When the world joined the farmers
A question was raised by popstar Rihanna via her Twitter account on Tuesday night – “Why aren’t we talking about this? #FarmersProtest” — as she shared a news piece on India’s ongoing farmers’ protests. And the world replied, let alone noticed! By the morning, with massive support from several international celebrities, social activists, influencers as well as Human Rights Watch, social media was buzzing about farmers’ protest.
Many celebs, including Swara Bhasker, Richa Chadha, Shibani Dandekar, Shruti Seth, YouTuber Lilly Singh and jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali, to name a few, quoted Rihanna’s tweet and hailed the singer. While singer Diljit Dosanjh went on to announce a song in praise of Rihanna, Kangana Ranaut called Rihanna a ‘fool’.
In solidarity
Climate activist and this year’s Nobel peace prize nominee, Greta Thunberg, tweeted, “We stand in solidarity with the #FarmersProtest in India.”
Assault…
Author and niece of US Vice President Kamala Harris, Meena Harris wrote, “It’s no coincidence that the world’s oldest democracy was attacked not even a month ago, and, as we speak, the most populous democracy is under assault…”
With my people
Rapper Nav tweeted, “Solidarity and love for my people. I stand with the farmers. Stay peaceful, united and never back down. #FarmersProtest.”
On the humane side
American actor and influencer Amanda Cerny, who recently hosted a podcast with Jacqueline Fernandez, shared a black and white picture on Instagram, and wrote, “You don’t have to be Indian or Punjabi or South Asian to understand the issue. All you have to do is care about humanity…”
Strong support
Lebanese-American former adult star, Mia Khalifa, also voiced her concerns and tweeted, “What is this human rights violations is going on? They cut the internet around New Delhi? #FarmersProtest.” On Wednesday too, she shared a picture of farmers at a protest ground.”
Language of music
Meanwhile, Diljit Dosanjh expressed gratitude to Rihanna for her support towards farmers and shared a photo of the singer on Instagram Story with the song ‘Run This Town’ by Jay Z playing in the backdrop. He also released an audio song RiRi. Composed by Intense music, the lyrics of the songs are given by Raj Ranjodh.
Voice of opposition
Kangana Ranaut replied to Rihanna’s post by calling her a ‘fool’. She tweeted, “No one is talking about it because they are not farmers, they are terrorists who are trying to divide India so that China can take over our vulnerable broken nation and make it a Chinese colony much like USA… Sit down you fool, we are not selling our nation like you dummies.” In another tweet, Kangana called Greta Thunberg a “dumb and spoilt brat”.
Officially speaking
Meanwhile, a statement was issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, on Wednesday, which read, “Before rushing to comment on such matters, we would urge that the facts be ascertained, and a proper understanding of the issues at hand be undertaken. The temptation of sensationalist social media hashtags and comments, especially when resorted by celebrities and other, is neither accurate nor responsible. #IndiaTogether #IndiaAgainstPropaganda…” — TNS
Indian celebs are not far behind…
While International celebs tweeted on farmers’ protest, Indian celebs shared their reactions using hashtag #IndiaAgainstPropaganda and #IndiaTogether. Akshay Kumar wrote, “Farmers constitute an extremely important part of our country. And the efforts being undertaken to resolve their issues are evident. Let’s support an amicable resolution, rather than paying attention to anyone creating differences…” Ajay Devgn tweeted, “Don’t fall for any false propaganda against India or Indian policies. It’s important to stand united at this hour without any infighting…” Suniel Shetty wrote, “We must always take a comprehensive view of things, as there is nothing more dangerous than half-truth.”
