PUNE: For the past couple of years, farmers’ suicide issue was highlighted in the Wari and this year Jagadguru Tukobarai Awareness Dindi will participate in the Wari procession for the second time to create awareness  regarding it. The members of the dindi will be interacting with the farmers to create awareness.

“The purpose is to bring to light the issues of farmers. Lakhs of devotees walk in this procession and most of them are farmers. Every day we hear about six farmers committing suicide across the State. This is of serious concern and needs to attention,” said Abhay Chhajed of Indian National Congress.

According to reports produced by the Maharashtra government, from 2015 to 2018, as many as 12,000 farmers committed suicide. Among these, families of 5,167 farmers who committed suicide are yet to receive the Rs 1 lakh amount promised by the government. 

“The aim is to inspire and give moral support to farmers through life events of Sant Tukaram Maharaj,” said Balasaheb Raste, member of the dindi. “The preachings of Sant Tukaram Maharaj haven’t reached all farmers. He also faced severe drought conditions but never lost his morale. Suicide isn’t the only option. We are fighters and should bravely fight our conditions,” said Shahir (poet) Raja Patil from Sangli district.