Today Special : National Farmers Day (Rashtriya Kisan Diwas)
Every year, India observes Farmers’ Day or Kisan Diwas on December 23. Farmers are the driving force of the country’s economy and deserve to be honored. The day also celebrates the birth of the fifth Prime Minister of India, Chaudhary Charan Singh, who started as a farmer before earning his seat in the government. This day aims to promote awareness of the importance of farmers and their valuable contribution to the overall social- and economic development of the nation.
HISTORY OF KISAN DIWAS
Chaudhary Charan Singh is a remarkable testimony to the fact that, despite having humble beginnings and living a plain lifestyle, one can go on to do great things. Kisan Diwas is celebrated on December 23 to honor the anniversary of this great man’s birth.
India is primarily an agriculture-based country; the national economy and citizens of India heavily depend on farmers to sustain the country’s development. It so happens that one of the great leaders in Indian history, Chaudhary Charan Singh, was himself from a small farmer’s family in Uttar Pradesh. Singh went on to become India’s fifth Prime Minister, setting a precedent for the reverence of farmers.
From pre-independence to post-independence, Singh played a key role in the shaping of India’s agricultural sector by advocating and passing different bills for farmers’ reforms. Taking over the seat of Prime Minister Morarji Desai after the demise of the Janata Party, Singh’s tenure was from 1979 to 1980. During his short time as prime minister, Singh strived for the welfare and betterment of Indian farmers. Several schemes were introduced to elevate the social status of farmers.
For his exemplary work and journey from farmer to becoming a head of state, the government of India decided, in the year 2001, to mark Singh’s birth anniversary as the day for celebrating Kisan Diwas.
Annually, on this occasion, several programs are arranged across the country. These events have a significant impact on the farmer community and provide them with platforms for voicing their aspirations and demands. Agricultural scientists showcase the latest in technology and science to assist farmers in maximizing their output. The government also supports farmers by organizing various competitions in which the winners are awarded prizes.
