Pune | June 13 | Rayat Samachar
(Public Issue) Varun Sukhrāj, director of the farmers’ movement documentary Too Much Democracy, has issued a serious warning that nature itself is signaling the possibility of a severe drought. Coupled with escalating global conflicts and economic instability, the consequences could heavily impact rural India. He cautioned that farmer suicides in regions such as Marathwada and Vidarbha could reach alarming levels this year.
(Public Issue) Sukhrāj said that prices of essential commodities, from edible oil to tractor diesel, are rising rapidly. The first impact of inflation, he noted, will be on agricultural laborers who depend on daily wages from large farms. At the same time, the cost of living for students studying in cities continues to increase, with expenses ranging from food and transportation to accommodation becoming more burdensome. Recruitment irregularities, exam paper leaks, and uncertainty in job opportunities are also causing anxiety among young people.
(Public Issue) He appealed to compassionate political leaders, social organizations, and ordinary citizens across Maharashtra to come together and address the growing crisis before it worsens.
Sukhrāj emphasized that instead of gaining publicity by distributing aid to families after a farmer’s suicide, society should focus on preventive measures that stop such tragedies from occurring in the first place.
He remarked that while photographs of relief efforts may attract public attention, the photograph of the deceased farmer remains hanging silently on the wall of the affected family’s home. Therefore, action must be taken before the crisis reaches that stage.
He urged people living in villages to engage with local communities and encouraged those living elsewhere to visit rural areas and understand the ground reality. He stressed the importance of looking beyond government statistics and spreadsheets to understand the real challenges faced by people.
According to him, while government machinery remains occupied with large infrastructure projects and development activities, the responsibility of protecting Maharashtra ultimately lies with its people. He called on society to respond sensitively to the problems of farmers, laborers, students, and ordinary citizens and to take collective action.
Concluding his remarks, Sukhrāj said that standing together in support of vulnerable communities is the true spirit of “Maharashtra Dharma.”
