In far off Assam, Odisha, Kolkata and other parts of eastern and western India, the habitat of the Sikhs, from the times of the Gurus, were referred to as Singhgaons -villages of the Singhs. Many such big and small villages have sprung up within the last two months on the periphery of Delhi. They are the blessed centres of faith, commitment, brotherhood, love, compassion, equality of religions, regions, gender, age and more. The manner in which youngsters and children have been touched by the developments in the Farmers Morcha is not only a tribute to the expanse of the Morcha but also a reiteration of the love for Punjab and the farmers in general by the generation next. Poet-artist Gurleen Kaur spends a few hours in the “village of protest” and experiences bonding and spirituality as if the Supreme Power is blessing you.

AT THE TIKRI BORDER, on entering the village which is 18 kilometres long, with many small “Pattis” -small village centres, angels of God -people who talk, share as the blessed receive you with love and respect as if you are the very important guests visiting their home. We entered one tent, and there, they kept asking us, “Would you like to have tea or milk?”

I kept wondering whether I am home or at the Morcha!

Experts say that such a protest involving farmers is perhaps unique in history and we are blessed that it is happening in our times. The more the government of India delays the repeal of laws, the more joyous and faith-abiding the situation is becoming, even with more than 130 deaths so far.

Unlike other villages, this is a modern village with no shortages. God has put his good samaritans to volunteer to feed the hungry, to provide warmth in thousands of tents and the best of winter wear and beddings, the marvellous Langars of simple food, snacks galore.

Local shopkeepers who would otherwise protest at the loss of customers are so happy with the people and the manner in which a new colony of good people has sprung up around their surroundings. They have lost some work, but farmers are patronising them and they are virtually enjoying their presence.

This village holds people from different religions and cultures but all bound through the one string of fighting for one’s rights. They share in chaste Punjabi and Hindi that saving their farming, saving their motherland and occupation is not saving only a source of livelihood but establishing a connection with Nature and the Universality of God.

 

It is religiously following the path shown by Guru Nanak, protecting the lands bestowed on to them through the ahead of the times 1710 proclamation of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur -the land belongs to the tiller. The villagers I spoke to said, “We are fighting the battle as warriors in the army of the Guru and age, gender, profession and status of health is no bar.

All participants of the Morcha have taken on duties of cooking, cleaning and the works. In a remarkable military routine, they gather in the mornings to pray, listen to motivational speeches, speeches from the stages, discussion in makeshift Saths -village roundabouts, war cries, songs and more. Many can be seen reading the Kisani Vichar and Trolley Times. Some even read books lent from the few libraries that are doing remarkable service.

They return to their tents in the evening and the announcements from the stage kept going on to warn them and guide them on certain issues also to make their stay more organised, informing them to utilize the resources sustainably. While marching back from the stage area, they look like the soldiers marking back after training.

From toddlers to veterans, the motivation in the eyes of the protestors was stopping me from going to the airport on my way to Canada for pursuing higher studies. I recall and breathe every moment spent there and the memories of those hours will be sufficient for me to participate in thought and deed.