Updated: December 8, 2020 8:49:51 pm
Dr. Varinderpal Singh coming up alongside “We Support Farmers” from the stage while the Union Minister (third from left)
In more symbolic support for the farmers’ protest on the fringes of Delhi, a senior agricultural scientist refused to accept an award from Union Minister Sadanand Gowda in solidarity with the ongoing movement for the repeal of the controversial farm laws.
A long list of sports icons, mostly from Punjab, have threatened to return their awards if the Center does not repeal the three laws believed to have fueled farmers’ unrest. Follow the farmers’ protest LIVE
Dr Varinderpal Singh, Senior Soil Chemist at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, took the stage at an event organized by the Fertilizer Association of India in the capital on Monday, but declined to receive the award. from the Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers.
The Golden Jubilee award was in recognition of the 48-year-old’s work in the field of plant nutrition. Singh took the stand when his name for the award was announced, but handed over copies of a letter he wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, instead, to the Minister and to Dr. Satish Chander, director of FAI, who was also on stage. of the hour.
Singh then gave a short speech, saying, “My conscience does not allow me to receive this award when our farmers are on the roads.”
Lifting a slogan – ‘we support farmers’ – from the stage, he returned to his seat in the audience, rejecting repeated requests from the organizers to accept the award.
Singh had led a research team that worked on the development of the PAU Leaf Color Chart (PAU-LCC) technology to optimize urea consumption in field crops. He said: “Once this technology is applied to agriculture, it will help farmers, in Punjab alone, save 750 million rupees. Across the country, it will allow farmers to save millions on input costs. “
“I hope that all our institutions can come together and work for the country. The government should pay attention to our farmers. The work I was a part of is dedicated to our farmers and the country. Therefore, it would be morally wrong to accept the award at a time when farmers are out on the streets protesting (against farm laws). However, I humbly express my gratitude to the Honorable Minister and Director, FAI. Kindly accept my apologies, ”Singh said.
“I am sorry for any inconvenience my decision may have caused. However, I reaffirm our commitment and commitment to work for the government and be part of the collaborative effort to make India a great country, ”said the senior agricultural scientist before concluding his short speech by chanting“ We support farmers ”.
The minister and the other dignitaries on stage stood still as Singh delivered his short speech and turned on his heel.
Singh’s letter to the prime minister begins with the line: “I am neither a politician nor a terrorist.” He said he was writing as an Indian professionally dedicated to the welfare of farmers.
“I do not want to receive this award from any government official because of the unnecessary pain that the Union government inflicts on farmers peacefully protesting. The government tried to break their resolution, but the farmers continue to maintain their position in a disciplined manner. It pains me how a section of our media has resorted to labeling our ‘Annadata’ (food supplier) as ‘terrorists’, ”Singh wrote.
“I would ask you (PM) to immediately announce the withdrawal of these laws in Parliament. Ignoring the demands of farmers and keeping them on the roads this winter is not in the nation’s interest. Hear the voice of India. Anything that is not a complete reversal of these laws would be an act of treason against our farmers and the country, ”he wrote.
Singh has more than 100 research publications in soil science and many awards to his name. His colleagues at the agricultural institute took to social media to praise his gesture of solidarity with protesting farmers.
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