Arjun Bijlani: I can help one or five of them but not 50,000 farmers

Some days ago, there were protests by Nasik farmers in Mumbai who walked barefoot for their rights. Saddened by the protest, television actor Arjun Bijlani wants to step forward to help the farmers. Talking about the protest, he said to a leading Indian entertainment portal, "I am aware that it is not possible that the tax I pay reaches the farmers directly. I was quite concerned by their plight and that they walked for 180km from Nashik and reached Mumbai in seven days. They did it quietly so as to not disturb people, which was so considerate. I have total respect for them for doing that."

He adds, "We have been hearing about farmers’ suicides for sums as small as ₹20,000 or ₹50,000. It is unbelievable. India is an agricultural country and if this is the state of our farmers, then it is really sad. I know the government has been helping them in many ways including waiving off their loans but perhaps that is not enough. For someone to end their life for small sums is not acceptable. When I saw the photos of the feet of the farmers, I wondered why are we so inhuman? I had tears in my eyes when I saw those pictures their state?”

The actor further spoke about the idea of sponsoring farmers in our country. Arjun said, "We have marathons and sponsors for numerous events, why can’t we have sponsors for farmers? Every other month we hear about a new scam in our country, where people take crores and get away with it. In the cities, people spend a lot of money on things that are perhaps not even essential, why not think of the farmers and help them out then? As much as I would like to help the farmers directly, I can help one or five of them but not 50,000 farmers."

He added, "I can raise my voice and perhaps start a dialogue which might ultimately lead to a solution. It’s not my job but the government’s job to help them and they have done a lot but having said that, there are many others who might commit suicide when they don’t get help in time. We should value life and do something for these poor people who work so hard and have very basic needs in life. We have to do something for them."