ABSTRACT
This paper attempts to look at the ongoing farmers protest movement in North India and focuses on their cultural dimension, particularly so on the creative response generated. This paper is divided into three parts: (1) the genesis of the movement (2) the cultural and creative response to the protest movement and (3) a focus on the newly emerging popular protest music as a symbol of dissent and hope. Through the prism of the protest music changing dimensions and evolution of the farmers participation in the protest movement is chronicled.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Notes
1 I would like to thank Arvinderpal S Mandair, Pramod Kumar, Harvinder Bhatti, Alex Proasi, Randhir Singh and Sarvar for their inputs in writing the paper.
2 C2 cost of production is the widest measure of a farmer’s cultivation cost, which includes the imputed rental value of land, depreciation and interests on capital.
3 The pictures shown are all shots from posters, CD covers and screen grabs of the popular songs. The translations have been done from the original songs by me.
4 Apparently, the writer of this song believes weapons are easily available here.