Farmer suicides have been an issue and the centre of political debates in India for a long time. Maharashtra happens to be the epicentre of the farmers’ suicide in India and still continues to paint a dismal picture on the agrarian front.
After Nana Patekar, Akshay Kumar, Ajinkya Rahane and many more, this Deputy Divisional Commissioner from Aurangabad has extended a helping hand to prevent the drought-hit farmer suicides in a totally different way.
Clad in a white dhoti, kurta and saffron turban, Vijaykumar Phad carries a veena and sings kirtan in the farmer suicide-prone villages.
His songs which includes bhajans, abhangs and pravachans celebrate life and help the farmers overcome challenges.
This is what the bureaucrat who hails from Kuntha Khurd, a small village in Latur, Marathwada region had to say to TOI:
‘I am working on my schedule so that I am able to spare more time to counsel farmers. My effort is to make them understand how important life is and committing suicide will not solve any problem but will worsen the situation for the families they leave behind. I come from such a background, farmer-related issues are very close to my heart. I have decided to not only contribute professionally, but also personally.’
Vijaykumar Phad, you are such an inspiration. I just hope this helps the distressed farmers in the best possible way.
Take a cue from this man. Stand in solidarity. Don’t let our farmers die.