Silent Protest for Farmers – Varanasi (2020)

Introduction

In December 2020, during the nationwide farmers’ protests against the controversial agricultural laws, Praaveen Kumar Singh held a unique silent protest (Maun Satyagrah) by standing waist-deep in the Ganga at Assi Ghat, Varanasi. His action was a symbol of peaceful solidarity with the farmers protesting at Delhi’s borders.

Background & Reason

The 2020 farm laws triggered one of the largest farmers’ protests in India’s history. Protesters feared the laws would erode minimum support prices (MSP), dismantle traditional mandi systems, and open agriculture to corporate exploitation.As the protests intensified, Praaveen chose symbolic, non-verbal dissent to amplify their message — not from Delhi, but from the Prime Minister’s own constituency, Varanasi.

Key Actions by Praaveen Kumar Singh

  • On December 13, 2020, conducted a Maun Satyagrah — a Gandhian-style silent protest — while sitting waist-deep in the waters of the Ganga at Assi Ghat.

  • The protest aimed to draw national attention and moral urgency to the farmers’ demands.

  • Used non-verbal resistance to express alignment with grassroots agrarian communities without confrontation.

  • Emphasized the dignity and constitutional rights of India’s farmers, who feed the nation yet face systemic neglect.

Impact & Outcome

  • The action received regional and local media coverage, adding symbolic strength to the broader farmers’ movement.

  • Demonstrated that solidarity can be expressed without slogans or speeches — through calm but courageous presence.

  • Reinforced the connection between urban civil society and rural agricultural struggles.

  • Brought the farmers’ cause directly into the public and spiritual heart of Uttar Pradesh.

Why It Matters

Silence speaks when the system refuses to listen. This protest showed that non-violence, symbolism, and place-based action can carry powerful meaning — especially when rooted in conscience. For Praaveen, it was a reminder that dissent is a democratic duty, not a disruption.

Media Article

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