Celebrating a Major Victory for India’s Farmers’ Movement

Photograph by Rajat Gupta for EPA. Indian farmers and their supporters attend a gathering in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. Source

Hindus for Human Rights applauds the Indian government’s decision to surrender to the demands put forward by millions of protesting farmers. The farmers were calling on the Indian government to repeal three laws that were seen as opening up India’s agricultural sector to corporate exploitation.

We admire the leadership, strength, and perseverance demonstrated by India’s farmers in achieving this significant victory. This is a vindication of the power of protests -- and a reminder that governments should always consult with and respect diverse stakeholders whenever making policy changes.

The farmers’ protests, which began in September 2020, are remarkable for many reasons: they represent an inclusive, multi-faith, multi-generational, and multi-caste movement. We celebrate the leadership of women and caste-oppressed communities in this struggle, and the solidarity expressed by communities across India and the diaspora.

It is important to note that these laws have not officially been repealed yet. And as the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) reminds us, “the agitation of farmers is not just for the repeal of the three black laws, but also for a statutory guarantee of remunerative prices for all agricultural produce and for all farmers. This important demand of farmers is still pending. So also is the withdrawal of the Electricity Amendment Bill. SKM will take note of all developments, hold its meeting soon and announce further decisions.”

This victory has come at a tremendous cost -- to date, nearly 700 farmers have lost their lives over the course of this struggle. In the meantime, though, as millions of Sikhs worldwide celebrate Gurpurab -- the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji -- we celebrate this important milestone for what has been called the largest protest in world history.

And as Hindus, we will continue to speak out in support of India’s farmers. Before eating, many of us are taught to recite “annadata sukhi bhava -- may the provider of food be happy.” It is our dharma (religious duty) to ensure that this aspiration becomes a reality.

Kisaan Mazdoor Ekta Zindabad! Long live Farmer-Worker Unity!