X: @the_news_21
Madhura Swaminathan, a renowned developmental economist and daughter of the eminent agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan, delivered a poignant message on Tuesday, emphasizing the vital role of Indian farmers and condemning any treatment of them as criminals, particularly in light of the Haryana government’s response to the ongoing farmers’ protests.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in Delhi’s Pusa, commemorating the posthumous conferment of the Bharat Ratna to her father, Madhura underscored the imperative of honoring MS Swaminathan’s legacy by prioritizing the welfare of farmers.
“The farmers of Punjab today are marching to Delhi. I believe, according to the newspaper reports, there are jails being prepared for them in Haryana, there are barricades, there are all kinds of things being done to prevent them. These are farmers, they are not criminals,” asserted Madhura.
Her remarks come amidst escalating tensions as farmers from Punjab set out on a march towards Delhi following inconclusive discussions with a delegation of union ministers. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have reiterated their determination to press for the resolution of their grievances, which span a range of issues from minimum support price (MSP) guarantees to justice for victims of past protests.
In her impassioned plea, Madhura urged India’s leading scientists to engage with farmers respectfully and collaboratively in finding solutions. “I request all of you, the leading scientists of India, we have to talk to our annadatas, we cannot treat them as criminals. We have to find solutions. This is my request,” she implored.
Madhura, who heads the Economic Analysis Unit at the Indian Statistical Institute in Bengaluru, brings both expertise and personal conviction to her advocacy for farmers’ rights and dignified treatment.
Additionally, in a recent social media post on X (formerly Twitter), Madhura shared a statement authored by MS Swaminathan in November 2021, expressing satisfaction over the Union government’s decision to repeal the controversial farm laws, reinforcing the family’s commitment to the welfare of farmers and the agricultural community.
As the discourse surrounding agriculture and farmers’ rights continues to evolve, Madhura Swaminathan’s voice emerges as a steadfast advocate for the empowerment and respect of those who sustain the nation through their toil and dedication.
