CELEBRATING FARMER'S DAY
December 23rd is KISAN DIWAS. I mean Farmer’s day. I don’t know whether anyone celebrates it or not. I don’t know if most of the people are aware of such a day or not. But I will definitely celebrate this day because I am a FARMER. There is nothing special about me but it feels nice that there is a day dedicated to our community. I am the voice that comes from the fields of India; I am every farmer!
When you read the word farmer, the picture that comes to your mind is a dhoti clad muddy uneducated person. To clear this prejudice, I am throwing some light on farmers. This will be my way of celebrating Farmers’ Day.
I will start by introducing myself. I am a happy farmer. I am engaged in agrarian business by using land. This is a life way that has been the dominant occupation of human beings since the dawn of civilization. My ancestors were farmers and so farming is in my blood. I grow field crops, have orchards and provide raw materials for industrial purposes. I am also involved in rearing cattle for meat or milk. I often sell my produce for money and buy market goods. The income for farmers is quite varied; it depends on the amount of hard work we put in plus the knowledge of new technologies. I can be called “land rich but cash poor”. But I am proud of whatever I do. I love my land and my cattle, so I take good care of them. I put a lot of hard work throughout the day; there are no fixed hours of my work. But at the end of the day I feel an immense satisfaction, which is very intoxicating. When I see my crops growing, I find the true meaning of happiness. I am not exaggerating, just plant a tree in your garden and see it grow and bloom. You’ll know what I mean.
Almost 65% of Indian population is dependent on agriculture for livelihood. About 42% of the world's laborers are employed in agriculture, making it by far the most common occupation. But I feel it has not gained the right amount of recognition that it deserves. I feel bad when people do not take us seriously. My occupation deserves respect and appreciation as much as any other profession. We have our own share of ups and downs as any other job. We are specialists in our work. So, don’t turn your back on us. On this Farmer’s Day, join me in celebrating the spirit of farmers. You can bake cakes and we can make cow dung cakes. We are equals. We are Indians.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said “The first farmer was the first man. All historic nobility rests on the possession and use of land”. So let’s celebrate this farmer’s day with a positive attitude towards farmers. I hope to see the Indian farmers, honored, self reliant and empowered in future.
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