#farmersprotest
As a first generation Canadian, I find it hard to know what my place is in these protests happening in India. On one hand I’m angry, beyond livid that this type of monstrosity is being hurdled at farmers who over the years have endured enough pain and suffering. On the other hand, I’m so sad, every time I come online and see new videos and pictures, I see my nana ji’s face in all their faces and I can’t bring myself to watch some things, and I feel really bad. But feeling bad isn’t cutting it, so I really wanted to help in a way I know how, and also create an art piece that hits close to home. I hope through social media, we can bring more awareness to this issue #istandwithfarmers
Farmers from India have been protesting since September, against 3 new agricultural laws the Indian government implemented, without any consultation with actual farmers. These laws would indicate taking the livelihoods of farmers and giving opportunities for large corporations to enter and exploit the entire agriculture sector (which is major in India). There have been farmer protests in the past, where they’ve protested for fair prices and working conditions, and the Indian government has responded with violence including torture, human rights abuse, and extrajudicial killings. 2020/2021 is no different.
Protestors are facing unfathomable treatment from police officers, and the government is behind it all. The Indian government did not take a liking to social media posts being uploaded by protestors, as the narrative they are building in mainstream media outlets paints a very different picture of what's happening. They even went as far as a social media blackout. This is terrifying for many reasons because bringing awareness is going to help the farmers, as well as showing the world the unbiased truth of whats actually going on. There is only so much we can do outside of India. We need to get Mainstream attention.
