Celebs from the region join the ‘mega tractor march’ in Delhi

Gurnaaz Kaur

This Republic Day is going to be different. The iconic Rajpath won’t see the usual fanfare. Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the scale of the parade has been reduced as also the number of spectators. Even the size of parade contingents has come down to 96 from the 144 last year. But what is going to be spectacular or rather the talk of the town is the ‘mega tractor march’ that has been announced by the farmers, who are agitating against the new farm reforms.

As they will enter the capital from the pre-decided route in coordination with the Delhi police, there are many Punjabi artistes who will be there to showcase their solidarity with the farmers. As singer Harbhajan Mann, who is going to join the movement from Singhu border with his son Avkash Mann, says, “We are not the face of this protest but we are the supporters. It is the farmers who are leading and all we can do is be a part of the community we belong to. My father was a farmer and we still have land in the village, whatever I am today is because of my brethren. The international media will be watching us and we must convey our message peacefully.”

Avkash Mann, a representative of the youth of Punjab, thinks this is a very important protest, “The whole world can see what a democracy should be like and how a healthy democracy functions, especially on this Republic Day.”

Let peace be

Director Amitoj Mann, who has reached the Singhu border for the tractor parade, thinks, “It depicts the character of our state, our people so I had to be a part of it. It is for the world to watch. We are peacefully heading to Delhi on this day of national importance.” Amitoj says everyone who understands and wants to be understood should be a part of this R-Day march. And their group will be joined by singer Jasbir Jassi and Harjeet Harman, among other artistes.

Even actress Japji Khera has reached Delhi with 400 people from different villages of her district. “We have come together from 12-13 villages and as asked by the kisan leaders, we will make sure to keep it peaceful.”

Joining the people of his village in Rajasthan is Nishawn Bhullar, who has taken 15 tractors, including that of his paternal and maternal uncles. “We are over 100 people who are going to be at the tractor parade to convey to the government that we are unhappy with the laws and we need to be heard,” Nishawn says.

Actress Sonia Mann says there will be music; people will sing, wave the flag but that of the farmers. Ready for the parade is also singer Ravinder Grewal, who with his friends is reaching Singhu Border. “Being a part of this protest has been a transforming experience and we hope the government too shows some positive change.”

High spirits

Singers Kanwar Grewal and Harf Cheema, who have been stationed at the Tikri border from the first day of protest, echo, “We have readied tractors and open cars with proper sound systems; wherever we will stop, we will sing.”

Actor Gavie Chahal, who is with a gathering of 100 people, 11 tractors and seven cars, says, “It is a sign of our strength and togetherness.”