Music becomes a source of strength for Nashik Farmers

Music has become a source of strength for over 30,000 farmers who walked over 180 km from Nashik to Bhiwandi on Saturday. The sounds of dhol, tasha and pipani helped them overcome their fatigue and strengthened their determination to reach the government's doors.

Farmers Harishukar Chaudhary, Ukharam Gangaram Waghmare and Bansu Bhaja Waghmare from Surgana taluka of Nashik have been the cheerleaders for the marching farmers. Their music has put a spring in their steps. "We walk over 30 km everyday and our music helps us deal with the hardships of this tiring journey," says Chaudhary who plays the pipani.

Their legs ache, feet are blistered, but their music gets them going every morning. "We start our walk at 5 am everyday to the tunes of bhajans and tribal folk songs," says Waghmare. After a brief lunch break of an hour, they sing and dance and resume their walk to the tunes of the music.

CHEERLEADERS

Farmers Harishukar Chaudhary, Ukharam Gangaram Waghmare and Bansu Bhaja Waghmare from Surgana taluka of Nashik have been the cheerleaders for the marching farmers