious questions regarding their conduct and demands,” she said. Shyam Sunder Sharma, a noted artist and former principal of College of Arts and Crafts, Patna, also said he stands with the farmers and supports their demand for “protection against the corporate players”. “However, I also condemn their course of action, which started as a peaceful protest but now has gone against the Gandhian principles of justice,” he said. Artists have questioned why only a handful of states are involved in the movement. Rajesh Kumar, an eminent actor hailing from the state said, “One should not overlook the fact that the protests are not happening across India. It’s mostly centred around two to three states. This raises questions as to why farmers in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and other states are not that worried regarding the new farm laws when we know that most Indian states practice farming.” He added, “Also, before supporting or opposing any matter, a detailed awareness about the law is required. Rather than forming an opinion or blindly following an agenda, people should properly study and then comment.” The 2019 Padma Shree recipient for Hindi folk literature, Shanti Jain said, “India has always been the land of peace and prosperity. As one of the largest democracy of the world, we are entitled and well within our rights to ask for change. However, when political agenda mixes with the plea of common people, it takes a dramatic discourse which is what we are experiencing right now in our country.”

The Times of India

2021-02-04

Patna