Farmers Movement Archive

A five-day stay at Tikri that led to a year, & Pind California

NEW DELHI: An under-construction bus depot at Tikri had turned into a temporary shelter for the farmer agitators. Called Pind California for Dr Swaiman Singh, a heart specialist from California who had started a free medical centre there, it was finally vacated on Saturday. Leaving behind a three-year fellowship in New Jersey, US, Dr Singh had camped at Tikri border for a year. “I learnt about the Punjab farmers’ protest at Delhi’s borders and joined it thinking I would spend just five days there,” said Singh. But after reaching Tikri, I decided to stay on. With the help of some volunteer doctors, we started with free check-ups and medicines distribution. But when Covid struck the city, our role became crucial. We distributed masks, provided oxygen concentrators, and guided people in getting the right treatment when they showed Covid symptoms. We also helped the farmers get vaccinated.” Photo by Tarun RawatExplaining the name Pind California, Singh said that Punjab politicians often promised people civic amenities like those in the US state of California. “But such promises were never fulfilled. Here, we attempt to do so, keep the facilities clean and up to date,” said the doctor, who was born in Amritsar and moved to New Jersey with his parents at the age of 10. A resident of New Jersey now for 24 years, Dr Singh head the 5 Rivers Heart Association, which organises medical camps and distributes educational material. “On January 26, after the violent incidents, we treated the injured farmers as well as policemen. We also engaged 32 ambulances and put up a library, volleyball court and shelters for women,” said the doctor. Before and after picture of Pind California set up by Swaiman Singh at Tikri Border.Farmer Kartar Singh expressed gratitude for the presence of Pind California. “The protest eventually turned into a small town. There were separate washrooms for women, shelters and medical facilities. We are thankful to Dr Singh and his team for continuing their medical support to us till the end of our protest,” said Kartar.

The Times of India

2021-12-12

Delhi