Lit fest: Rights of farmers discussed

Patiala, February 2

Farmers’ rights remained the central topic of discussion in the first session on the fourth day of the Book Fair and Literary Festival organised by Punjabi University, Patiala.

Noted agriculture economist, author and policy analyst Devinder Sharma discussed the exploitation of farmers in the name of green revolution, the blind use of chemicals and misuse of pesticides. He expressed concern over the increasing rate of suicide among farmers. He said though governments were largely responsible for this, they were blaming the farmers.

Ishwar Dayal Gaur discussed his book during the second session and the third session featured the primary leadership of acclaimed storyteller Baldev Singh Dhaliwal. Storytellers Vipan Gill, Reman, Amarjit Maan, Jaspal Kaur and others shared their stories, making for vibrant discussions, with Sarbjit Suami playing moderator to perfection. In the evening, students from the music department put up mesmerising vocal and instrumental performances.