Chhavi Bhatia

Tikri—Farmers having dug in their heels on the Delhi border for almost two months now, have brought California to this non-descript town of Haryana. And they proudly call it their pind(village in Punjabi). Located in a hitherto abandoned government building, Pind California is the latest pride of lakhs of farmers protesting against the controversial farm laws.

Dr Swaiman Singh and his team have turned the partially constructed structure around into a ‘rain basera’ or night shelter, rechristening it not just in looks but name too. Pind California was originally a bus stand awaiting completion by local Bahadurgarh administration till Dr Singh stepped in with two objectives—provide a secure place to women protesters and leave behind something worthwhile to use. The place, in its present capacity, can house 4000 people.

Furnished sparingly with basics of mattresses, blankets and quilts, it also has tiled bathrooms and toilets, all constructed by Singh. Running hot water and clean drinking water are among other facilities being provided by the team at the pind. “We do not want our people to feel needy for basic amenities. They are scripting a revolution here and warriors do not go around begging for things. They will get the best of everything they need. We owe it to them,” says Dr Singh.

The US-based doctor was disheartened when an elderly gentleman died in his arms a few weeks ago due to extreme cold. He felt that having a medical camp was not adequate and something more needed to be done. “I felt so helpless. What was I doing here if I let people die on my watch? All I wanted then was to have a permanent solution to the problem of cold. A local friend then suggested this building to me and we immediately set to work.”

Singh asserts that the place has been revamped as per the bluedraft of the administration. “We have not done any changes and followed the building plan. This bus stand should have been completed long ago by the administration. Nevertheless, we are happy doing it,” he says. For completion, he sought help from his friends and family members who have donated generously to the cause. International aid has also poured in from gurudwaras in Baltimore, Virginia, Michigan besides Samaritans from Haryana also coming forward to contribute to Pind California.

The team is focused on cleanliness of the surroundings too for which they have kept around 30 cleaners round-the-clock. The residents are given a set of fresh blankets everyday plus lozenges and a glass of milk at bedtime. A white banner placed on top of the building “Welcome(s) (you) to Pind California” and a Tricolour flutters atop, putting to rest rumours that some hardliners have “hijacked” the movement and turned it into Khalistan movement. Ask Dr Singh and he too rubbishes it, “We all belong to this country. India is our motherland. Has anyone of those spreading these false claims bothered to visit any border? The farmers have put our National Flag on their tractors with so much pride,” he says.

 The cardiologist now plans to set up a school in the premises for children who are sitting at the dharna and also start lectures on farming. For the latter, the team will be inviting academicians from renowned universities. “We want people to remember that kisans had come here when we leave. Farmers are known for their dexterity to turn whatever they touch into gold. Besides, when an elder brother visits his younger sibling, he always gives him some gift when he goes back. Pind California is our gift to our chhota veer Haryana.”