Chhavi Bhatia
New Delhi— Unbeknownst to them, farmers protesting against the contentious farm laws are scripting stories of valour and fortitude, with elderly leading the way. Thousands of them, who are braving harsh cold camping at Delhi borders, are being joined by others who have cycled or walked hundreds of kilometres to reach Singhu and Tikri borders. All in solidarity.
A gentleman in his 70s, whose video of pedalling all alone to the sit-in venue has gone viral on social media, is a moving account of courage and fellow feeling. Sardar Jarnail Singh of Jagraon was spotted by passersby on the highway as he cycled towards Delhi which is 330 km away. The gentleman can be seen carrying his bedding and clothes on the bicycle and a white flag of Kisan Ekta fluttering high on the handle.
In one of the videos dated December 12, the person offers him a glass of juice as he shares that he has been riding for three days now. “I am from Jagraon and I started a day ago. I will be joining my farmer brothers who are fighting for our rights at the border,” he says determinedly even as he limps back to the cycle, perhaps tired of the constant cycling. Dressed in white kurta and dhoti, Mr Singh is also overcome with emotions in the video as he wipes tears off his eyes. He is also being greeted lovingly by others who are passing by, which he responds to with great warmth.
FW later traced the man behind the video. Jagjit Singh Brar of Amritsar was on his way to the city from Kundli when he saw the gentleman. “He told us that he was going to Kundli to be with his grandson who has been protesting there since November 26. Brar who too has been at Kundli for two weeks now, said that he wanted to send out a message of Chardi Kalan—eternal spirit of optimism and joy in Sikhism by showing sardar ji’s story. “We were touched and inspired by baba ji’s spirit. This should encourage everyone to come out and join the movement. Look at his strength!! He has defied all odds to make his voice heard,” says the young man. Brar also told FW that he then drove the old man to Kundli in his car and left only after his grandson took him along.
In another video of the gentleman which is probably before he met Brar, he is riding the bicycle early morning. In the conversation with the one behind the camera, the sardar ji tells him that he spent the night at a local dhaba and left at 7:30 in the morning as he pedals snugly wrapped in a blanket.
